The Oxford Guide - Differences between Version 2 and Version 1 of Wharf House

Version 2 Version 1
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locale='South Central'
locale='South-Central'

The first rule of Wharf House is, you don't talk about Wharf House. I almost don't want to tell you too much about it because it's so good I want to keep it for myself.

I would like to say that I'm a regular at this pub, but I only go two or three times a week. Regulars go two or three times a day. At the end of the day in some pubs the landlord will shout "Don't you lot have homes to go to?" but Tony Flatman at the Wharf knows better, as a reasonably high percentage of the clientele don't.

There'd be sawdust on the floor if the pub could afford fresh sawdust.

It's bare, it's unwelcoming, it's violent, and it's obnoxious. But it's the best pub in Oxford.

First, there's always two interesting guest beers on, as well as the regulars of Pitchfork and Hook Norton. The Oxford brewery are trying to get their ale as a house beer, but last I heard Tony was unimpressed. The beers are cheap - well, they have to be.

Second, there's always a fantastic range of continental bottled beers, a reasonable number of which are on the shelves, but some you have to ask Tony about.

And then there's the music. There are very occasionally live acts, with regulars playing blues guitar and harmonica. But most of the time, it's Tony and his extensive music collection, plus whatever people bring in. The last few times I've been there, it's been Renaissance (all together now... "The northern lights are in my mind...") plus various bits of folk-rock, Ry Cooder, Richard and Linda Thompson ("My dreams have withered and died") and Eddie Reader. You will hear new - and very good - music here.

Oh, and mind the dog.


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