Latest reviews from Banbury

“This is part of an indoor street food venue that has opened within the main town shopping arcade. There's a smattering of food kiosks around the edge, a couple of non food related market stalls in the middle, and the Tap Social bar on the right as you enter from the shopping centre. They've failed to make the best of the fact that it overlooks the canal on one side, and the whole place feels dingy and noisy with the clatter of families taking a break from shopping - more like a grubby old canteen than a street food market. It was also quite chilly, and the street food stands felt more like corporate franchises than the usual independents. The bar itself has a demarcated seating area (although you're welcome to take your drink to the food seating areas, and vice versa). There are 10 taps; mainly their own brews with a couple of uninspiring guests on my visit. The service was pretty poor; the two girls behind the bar seemed far more interested in chatting to each other than in actually doing their job. When I finally got my beer though it was decent, as is normally the case for Tap Social. Overall then I wasn't impressed with the place (although it might have been improved if they had one of their occasional live performers in). However, there's no denying it's a handy place to have a decent beer with lunch if you're out shopping with your family like I was.“

wheresthepath 42 days ago

“Ordered 13 beers from North and South Carolina, on-line in a 'discovery pack' and they arrived within 24 hours (to Shropshire). Well packed and seem OK, only had one beer so far and it was fine. All cans in date and in good condition. I will revisit in the summer and hope they expand their choices to other States.“

BlackHaddock 88 days ago

“This is another Eastern European Supermarket in Banbury, close to the Town Hall in what was the Fine Fare Supermarket building, next to where the Boys Brigade used to meet. There is a decent range of beers in here with a leaning towards the Balkans area of Europe. The biggest problem I had was that I had no phone signal in here so couldn't tell if I was doubling up on rates or not, also the cryllic alphabet was indecipherable for me. Slightly off point, they have the best Naan Breads on sale in here that you will find anywhere, looks like the local restaurants queue up on a daily basis to get theirs.“

imdownthepub 480 days ago

“This is version 2 of the Apothecary Tap in Banbury as the first version was just too small so Rob and Karen have moved to an adjacent street in the centre of Banbury, close to the Coach & Horses. There is much more room in here with 2 decent sized rooms and a covered patio area. The feeling is still warm and friendly, the bar is on your right as you enter, walk a little further and you can enter the second half of the pub. There is an electronic beer board listing the kegs available, there is also an extensive range of beers in the fridge. The beers are well selected from the best of the new style breweries. Well worth seeking out.“

imdownthepub 539 days ago

“Visited May 2022. Of late there seems to be a bit of a competition to become the biggest Eastern European shop in Banbury - I'm assuming the town must have a large Polish contingent? Grosik was once king of the roost; that was then overtaken in size by the nearby International Supermarket. Now the Euro Food Centre has swooped in and outsized them all. It's right in the heart of town too, much closer to the main precinct than its competitors. It's the biggest and most modern-looking Eastern European shop I've seen anywhere to be honest, more like a medium-sized supermarket than your average Polski Sklep - although they have had to make the aisles unpleasantly narrow to fit it all in. There's loads of interesting stuff here (including nice-looking fresh counters), but I was obviously more interested in the beer. There's probably 50-60 different cans and bottles here (a few more than the International Supermarket and far more than Grosik). Mainly industrial stuff, more Polish than anything else, but I did see brews from Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Greece too - I was pleased to get a Latvian kvass. Prices were pretty cheap. Service was passable, although hardly with a smile. I'll definitely return on my next trip to Banbury, and I'd imagine there'd be plenty of ticks for most Brits here.“

wheresthepath 745 days ago

“This is a new bar set up within the Shopping Centre, next to the canal area. It is a group of artisan food suppliers and stalls with the Tap Social Bar being the first and main part of the complex, on the right as you enter. At present it is an all keg bar with all of the Tap Social range plus around 3 guest beers, there are plans to also have a couple of hand pulls running. Seating can be taken anywhere through the market area plus next to the canal. Early days yet, it feels a little sparse, refrectory like but its a handy place to visit during a shopping trip.“

imdownthepub 959 days ago

“How does the old Nursery rhyme go ? “Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross To see a fine lady in the White Horse” ? Well this place is right by Banbury Cross, and the bar-lady who served us was very nice, but I think that is stretching it a bit. Anyway, we got a warm welcome from the management here. It was almost like stepping into somebody’s home. Lots of comfortable seating in a variety of styles with prints, bookshelves and bric-a-brac on the walls. My overriding impression is of a yellow glow. In terms of beer there were three available Tiger (well it is officially an Everards pub) plus one each from Turpin and Slaughterhouse. [ Which I was surprised to find weren’t brewery ticks for me ]. There were also some blank pumps, so I guess this is a reduced post-Covid range. Beer quality pretty good. In terms of food there was an extensive and varied menu, with an unusual feature – everything was the same (reasonable) price ! It mostly turned out vto be basket meals, but was very nice, [ And they didn’t complain when we turned up 5 minutes before they officially stopped swerving food ] Certainly worth a visit – but it would be nice if the beer range expanded again. “

Martinsh 1114 days ago

“You can tell where this place is from the end of the street, as there is a large sign projected over the middle of the road. Entrance has a large scale list of 4 Hook Norton beers with descriptions. On entering the bar is straight ahead, and you find that there are indeed 4 Hook Norton beers available – but not the ones on the list outside ! The party I was with sampled each of the four beers, and general opinion was the quality wasn’t up to much, apart from the Old Hooky which was excellent. We sat by the door, in front of the bar. That area featured much wooden panelling, metal tables (including one branded Mitchells And Butlers), prints on the walls and old jugs above the bar. I’m not sure how far back this goes. Apart from the beer quality, the main problem with this place was the absolute lack of atmosphere ! There were a few other people there, but we made more noise than the rest of them combined – and we weren’t exactly loud. ! The bar staff didn’t seem to care less – except one who was WAY too attentive. He snatched your empty glass immediately you put it down ! Food is available, mainly pub grub and reasonable prices. I think the one to sum this place up is “disappointing”. Certainly not for tickers. “

Martinsh 1114 days ago

“Bustling pub in centre of Banbury. Good selection of Hook Norton brewery beers on handpump. Since it was a Saturday evening most other guests were dining - food looked & smelled good. Efficient staff & my pint was well kept. Would visit again if in Banbury.“

moleha4 1889 days ago

“I visited Slurp Wednesday 13th June 2018. It is located on the Tramway industrial Estate and has plenty of parking opposite. So whilst not so close to the town centre it is however quite close to the railway station and Morrisons.

Inside its a decent size place, rectangular with a horizontal configuration as you enter. As it is the retail arm of SH Jones it is mostly wines and spirits but on the backwall off to left of the counter can be found a modest selection of beers both traditional and craft. I managed to pick up a 4-5 beers all but one were new ones from the likes of Cloudwater and Northern Monk (Patrons Project), the prices were slightly above what I am used to paying but still ok. Service was friendly and seemed completely unfussed as I took my time whilst checking the beers on Ratebeer. I wouldn't suggest folk go out of their way to visit, however if you're close by then it's probably worth checking out, I'll pop by from time to time. Let's not forget the wine selection is great and they have a very large range of gins amongst the spirits. “

Fin 2172 days ago

“I visited here back in December 2017 with some old schoolfriends. The Auctioneer has always been a popular pub but I have to say never really been on my radar. Even under previous guises many, many years ago such as when it was the Flying Horse we usually gave it a swerve. In terms of location it's pretty central, it's close to the Reindeer on Parsons Street.

It was very busy on this occasion, however service was swift and whilst the beer choice was very limited my beer was in good condition. Popular with all ages it is is definitely a circuit pub. It has lost much of its soul as it had been completely knocked through. The bar is on the right as you enter there is a slightly raised area on the left at the rear. It's not a bad pub it's just there are much better around.“

Fin 2266 days ago

“Old pub on the Parsons Street run in Banbury, very popular with the younger set in town, particularly for food. I have been drinking in here since the early 70's on and off, it used to be the best bet in town, now nowhere near for beer choice. It has been all knocked through now, big and bustling. There is a large outside patio at the rear for fairer days and a pay & display car park. Not somewhere I would choose to drink regularly but sometimes to pop in.“

imdownthepub 2304 days ago

“This pub, as Fin says below, used to be a regular on the Banbury circuit in my youth, it was a proper Irish pub at the time with a fantastic Irish Landlady that stood for no nonsense in her place. Unfortunately She has long gone and the pub has struggled to find an identity since, particularly with its food lead push. Yesterday, on our latest visit, it was relaunched as Banbury’s first ’Craft Beer’ pub, so we thought we would take a look. It does have a few keg beers on, mostly Hook Norton along with Brewdog Punk, so they haven’t really gone head first all out into this at all, it’s hard to distinguish it from other pubs really. The new staff have created a relaxed atmosphere though, no loud music, plenty of seating and efficient service. We will keep popping in from time to time but I doubt that it will be a regular.“

imdownthepub 2619 days ago

“Having just popped into the new Micro Pub (Bailiffs Tap) next door we felt that we should nip in here on the way back into town. The Three Pigeons is just north of the town centre on the busy crossroads junction of North Bar, Southam Rd, Castle St and Warwick Rd. Its an attractive looking pub with honey coloured stone and thatched roof. Interestingly the level of the pub sits below that of the surrounding roads and pavements, such that you have to step down into the pub. I’m guessing that there is access from the rear for less abled folk.

It’s been a very long time since I’d been in here (over twenty years ago) and it has certainly changed a lot though I must say looked very smart. It’s very nicely furnished with good quality tables and chairs, lots of original features such as wooden beams, stone flooring, it’s an attractive pub. The bar is centrally located with seating (mostly laid out for diners) scattered all around. Whilst it wasn’t so busy today there were a few folk in here today with a mix of those in here just for a beer and those eating.

Beer choice was a tad disappointing with just Doom Bar and Purity on offer. I quite liked this place however I think I would be more inclined to come here for a meal than for a beer, having said that I never checked the prices or quality but I suspect it will be pretty decent. I believe that there is a patio and parking at the rear.“

Fin 2651 days ago

“

I visited The Mill Arts Centre on Tuesday 7th June 2016. This is another place that I’d been to before, in fact I’d been here many times over the years since it opened mostly to see gigs, though in recent years not for a while I guess. The Mill is situated alongside the canal in fact these days with the large scale development of this area that took place it is now hemmed in between the Oxford Canal, River Cherwell, the A4260 and sits behind the shopping centre and is just along from the Spiceball Sports Centre. In my day (when I lived in Banbury) it was simply a walk through the bus station and there it was by the canal.

I sat outside and reminisced thinking of gigs I’d been to, friends I don’t see so often, and how this area looked 25-30 years ago, it may be developed but it’s still a nice spot by the canal. But then a dog having a shit by a tree opposite sort of shook me up from this reminiscing lark. The Mill is quite an attractive brick building, originally a grain mill producing flour it now houses gigs and theatre productions it also does a lot of work locally linking in with disabled and mental health support groups, MIND for instance have used this place frequently.

The bar is off to the RH side as you enter, a few chairs and tables around here offer seating options though if it’s nice like today you can sit outside. The floor is stone and beyond this room other areas areas where you can also sit have art displays on show.

The beer choice was a little disappointing considering this place has in the past been shortlisted for the North Oxon POTY award. Two from Hook Norton and Purity were all I could see. There was a table of ladies inside, a couple of whom were sat marvelling at one of the younger person in their groups description of what the Internet can do for you. The young chap serving was fine and offered a smile, I suspect he would have liked a chat with me rather than hear all about the Internet but I wanted to sit outside. The beer was in good condition, a touch warm but otherwise fine.

“

Fin 2922 days ago

“

I visited The Easington on Tuesday 7th June 2016. I’d been here before but not for many years, in fact it was around Christmas time, my dads birthday Boxing Day 2004 as it was the day of the Tsunami. My dad who lived close’ish to here has lived in Derbyshire for the last 10 years or so, so we’ve not had reason to revisit. The Easington is a large Estate pub it is on the corner of Springfield Avenue and Bloxham Road in Banbury and would be a 25-30 min walk from town I’d guess.

As estate pubs go this is one of the better ones. It has always had a reputation for keeping a good pint and is regularly seen in the GBG, it’s in the latest edition. However for a free house the beer choice considering they have 7-8 cask beers is a little unimaginative, with the likes of Bass and 6X dominating in fact it is an Ember Ales pub so how can it proclaim itself as a freehouse on the outside? I had an Ember Ales brewed by Black Sheep Brewery, the beer was in good nick but just tasted a bit like a throwback to the old days.

Inside the pub is tidy, it’s a bit safe decor wise, too many creams and too many carpets, a few flashing fruit machines, it all looks like every Ember Ales pub would probably look like. However there is plenty of seating about and it was doing a good trade in food which meant my wait for either one of the two bar people was held up as I waited for people to order food, which was tortuous as one lady was utterly indecisive when choosing a side option for her meal and one chap wanting to know all about his burger, ’How big is the burger, does it come with salad because if mine comes with salad it’ll be going straight back’ There is a good sized car park if you are driving here and back into the pub there is a garden out back which would have been the better option today.

All in all its absolutely fine, the beer was in good condition, I could have opted for Hook Norton Lion, staff were friendly, it’s fine.

“

Fin 2923 days ago

“Well I am finally getting round to adding the pub that is closest to where I live and where much of my younger life took place. My first bought pint was in here at 15, my 18th birthday do was in here, all my girl friends were brought into here at so point, several of my mates had their wedding receptions in here. Of course that was the Seventies and it has changed considerably, most wouldn’t recognise it as the same place, so much so that despite it being 5 minutes walk I rarely visit now. However; I did so yesterday and despite having a lump in my throat about lost times and people and events, I find it somewhat plastic and bland now. It’s pleasant, airy and busy, that’s why M&B have it as an Ember Inn, but it’s not The Easington of our memories, which was amazing.“

imdownthepub 2980 days ago

“ We visited here again on Sunday 5th March 2017 This place seems a little busier than normal, however I understand that the other JDW in town (Fleur de Lys) is no longer a Spoons so perhaps increasing the traffic to this site now?. Some of the conversation from a group of 60+ year old male and female drinkers was a little too loud and not really appropriate. These were a group of heavy drinkers and smokers who we’d seen earlier as we walked past the Swan and they looked merry then. Looking around there were a few lonely souls deep in their own thoughts. Maybe it was just the time we visited but it did seem a sadder and more depressing place than I recall, however, perhaps sitting by the bar wasn’t a good move, we normally sit near the front by the windows. Aside from this I haven’t really noticed much in the way of change, prices still excellent choice fine enough, its ok I guess. Score 62

Previous rating for The Exchange was for a visit on Tuesday 8th December 2015 . Of course this is a pub that I had visited many times before over the years. I guess for many this pub regardless of what people think of a Wetherspoons has been a reliable mainstay of the Banbury drinking scene for quite a while now.

The pub is located on the upper end of the High Street a short walk from Banbury Cross. It’s got a sturdy, solid look to it (formerly the towns main post office) and is a reasonable sized establishment.

On entering there are good sized seating areas off to both the left and right hand sides and ahead up a step or two the raised area stretches back with further seating in small cubicles on the LH side and between the supporting pillars there are a few high tables probably designed more for those just drinking. It stretches back quite a way, and this area also house the bar on the RH side, I guess that the pub is T shaped, the top of the T and widest area being at the front. Interestingly I am not sure about disabled access as it has steps at the front entrance.

Beer choice is fine enough with ten handpumps dispensing a varied choice, on this occasion with North Cotswold and Vale amongst the offerings the choice had a local flavour. Service was swift and prices as you might expect were also good. I quite like this JDW, maybe just because I quite like the building, but it’s certainly the better of the two offerings in town. Score 66

“

Fin 3103 days ago

“

I visited the Coach and Horses on Tuesday 8th December 2015. This pub used to be an occasional nip into on the circuit when I was much younger with the crawl in those days taking in The ’Sheaf, The Cross, Unicorn, Bennetts, Buck and Bell, and here White Lion and the Woolpack were three occasionals but always finishing off back in the ’Sheaf. So it had been a long while since my last visit though I had visited a couple of times since I’d moved away from Banbury and can remember that it had gone through previous refurbishments and changes in ownership, but it is now a Hooky pub which to be fair has been the case for some years as I recall.

The pub is very centrally located in fact you would have to say that it is really slap bang in the centre of town. It’s located on Butchers Row which is small arm off of the High Street (after the section where the High Street is pedestrianised). Butchers Row leads onto the Market Place.

It has changed markedly since I last came in here and yet it had been refurbished at least on one occasion on my last visit back then (maybe approx’ 10 years ago?). Previously as you entered the bar was ahead, however now it is off to your right allowing more tables and chairs for diners I guess. There does appear to be a focus on food, but I just had a beer and wasn’t asked if I was eating so clearly they are quite happy for people to just pop in for a beer, though it was quiet with just a young couple and tiny baby the only others in here and they weren’t eating either. The floor appears to be wooden throughout it might be a good quality laminate I never really inspected but it looked solid wood. The colour scheme is reminded me of Angel Delight Butterscotch flavour though I bet they would describe it as some sort of warm Morrocan colour scheme. There really is lots of seating throughout with further seating at the rear.

Four hooky handpumps with Hooky, Old Hooky, Twelve Days (the seasonal offering) and Cotswold Lion on offer. As I look around the signage and colour scheme reminds me of those Pumpkin Café bar places that you see at some of the mainline railway stations. Back to the beers there was also some Keg offerings nothing particularly interesting other than some random stout, though feeling festive I went for a Twelve Days instead.

I quite liked it here the barman seemed a nice chap, the music selection was an interesting and a somewhat random Christmas music selection with Shop Assistants, The Darkness and Boney M, bonkers but at least it managed to avoid the usual Christmas suspects. I would definitely pop in here again if I just fancied a pint of sumnat’ Hooky, it’s certainly better than either of the two JDW pubs and the beer was in good condition.

“

Fin 3105 days ago

“Visited on a Tuesday afternoon in October 2015. The long sign overhanging the middle of e street beckons you in to this this lovely old Inn situated in he heart of Bnabury town centre. A bank of hand pulls welcome you in, beers from the Hook Norton range, beer was well kept, service nice and friendly, plenty a of comfy chairs to relax in and watch the world go by. Prices were a little steep. Paid £4 for a pint. Nice spot.“

WingmanWillis 3148 days ago

“A Wetherspoons that was one of the very early regional Spoons making good use of a building that used to be the old Post Office, I remember well having to queue up in here to get tax discs etc. so not that much has changed really. As regional JDW’s go this is pretty decent, it is currently well run by a good young team, not something that could always be said in here. We have been visiting this for 20 years now and we have seen the good and bad sides, so it is happy times at present. Always the better pub for beer choice and quality but it does attract some of the areas ’characters’.“

imdownthepub 3173 days ago

“Previously this was a struggling Pubco owned boozer which has now been privately bought and renovated to a high spec. The emphasis is now on high quality food, which has a good reputation locally, but there are spots where drinkers can squeeze in. There are generally 3 well kept ales on tap, one of which will probably be from a local micro.“

imdownthepub 3501 days ago

“Jul ’14 There is a definite policy of bringing in new guest beers, many from the East Midlands where the new Landlord hails from. The quality is pretty decent, the pub just needs more punters.
In January 2014 White Horse Brewery pulled out and left Everards as sole owners of The White Horse. Some White Horse Brewery beers will remain for a while.
Comfortable revamped pub with a retro faux pub feel, plenty of White Horse beers to try plus an Everards and 4 rotating guests, maybe not of a really exciting choice though. The food had not started on the last visit, it looks pricey from the looks of the menu though. A good addition to the local scene, hopefully it will take off.
“

imdownthepub 3616 days ago

“This is more of a Theatre bar than pub, however it is open to the Public at all times. The Mill has been going for many years, but this bar has recently been improved on the beer front to the extent that it is currently in North Oxfordshire Camra Branch top 6 for Pub of the Year marking. The beer range isn’t extensive, on our visit yesterday there was Hook Norton Bitter plus 2 guests from Skinners, but is well kept. Food and snacks are available. A very pleasant place to hang out, particularly when the sun is out and the narrow-boats are working their way through the lock. Worth a visit.“

imdownthepub 4143 days ago

“Traditional Coaching Inn, warm and friendly. Hook Norton beers always on sale from the cask including seasonal beers and guests. Wood panelled rooms, including the famous Globe room. Only those aged over 21 are welcome as an adult atmosphere is preffered.
Updated 29/04/12. The Reinedeer is still the flagship pub for Hook Norton and still retains an old world charm. Recently filmed on Pub Digs, showing it to be one of the few buildings to survive the siege of Banbury Castle during the civil war and Cromwell could well have used it to plan the battle. History and good beer, what more could you want?“

imdownthepub 4187 days ago

“ We visited here again on Sunday 5th March 2017 I think that this has changed hands since my last visit, however beer choice still amongst the best on offer in town. There was a reasonable amount of folk in here on a Sunday afternoon. Service was very good and staff seemed quite chatty and certainly friendly enough. A little too much in the way of random stuff everywhere in this pub, you know brewerania but also other assorted oddments. Spotlessly clean though and beer quality was very good, though we are not convinced that the Oakham JHB that Loz asked for was what she got, unless Oakham have seriously cut down on the hoppiness of this beer, just not what we were used to. Score 70

Visited here on Monday 5th March 2012 . Quite impressed with how smart and tidy this place was. Beer prices were very reasonable, I believe that the White Horse Bitter was just £2.40p so great value there and there were one or two others under £3.00p a pint. The beer line up was pretty similar to what might you might expect in the Royal Blenheim, i.e. fine but unadventurous. How I long for an Oxfordshire pub to really push out the boat and be willing to try out more Golden and interesting hoppy bitters as opposed to decent enough but hardly earth shattering BBB’s. Service was good, selection was about ten handpumps as I recall. This will definately shake up the real ale scene in Banbury but it now requires others to follow suit and be a little more daring and adventurous in their beer choice rather than thinking "the punters won’t like anything 6.5% and hoppy, oh, no, no, no they won’t like that" Score 68 “

Fin 4479 days ago

“ We visited here again on Sunday 5th March 2017 I have visited here many, many times over the years, it was probably where I had my very first pint many years ago.This really is an excellent old pub, wonderful interior (check out the magnificent Globe Room at the rear). Even on a Sunday this place was quite busy, beer choice solely from the Hooky stable, but a good range. Staff very friendly, service very swift. It really is deservedly popular and whilst the beers we had today didn’t blow us away, they were well kept. A must visit if in town.

Original review 1st May 2007 One of the best pubs in the centre of Banbury with a good selection of Hook Norton Beers almost always in great condition. This pub has always been a favourite of mine, even if at times I’ve found them to be a little sniffy about things (once got refused entry for having hole in knee of jeans) This aside I would heartily recommend it to any vistor to Banbury.“

Fin 6249 days ago