Far From the Madding Crowd, Oxford

Not sure what's happened here.

The Far used to be one of my favourite Oxford pubs. Not been in for a while and it seems a shadow of its former self.

The place is looking very shabby and tired, which I can forgive. However, the food seems to have taken a nose dive.

Partner and I both ordered 1/4-pound burgers with cheese, salad, chips. What could possibly go wrong.

Apart from the chips being stale and greasy, the salad comprising nothing more than two limp lettuce leaves and a slice of tepid tomato, there was the 'beef burger'.

Whatever this burger was made of, I swear most of it had never seen the inside of a cow. It was like the worst, pappy, flavourless, textureless, excuse for beef I have ever come across. It did not smell, taste or feel like beef - even remotely.

More like a fried patty made from the cheapest sausage meat and breadcrumbs. it was horrible.

Never again, Far. Never again :(

4 Apr 2012 20:13

The Golden Cross, Cirencester

Used to be a vary characterful pub. Really traditional. But at some point (2009?) some interior designers got their mitts on it and turned it into a generic semi-trendy bar/eatery.

Nice rear garden.

Bar staff more concerned with watching the horse racing on the TV than serving on my last (and final) visit.

30 Jul 2011 19:00

The Mad Hatter Wine Bar, Cirencester

Never seems open whenever I pass by nowadays.

Used to pop in for the odd pint or glass of wine with the missus on Saturday shopping excursions. It had a nice, local scene then.

30 Jul 2011 18:55