Richard Bradshaw had spent a day in Birmingham watching Southampton lose 1-0 in what must have been quite a tepid game. Knowing full well that (a) Southampton were likely to lose and (b) that it was going to be a bit dull, he decided to stop in at Banbury on his way home for a few ales. Building on a platform of previously consumed ale during the day, he alighted the train at about 7.30, a bit late, but with still time enough to get some in, and allow me to have something from the chip shop.

Walking into town, we made the chain like Priory our first stop where we caught the end of the Fulham vs. Manchester United match. For something decorated into a shop unit where lager might be considered the dominant drink, they actually managed to keep a couple of half decent bitters on. The place was fairly quiet though and no sort of atmosphere had formed yet, with most people waiting to go to the next pub. Still, the surroundings were adequate for our short stay. Across the Market Square is the Unicorn, a pub that I had not been to before and was actually looking forward to but which sadly was a bit of a shithole with some very pissed people drinking in there from their range that did not include any real beer. I had a Guinness Red which as very mediocre, whilst Rich had a lager that appeared to be off and bounced back up just after we left the premises. Our stay was so short that we did not even get the opportunity to go into the snug room on the other side of the bar and I didn't get the chance to visit the outside toilet in their courtyard.

Things improved around the corner in the Vaults, where Richard had recovered sufficiently to order another beer. This pub used to be called the Wine Vaults, but apart from that hasn't changed much and there are a number of cosy rooms, not filled with tossers, where real beer can be purchased and drunk. Service is pleasant from some heavily tattooed slightly gothic bar staff and the interior quite atmospheric. There appears to be a small garden although as it was dark, Richard and I played the quiz machine instead. Just over the road is the Reindeer, Banbury's gem of a pub, where top quality Hook Norton products and fruit wines can be consumed in very traditional pub surroundings. They had 5 different beers on when we visited. Richard for some reason has a cider but I had a Hooky Dark which was typically excellent. We sat in the front part but in fact the most interesting part to sit in is towards the back in my opinion, on the way to the toilets and Globe Room. We went out via the Globe Room so that Rich could soak up some Oliver Cromwell culture.

A gentle walk took us to the Three Pigeons which had a couple of real ales on. This pub is interesting because from the outside, it looks really old and thatched from the outside, as indeed it does once you go through the front door. Once you get inside though it's a bit different and looks more like a lounge in a 1930's semi deatched house. There is a nice patio door too. Not that this is a problem, but the outside is misleading. Fair enough though and one of Banbury's better pubs. Just a little way back up the hill is the Cromwell hotel with a typical hotel bar, at typical hotel bar prices, a typical Polish hotel bar man and typical hotel shininess. They did however have one decent beer on, something like Abbot, and it was reasonable, but there were few punters and no atmosphere so not the place to linger although good for a break to have decent conversation.

Time was just beginning to catch up with us now and so we decided to proceed to the Swan. This pub has a couple of pumps, at the side of the bar (I failed to notice them on an earlier visit) and one of the pumps was doing a beer by Purity which made a welcome change. The pub was quite lively, although a few of the locals looked like they were hardened cider drinkers, and it was quite cosy in there too, so all in all a pretty good atmosphere for a swift half. Heading back into town, we had the opportunity to visit the refurbished Coach and Horses which had three offerings from the Hook Norton Brewery on pump. It is a light, airy and clean pub, and although looking a little bit trendy, they have wisely stopped short of any actions that might have spoilt the place. Instead what we have is a very pleasant place to drink which a relaxed atmosphere and few lager drinking chavs resulting in one of the more pleasant town centre watering holes.

Almost next door is the far less smart Banbury Cross, in which we found a few rowdy teens drinking some WKD blue although it appeared that these individuals were moving on pretty soon after. Nevertheless, given the rough and ready atmosphere, we decided not to stay that long. They did have three proper beers on though which was an improvement on a previous visit although none of them were particularly spectacular. As interiors go, it is quite well worn looking and could do with a bit of a facelift. Various seating spots are scattered in a haphazard manner around the place. Some sort of courtyard, I think with a TV, is out back. With time pushing on a bit, we decided to skip a few that we had lined up, but made sure that we went to the Bell. This was convenient for Rich as he could pay the Co-op a visit to purchase a bottle of Cobra for the trip back. The Bell is highly rated according to the Good Beer Guide and true enough had three well-kept interesting ales on which rotate regularly. Pleasingly, they also have a selection of fruit wines available. It's not an especially wonderful pub, with a front and back bar that do not appear to be connected, but has a decent enough atmosphere and is reasonably comfortable, and was a fitting end to a pretty good crawl. Richard and I nursed our beers before it was time for Richard to get his train back and enjoy his Cobra. Unfortunately, he fell asleep shortly after opening his beer and having a sip, and did not wake up again until arrival at Marylebone. One of the many Draconian regulations that we seem to be living under nowadays decrees that one can no longer drink on the London Underground, and so it was with regret that he had to dispose of 600ml of premium Indian Lager.