please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Visited last night for the first time since it's re-opening. The previous incarnation was truely dreadful (from a drinkers point of view) serving very over priced Guinness in an uninspiring pub. Now? Well, it still has a "new" feeling to it but was certainly fairly busy.
Variety of beers on - from memory, Hobgoblin, Ringwood, Brakspear Gold and Ordinary, ie all Wychwood beers rather than true guests. Quality and service were fine.
I'll certainly try it again.
|
Now re-opened as 'The Duke's Cut'. It has been re-furbished and is as different from the old Rosie O'Grady's as chalk to cheese. In fact the only similarity is that it still sells Guinness. The pub proudly proclaimed outside Wychwood ales so I was a little disappointed when I got inside to find only Pedigree and Old Thumper available on draught. I got the impression though that 2 other ales are normally available so maybe they had just sold out. I can report that my pint of Old Thumper was in good condition. No machines and only one TV tucked away in the lounge bar. The bar staff were very keen, I was even asked if I wanted another drink when I still had some of the old one left !
I would say that this is a good pub for a group of friends to go to who just want to talk.
There was a notice in the Gents toilet stating that they welcomed feedback and that if I'd had a good time I should post a review on Beer in the Evening. Well guys I was going to post a review anyway without you soliciting.
I'm not sure if I like this pub or not. It's very similar to the Retreat nearby but just feels as though there's something missing. Just not sure what it is at the moment. I'll give it another couple of visits. Maybe they'll have Hobgoblin on next time.
|
Soon to be re-opened by Wychwood as "The Duke's Cut", looks very promising so far.
|
Tawdry Irish themed bar, no real ale, impersonal service, bouncers on the door.... pretty poor.
|
For years Irish folk bands from across the region played here. Now no more - the new ownership have canned that, without even bothering trying a listing in Nightshift. Shame on you, you have killed an era.
I hope the bands that used to play here find other venue(s) in Oxford.
As for the pub, I wouldn't set foot in it now.
0/10
|
My rating is based on Friday and Saturday nights when they have a live Irish (or Irish-style) band playing. The music is always good and it's not too crowded despite free entry. Occasionally someone from the audience is invited for a cameo appearance. If The Goats are playing it is highly recommended - they give out 'hymn books' and tambourines for full audience participation.
It has recently changed ownership. The new management have promised to keep the music nights going, and have just *reduced* the prices.
When there's no music, it's a nice place to go for a quiet drink, and I definitely agree with DuchyBoy - much better then most of the tat of Park End St and George St.
10/10
|
The Guinness is a bit pricey but it's well poured. It's a nice, comfy pub to while away a rainy afternoon, sat by the fire and is much better than the tat of Park End Street or the pretentiousness of the Retreat.
|
Those with long memories will remember pleasent two bar Morells pub (Queens Head?) miles away in character from the current incarnation which is soulless, unorginal, poor value for money and in a place with as many good pubs as Oxford utterly pointless. Oh, and they have no handpumps, so no decent beer.
|
Quite a plesant Irish themed pub. They showed the cup final which was good. You can try Harp's Irish lager, watch out for the sign that says �500 fine if caught drinking alcohol
|
Seems to be a rugby pub yet shows football. Appealing atmosphere, Irish or not. Have to admit that the drinks are outrageously expensive though: about �3.15 for a Guinness!!
Will2 - 22 May 2007 01:03 |
I'm not a fan of chain theme pubs, but, I quite liked this place. A small snug bar with open fire and a larger public bar which sometimes does live music. Caffreys, Harp and The Black Stuff.Limited menu. Went on a Saturday night and had a good craick (sorry).
|
Hard to know what to say. It's pretty much the only pub round here, and if you sit in the comfy chairs it's not at all offensive. Irish drinks you don't get everywhere.
|
