A 300 year old pub that predates the canals by 100 years. Although canalside it is the garden that lays along the canal the pub is on the main Banbury Road between Langford Lane Bridge and the rail bridge.
The pub name commemorates the local councillor who attempted to get Kidlington (largest village in Britain) converted into a town, and failed. I find this surprising because Mirfeild in West Yorkshire claim to be the largest village in Europe.
The long bar is has oak beams on the ceiling though not the lowest I have seen. Often pubs of this age retain their 'olde worlde' bar tops and shelving but not here which tends to detract from the feel of the place. The furniture is quaint but not old.
There is food available in the bar and in the dinning room. It is not a 'gastro pub' which is good. The menu is simple and is served at lunchtime and evening.
A large flat screen TV adorns the wall opposite the bar but it would be better placed at the end of the bar room so more customers could see it in comfort. Landlady Anne Croft says it is a rugby pub but being there is no rugby on today punters were watching England get done over by the Croatians.
Ann has held the licence for 21/2 years. Being a local lass she has known the pub a long time and can remember 5 of the previous incumbents.
There are various nik-naks around the bar including a large brass bell with TITANIC on the name plate, obviously not original. Strange choice for a canal pub.
Unusually the staff here are all locals not an Aussie or Eastern European accent among them although Ann claims to have dual nationality, Brit/Aus. Tonight's staff were Liane (cute) and her cousin Kirsty.
Quite a large Alsatian pokes his nose over the bar top from time to time. I'm not quite sure that is legal but I wasn't going to argue with him, would you?
I came here lunch time one day last week and increased the clientele by 50%, this evening it is quite full and bubbly.
For smokers there is a purpose built two sided shed out the front large enough to take the two picnic tables which give us 'social lepers' some comfort in the rain.
They serve a variety of beers including Ruddles County, Tetleys and GK IPA. This is the first place I have found a sub £3 pint of the black stuff, which is cool.
There are moorings available along the garden and some past the bridge. If you should come here tell them Maffi said Hello that might just rack up a few free pints for the next time I come this way.
I have heard various stories about this pub but I can only speak as I find, but there are mixed comments
here.
Did I mention they do B&B, No? Well they do.