Oxford – Fir Tree

The Fir Tree is a new addition to the Good Beer Guide, although I only noticed that from a sign which they had up outside of the pub. It’s a Greene King pub, but it doesn’t have a chain feel, but rather a quirky and independent atmosphere. It’s situated a little way out of the city centre, around a 20-minute walk, but it seemed popular with students, although the clientele was quite mixed.

An illuminated Guinness sign with the cascading Guinness effect.

The large collection of beer mats near to the entrance of the pub. There’s an area near to the bar for those who like to stand and drink, with a large room up a few steps and a snug like room behind that, so it is more spacious than it might at first appear.

The selection of real ales wasn’t large, but I liked the darker beer of Intrigue from the Plain Ales brewery. It had a clean flavour and was refreshing, although it didn’t have an enormous depth of flavour or any layers of complexity about it. There was also a real cider, Old Rosie, available for those who wanted it. The pub also offers 10% off beers to members of CAMRA.

Signs inside the pub.

It’s rare to see Guinness crisps, and it was pleasing to note that the pub stocked these. They probably don’t need the chilli element to them, although the pub only had one pack, so it was perhaps fortunate that they weren’t too tempting.

Service in the pub was efficient and friendly, and the range of bar snacks was quite extensive, much to my delight. The pub also accepted cards willingly and they are also seemingly known for the quality of their vegetarian Sunday roasts.