Black Bear Inn, Moreton-In-Marsh

Refreshingly down to earth (for Moreton) boozer, run by Donnington ales. Take the right door at the entrance lobby to enter a surprisingly long bar room. Exposed stone brick walls and an aged carpet I remember my Nan having 25 years ago. Mixture of pew, fixed bench and converted barrel seating. Darts and three TVs - two turned off and one quietly showing cricket. Large wood carved bear wearing a baseball cap was of passing interest. Small but nicely done rear patio with two gargoyles on plinths looking cheesed-off. Doing a brisk trade in basic pub grub. The only obviously football pub in town, with an Oxford Utd scarf prominently displayed by the bar. A Donnington ales house with only two of theirs on, BB and Cotswold Gold (the latter was merely drinkable rather than remarkable). Shame the beer wasn’t better but it’s worth popping in. 6.5