Bird in Hand, Henley Town, Henley-On-Thames

Popped in here as I was walking in the area and on beerintheevening.com - it's number 4 of the Oxfordshire County Pubs. After a fine walk, we found this place, a shortway out of town. Despite being a warm spring day, the only punters were crowded around the bar in the dark - there's a beautiful beer garden around the back. They were all friendly and made space for me to order our drinks - choice of 4 real ales on - Ghost Ship, London Pride, Brakespear's Bitter and one I don't remember. I went for the Oxfordshire classic - and it was perfect. Even nicer outside by the aviary. Some photos from my walking blog at - http://tinyurl.com/kky5a4z

Excellent little pub. It was sunny so we sat in the beer garden surrounded by rabbits and assorted multi coloured exotic birds and with regular visits from a large black labrador type dog (Monty) who simply needed his stomach tickled every so often. We tried the two guest beers Gales Happy Hog and Cottage Wessex Sup. Both were in very good form and the couple of regulars we spoke to were very friendly. Quick efficient bar staff and whilst the price for a pint around here always comes as a shock to us Northerners it appears to be about standard in the area. The best pub in Henley in our humble opinion. Well kept beer including guest beers, good friendly service, nice pub, lovely garden. What more could you want from a pub?"

Another one of Henleys gems theres plenty about nice little free house very busy to busy for us had a good pint of Wheeltappers from the cottage Brewing worth a visit will call back when in the area