The Oxford Guide

The Jolly Boatman is a canalside pub in Thrupp, just north of Kidlington along the Banbury Road (or, obviously, along the canal). The pub is friendly with bar, restaurant and outside dining areas. The menu has a good mix of traditional pub food for meat and vegetable eaters alike. The portions are ample and the prices reasonable. On Sundays a carvery is available for a very reasonable 5.95 per person (with help yourself to potatoes and veg as well as lamb, beef, chicken and pie). Children's portions and menu are also available. Desserts include chocolate fudge cake, morello cherry pancake, profiteroles, apple pie, and ice-cream. The beer is good though the wine choice is now more limited than it was. The Jolly Boatman is family and dog-friendly. The staff are helpful with, it seems, the owners' entire family helping out. Lovely to eat by the canal in summer and inside, by the fire, in winter.