The White Horse, Abingdon

I recently revisited this attractive country cottage looking pub on a recent midweek evening when there was a strong local crowd in attendance. Inside is more modern than the outside suggests, but it is still a comfortable space. The hand pump count has reduced somewhat since my last visit back in 2014 with now only four remaining. Three of these were actually unused leaving GK IPA as the lone ale option. Standard and premium keg was also available. The dartboard has been moved from the right side of the pub to the left and televisions are now located throughout for showing live football. There was a bit of a chill in the air so the log fire was lit adding a bit more atmosphere to the already bustling pub. The staff were polite and I enjoyed my stay, although some may be put off by the lack of cask choice.

Pretty-looking brick-built pub, set behind a front garden. Greene King owned, it’s done-up fairly well inside with a mix of exposed brick, diagonal wood planks, black and white wallpaper - aimed squarely at not frightening any horses. Four pumps with two on, a rebadged GK house beer and Timothy Taylor Landlord, the latter of which was in pretty good shape. Whilst it’s not going to set the pulse racing it’s worth the 5 minute stroll along the road from the Brewery Tap to give it a try based on this visit. 6.5

I visited the White Horse not long after opening on Friday and found myself to be the only customer. This soon changed as lunch approached and large groups of local workers filled the pub up in a scramble for tables. The interior is L-shaped with a long bar and seating throughout. At the rear of the pub is a large plasma screen that was airing muted rolling news. Also at the rear of the pub tucked around a corner is a dartboard. There was some background music playing at an acceptable volume during my visit. I counted ten hand pumps on the bar that were drawing a mix of GK and guest beers as well as three real ciders. An upcoming cider festival was advertised so this pub takes its apples seriously. I also noted the presence of some premium and standard draught products. Pub food is available daily from noon and the mains are priced around the £9 - £10 mark. I opted for a burger which was very tasty. Out the back is a large beer garden full of picnic tables and there is also a car park. Wifi is advertised, but I didn’t try connecting to it to see if it worked. I thought that this was a decent pub and I would gladly return for another couple of pints of Old Hooky.

Formed from a collection of old and new stone buildings the inside looks recently modernised with a large open plan bar with much dining space; the mid-section is more of a bar than the other parts and has a couple of tall tables. The L shaped counter has eight handpumps in two banks and sells a selection of mainly Greene King beers but also a couple of reasonable guests, Hook Norton and Itchen Valley on my visit, the beers are listed on a blackboard behind the bar. Lighter wood furniture of armchairs, tables and some bench seating looking pretty new as does the rather garish wallpaper in one part. There are some old photos of the town and the usual screens and machines strategically located. There is a pleasant beer garden with a decent smoking shelter at the front. A pleasant pub with friendly staff and locals.