Port Mahon, St Clements, Oxford

Port Mahon is in an interesting looking stone building with side extension. The bar counter to the right faces seating to the left and stairs that lead down to more seating at the rear. The two hand pumps stood unused so the draft selection was premium keg. Feels like a pub run by ex-students of Brookes who didn’t leave Oxford, or grow up. I don’t plan on returning.

I hadn't been in here for around 12 years, a revisit was in order as I was in the city for Christmas. The pub is much as described as below and looks like a converted stone house that one might find in a rather remote part of the British Isles. Clients seemed to be a mixed bunch of locals of all ages with some studenty types, but not Hoorays. Internally the upper bar is really very traditional with a small bar to the rear. Furniture is quite simple and traditional with some tables, chairs and settles; the ceiling is half timbered. The lower bar, which looks to have been built in a newer extension, features high tables and chairs; it was empty on my visit (the upper bar was full) which is probably explained by the fact that it is far less appealing; muted music played throughout - Band Aid, of course. The barmaid was friendly and efficient. Aside from premium lagers, ales on offer were 'their' Port Mahon (see below), GK's Fireside and Truman's Swift which was fine but weighed in at a hefty £3.70, which is what I'd expect to pay in some of London's pricier areas. This pub is worth a visit and makes for a nice threesome with the Half Moon and Angel & Greyhound, but I've knocked at least one point off because the lavs are a bit manky.

Official site of The Port Mahon - www.portmahon.co.uk