Touring the Banburyshire pubs on a bike: The Red Lion and The Brasenose Arms

In support of village pubs around the area after the pandemic Miles Doughty is touring them by bike. Here is his latest column.
By Miles Doughty
Published 18th Sep 2020, 11:19 BST
Updated 18th Sep 2020, 11:22 BST
Mile and Jess outside The Red Lion.Mile and Jess outside The Red Lion.
Mile and Jess outside The Red Lion.

Pub pedals 11 – The Red Lion and The Brasenose Arms

My aim is to get more people out on their bikes and to support our local pubs, as they spring back into life after lockdown. This time, I managed to persuade my friend Jess to dust the cobwebs off her bike to join me on a cycle to two more local pubs. With a freshly oiled chain we pedalled through Chacombe before testing out the cycling legs to Williamscott. With gorgeous ironstone cottages lining the road, the village has rightly earned Conservation Area Status.

Allegedly King Charles I stayed in one of the cottages and we followed his short journey to Cropredy which he had done in 1644 with his soldiers to fight the Parliamentarians under William Waller. He was unsuccessful at holding the bridge but he weakened them sufficiently to ultimately end the Civil War. We rode unimpeded across the canal bridge up to the picturesque, thatched Red Lion pub. Newly painted inside and out by landlords Dee and Jem we enjoyed the sunshine in the back yard and a ‘perky’ Wicked Wolf pale ale with refreshing gin-like botanicals.

A map of the route.A map of the route.
A map of the route.
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Unfortunately the Red Lion was not doing food that evening but with two pubs in the village, largely helped by the folk music festival Fairport Cropredy Convention, we headed to the Brasenose Arms. We took a detour to Prescote Manor where Jess had learnt to cycle and where Fairport Convention first played at the village fete. Although the festival was sadly cancelled it was great to hear the pub still having music in their large garden. Inside it was clear the pub was well supported by the locals who landlady Gill had also kept going throughout lockdown with takeaway food and beer. Always better fresh, the Phipps Midsummer Meadow was a very drinkable fruity amber-gold ale. From the menu I immediately chose fishcakes with the promise of Moroccan spice and coconut yoghurt but Jess had the stand out dish of baked Piquillo peppers with Arrabbiata sauce, spinach & cream cheese.

After eating we headed towards Claydon, passing the strange Cup and Saucer, the base of the village cross, before we turned off to Chipping Warden where we saw the continuing progress of HS2. From here we took the same enjoyable route past the church and Edgcote Manor to Wardington then Chacombe. I hope you enjoy the remaining sun out on your bike even if groups are limited to six.

Route 11 – 13.6 miles https://www.maps.ie/map-my-route/viewMap.php?route=158165