Artyard Cafe, Chipping Norton

The Harrow for many a year, I'm unsure as the reasoning behind the recent name change, but a nomination for North Oxon Pub of the Year 2015 by the local Camra branch under the former name shows something's being done right here. You enter from the road into the bar area, the small bar facing you and with an area to the left hemmed in with sofas facing a flat screen TV which was showing a League 1 game to no-one in particular during my visit. There's lots of exposed stone as is the norm around these parts and a flagstone floor and cowhide rug add to the mixed interior design. A thin, snaking corridor lead to the main, sunken dining ('cafe') area out back which had various eclectic pieces of art hung from the walls, some of which were available to purchase. Ales were London Pride, Hook Norton Haymaker and Hooky Bitter with Old Rosie cider on a fourth handpump. My half of Haymaker was served at the bargain price of £1.45 a half, but was far too cool to hit the spot. Bit of a hodgepodge really: the bar seems more of an afterthought and the presence of the TV and jukebox makes me think it's being retained to keep the locals happy (not that we were blessed with their presence) whilst the foodie operation is run out back.

Official site of Artyard Cafe - artyardcafe.uk

Official site of Artyard Cafe - artyardcafe.uk