Cross Foxes, Oswestry

Popular community pub right by the railway station, but the three handpumps are still sadly devoid of cask beer. However, apart from that, the reversed J-shaped layout looks good enough, and it has the usual amenities such as the pool table. Made do with a keg Banks's Amber (£3.50), but I didn't regret my visit.

I came in here as I had around three quarters of an hour before the train was due. I went to the two hand pumps and asked if anything was on and was told no. I then asked if they sold a keg mild and was told no. I decided not to bother as I preferred the prospect of sitting on an empty station to drinking something I didn't even like in a dump like this. This is a Marston's pub, a pub company that seems to be ignoring much of their estate and just letting it rot. They are a joke.

Quite a nice pub and the best for miles! A couple of real ales were available. A relaxing pub to wait before your train. Make sure you're on the far platform before the level crossing closes as there's no way to cross once they have.