Pub news:

• We were very pleased to award our Winter Pub of the Season 2022 to David (pictured above right) and Emma Howse at the Cross Keys in Wallingford. Since Oak Taverns acquired this pub from Brakspear early last year it has gone from strength to strength, serving four cask-conditioned ales from around the country, in great nick. A very well-deserved winner!
• The Bear of North Moreton reopened on 08 December 2022. The new tenants, Rob McGregor, Sam Smith and Aimee Hunt, who operate the Five Little Pigs in Wallingford, have a 10-year agreement with breaks at six months and six years.
• The Horse & Harrow, West Hagbourne is expected to remain open until at least 25th February
• The Crown, Benson, closed after New Year’s Day for refurbishment. It will reopen on 02 February.
• The Baskerville has reopened with four ales: London Pride, Doom Bar, Rebellion IPA and Humbug
• The Plough Shiplake, opened on 09 December 2022 with Rebellion IPA.
• A planning application has been submitted for the Royal Standard for the four B&B bedrooms to become en-suite. There are no indications of when it will reopen, or indeed whether it will reopen as a pub.
• Phantom Brewing Co has applied for permission to open their bar in Henley, with table-service only.
• A planning application has been submitted to convert the Lamb, Satwell, to a dwelling.

Brewery news:

• South Oxfordshire Brewery has taken over White Horse Brewery (WHB) in Stanford in the Vale. Neither Titanic Brewery (who previously owned WHB) or WHB appear to be publicising the purchase on their websites or social media, but we wish SOX Brewery continued success and hope that the WHB brand remains strong despite the take-over.
• Amwell Springs Brew Co has started a membership scheme.