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Submitted on Monday, 18th June 2012
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Detail Pages
The Jolly Boatman, Kidlington
Thrupp
Postal town: Kidlington
OX5 1JU
Served areas
Reviews of The Jolly Boatman (Average Rating: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
Steve of N21 left this review about The Jolly Boatman
After a very disappointing experience at the Boat Inn just up the tow path, it was good to find this one performing as a well run pub.
A fine looking Oxfordshire stone pub from the outside, it’s thoroughly modernised inside, with most areas set up for dining but with enough canal memorabilia dotted about to give a bit of character. But the key feature of this pub is that it sits on the tow path of the Oxford Canal and the multiple outside areas that line the waterside were all being fully utilised on this fine weather day.
I think there’s been a change at the helm since the last reviews and the landlady now in charge seems to have a grasp on things. A decent standard pub grub menu and the two mains we had were well cooked and substantial. Then three ales on the bar and alongside GK Abbot were St Austell Tribute and Wadsworth 6X, and both the Tribute and 6X were on fine form.
Plenty of ducks on the tow path to help you out with copious amount of chips, but they didn’t get a look in for the Tribute.
On 29th June 2023
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2110 recommendations about 1992 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Jolly Boatman
Seemed to be stuck in a bit of 1990's timewarp and at time of visit on a Bank Holiday singularly failing to attract drinkers or diners. A shame as it has huge potential, but doesn't make best use of its canalside location. The beers were in good form however - I had a very nice pint of London Red. Cask Marque listed.
On 4th June 2016
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about The Jolly Boatman
Wedged between a busy main road and the Oxford Canal ,the exterior is attractive in Oxfordshire stone and the building is clearly old given the low ceilings everywhere.There are several distinct rooms,to the right the barn restaurant with large windows overlooking the towpath and the best place inside to view passing boats.To the left is a bar room with a long red leather bench,two fireplaces (one with a real fire,charming) a few round tables and a small bay window seat.Down a step is a snug where free newspapers are kept on a ledge,and tables which are also used mainly by diners.The internal decor is very modern and a real contrast with the outside,it was quite a shock on entering.Muzak and candles on each table again hinted at a chain vibe,it's quite corporate and has none of the earthy charm of a canalside pub.
In good weather there is a lot of outside seating,a terrace to the front,benches running along the towpath and a covered patio with large sofas beyond the kitchen extractor fan further down the towpath.
It's a GK tied house with three handpumps but just two dispensing on my trip a house Boatman's Bitter (3.9% almost certainly the stock H&H branded Bitter) and GK St Edmunds( avarage beer at a rip off £1.95 a half).I didnt eat so cant comment on quality but dining was popular on my lunchtime visit.
It's smart and may well suit car bourne diners,but if you want decent ale in authentic surroundings you may well have to seek pastures further afield
On 19th February 2015
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]
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Islip, 3.77 miles, 1 hr 12 min walk (show)
Hanborough, 3.89 miles, 1 hr 15 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : No last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- Beer Festivals : No last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- Beer Garden : Yes last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- CAMRA Discount : No last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- Car Park : Yes last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- Child Friendly : Yes last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- Live Music : No last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- Live TV Sports : No last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- Micropub : No last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- Real Cider : No last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- Wheelchair Access : Yes last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
- WiFi : Yes last updated 27 October 2020 by ROB Camra
