Whilst the future of our pubs has become uncertain again across much of the country, it’s good to report some positive news, as there have been some notable refurbishments and re-opening of pubs in the South Oxfordshire area over the past few months. And all serving several cask-conditioned ales from our local breweries.

Hook Norton has recently re-opened the renamed Crown Inn at Benson following a long period of closure after its purchase from Greene King in September 2019 and after a major re-fit. With 5 handpumps, the pub serves a wide range of Hooky beers and is even planning to open its own on-site nanobrewery in the next few months. The pub also now has accommodation for the first time and the high-quality food offering includes opening for breakfast from 7.30am.

The Spire & Spoke in Watlington (formerly the Carriers Arms) re-opened on 4th July with John & Katy Riddell at the helm, who were previously the tenants at the Fat Fox in Watlington. Their freehouse has been completely refurbished inside to provide a contemporary, yet comfortable and welcoming atmosphere and serves 4 real ales, including Timothy Taylor Landlord and three changing beers from local breweries such as Loose Cannon, XT and West Berks. Open from 10.00am, it provides baguettes, cakes and coffee during the day and pizzas from its own wood-fired oven in the evenings.

Pack Saddle at Mapledurham has been extensively and smartly refurbished during the 2020 lock down, with the bar being moved to the lower area to provide a welcoming main bar setting, and the upstairs area being laid out with tables and comfy chairs for dining in a relaxed lounge-style ambience. 4 of the 5 handpumps are usually in use at any one time, serving Loddon Hoppit as a regular ale with changing locally-brewed beers from the likes of Loddon, Rebellion, West Berkshire, Windsor & Eton and Andwells vying for attention. An innovative modern British food menu uses seasonal fresh ingredients, including the freshest possible salad, vegetables and fruit from the pub’s own Community Garden.

John & Heather Norris, the new tenants at the Bear of North Moreton, North Moreton, have also invested in refurbishing this popular and much-loved village local, with new wood flooring extending through to the opened-up dining room area. Three ales on handpump include Timothy Taylor Landlord and two other ales from slightly further afield small breweries. Cotleigh is often featured and Froth Blowers from Birmingham was in evidence during a recent visit.

Despite much concern over the closure, in late 2019, of the community-owned Table d'Alix at the Plough at Great Haseley, this has been bought by a young French couple who are now running the pub primarily as a very friendly and welcoming French restaurant. However, the bar area at the font of the pub remains and now serves ales from Rebellion from its 2 handpumps. Customers are welcome to just have a drink in the bar.

Finally, the Beetle & Wedge Boathouse, Moulsford completes our review, and re-opened in August following a makeover and re-branding as a Riverside Inn and Restaurant. It now comprises a lower bar area featuring 3 handpumps serving beers from Rebellion, West Berkshire and Brakspear, and a larger restaurant area with great views over the river. Drinkers are welcome in the bar area and also on the large outdoor terrace that opens up onto the riverside.

We wish all these tenants and owners every success, following their bold investments at this uncertain time. If you haven’t done so yet, then give these pubs a visit; we think you will be impressed.