The Turnpike, Kidlington

The Turnpike is part of the Vintage Inns arm of Mitchell and Butlers and is very typical of country pubs in this chain. Situated on the A44, halfway between Oxford and Woodstock it benefits from a large car park to the side, because no one’s walking to get to this one. Internally it’s the usual set up of multiple areas with low ceilings, plenty of exposed brick and lots of exposed ceiling and wall beams with most areas outside of the flagstone area by the bar focussed on dining. Then externally a very nice large garden area stretching back away from the pub and the A44 Woodstock Road, and is far enough away from the road to not be affected by the traffic noise. Five pumps on the bar, but only three in operation, which I didn’t really pay too much attention to as we were here to eat and I was the designated driver, but I recall them being the usual National suspects and one of them was definitely Adnams Ghostship. Like all Vintage Inns, you are not likely to come here just for a beer, unless it’s high summer and you can utilise the garden, but more than likely to come here for food. And in that respect I can thoroughly recommend it as the meals we had were very good indeed.

Official pages of the Turnpike, contains menus and cask ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk

Official pages of the Turnpike, contains menus and cask ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk