Chequers Inn, Chipping Norton

The most Gastro of Gastros.... enter into the pub to be met by every table laid for (fine) dining. They accommodate drinkers with a handful of high stools at the bar. I timed it just right, as after making my order and sitting at the far end of the bar, the local polo club turned up in their masses. I dont think I would have been prepared to battle my way through them if I had been 10 minutes later. Onto the beer - and what a surprise. Four handpulls on, which I felt was probably three too many and I went non traditional by ignoring TT Landlord and having an excellent Butcombe Rare Breed. Perfect Condition. There was also an unregistered IPA and Hookey Bitter on. So, not really set up for the beer drinker but having fine beer. How do you rate that :-)

A clean Cotswold-stoned building which internally is a mix of the traditional and hipster. Traditional in the form of 5 real ales (Wye Valley HPA, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter, Sharp's Coaster, Butcombe Bitter and 'Chequers Pale Ale' - the Butcombe was £1.90 a half), Sunday newspapers for perusal, dartboard and clutch of locals enjoying a lunchtime pre-roast pint. Hipster in the form of a stuffed deer's head behind the bar, charcuterie slicer with cured meats hanging above and flyers for forthcoming events, such as "Beef, Beer and Beats - £16 for a 3-course supper on Sundays. Pair it with artisan beer and a hand-picked playlist". To be fair, the muzak was pretty decent (60s / 70s pop reggae) and one wonders how much influence Blur's Alex James has in these parts, but I quite liked the 'difference' of the place, and one of the many young members of staff looked a lot like Alexis Taylor from Hot Chip.

Official site of Chequers Inn - www.thechequerschurchill.com

Official site of Chequers Inn - www.thechequerschurchill.com