Column: Touring the Banburyshire pubs - on a bike

Over the next several weeks, Miles Doughty will be touring the region’s pubs on his bike. Here is his first column.
By Miles Doughty
Published 10th Jul 2020, 12:03 BST
Updated 10th Jul 2020, 12:04 BST
Miles Doughty was joined by Celia and Howard on his pub trips by bike.Miles Doughty was joined by Celia and Howard on his pub trips by bike.
Miles Doughty was joined by Celia and Howard on his pub trips by bike.

Touring region’s pubs – on a bike (The New Inn, Middleton Cheney)

Have you recently dragged your bike out of the shed and enjoyed lockdown weather? Are you sad about closed village pubs?

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I decided I should support them by visiting all of them and reporting back. So, I plan to cycle to the 20 or so pubs near Middleton Cheney to try their beer and starters. Hopefully, I’ll also encourage a few others out on their bikes.

The route taken by Miles, Celia and Howard.The route taken by Miles, Celia and Howard.
The route taken by Miles, Celia and Howard.

So,“Super Saturday” was sadly a bit grey but there was my local to look forward to. I persuaded locals Celia and Howard to join me despite worries of only cycling five miles before.

Heading out I gave Celia a few tips about gears, middle on the left changer and lower numbers on the right going up. I never saw Lord Heseltine’s house in Thenford, just a glimpse of immaculate gardens then down past more hidden beauty in Farthinghoe Wood Nature reserve. There was a little up to Purston, the home of Lamb (and Llamas) before a poorly signed bridleway from the corner of the road. Fortunately it was just a bit bumpy and we arriving at the brow of the hill on the Astrop road to enjoy the down hill to Warkworth. Through Overthorpe the A422 roundabout was quiet and easier than the cycle route.

Arriving at my first pub was exciting. Outside landlady Nina Houston took our details and told us it had been a tough few months and she had decided to close to look after her two-year-old son. She also spruced up the yard, barn and garden outside which looked good with plenty of room for drinkers. The dining room was also well spaced out making everyone feel comfortable. From behind the Perspex screen I’d already chosen my first beer, an amber Doom Bar over the paler Landlord. It was lovely, satisfying with a full flavour.

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The ride had whet our appetites so fortunately starters arrived quickly. From a slightly reduced menu I chose oak smoked salmon, haddock & crab fishcakes that took me back to seaside holiday. These golden fluffy pillows had a subtle crab flavour coming through the smoked fish and nicely balanced by tartare sauce. Celia’s Breaded Brie wedges oozed gorgeously from their crisp shells. For mains it would have been the squeaky chickpea, halloumi & spinach curry but it will have to await another day. I hope it’s not long for that or another Pub Pedal.