September 9, 2008
Cool place right across from the Lamb and Flag. Long narrowish pub with a large skylight above one of the rooms, and some darker backrooms if you’re trying to avoid the light. Not a massive selection of beers and the ones I had tasted a bit off. Even so, it’s a cool looking spot, and worth ducking into if you’re on an Oxford crawl.

August 16, 2008
Lots of history - it absolutely hangs in the air. Fine selection of beers, competently kept and served. Right next to St. John’s College, though those kids don’t tend to hang out there. For some reason, I never felt incredibly comfortable there, but it’s definitely a unique and must-see pub. Great stop a pub crawl (or pub golf).

August 10, 2008
Visited on a Tuesday afternoon in September 2007. Quaint with lots of small rooms and interesting history (the Oxford ’Inklings’ used to meet here and drink - Lewis, Tolkien, Caroll and others - so they put up a plaque) and lazy music playing. Service was slightly confused but helpful nonetheless. Beer selection includes 4 casks and some typical taps. Overall, it doesn’t hold much for raters in a beer sense but it’s a really neat little history diversion.

July 26, 2008
Did not really like this place, it seemed dark and dingy to me, however the beer was well kept. Very crowded on my visit.

March 12, 2008
Nooks and crannies, fairy lights and free iced water, Broadside and pleasant service, busy but chillin’.

January 27, 2008
It was a must to visit because of the history behind it. Not a great selection... but decent enough. I simply had a Hoegaarden. We got to sit in a nice little booth that we shared with a couple other Canadians coincidently, which was nice. Very good food if I remember right and the bartender was nice.

October 26, 2007
Very busy, as one might expect on a Friday night in October. Ales were all in great condition, and it was a nice surprise to enounter Crouch Vale Brewers Gold there. The food was above average, but not exceptional. Great atmosphere.

August 26, 2007 [ Updated December 29, 2007 ]
Visited on numerous occasions in July 2006. Well kept casks. I’ve seen the barkeep deny a fourteen year old French tourist a beer and actually fight about it. Pretty bad ass. Good food, and the appeal of the atmosphere is obvious.

June 30, 2007
Always great atmosphere. Always decent ales. Usually someone to talk to. Very pleasant place. Great facilities. It’s not always crowded.

June 26, 2007
Not a huge amount of variety in tap selection, but Adnams, Hooky, and London Pride are regulars and very solid. This is my usual Oxford pub for eating. Lots of solid, hearty food on the menu. (If you’re feeling brave, try the fried whitebait.) Service is decent. A nice single malt selection. As mentioned by beerscout, one of the gathering places of the Inklings, and a letter from them hangs on the way, congratulating the landlord on his excellent ham. Perpetually crowded, but worth braving the fray.