It is astonishing to come across acharming and friendly inn off a highway between Lechlade and Burford and have the most memorable pub lunch of chicken liver and brandy pate and a yellowfin tuna nicoise that didn't taste of dishwater, and all on a Monday after visiting William Morris's house at Kelmscott (which was closed, so we needed cheering up, and got it). The most beautiful village of old houses made of sublime Cotswold Stone - walks, woollen mills, beautiful things to buy, heaven - we will stay here next time- Tadeus Pfeifer, Basel

Filkins, Oxfordshire - website
thefivealls.co.uk/

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A beautifully imposing converted church on Walton Street, this is a student treat which somehow makes you feel as if you are in on a secret.

It's not too done up, has a lovely long zinc bar, and serves strong cocktails and proper pizzas.

Plus there is seating out the front to people watch.

119 Walton St
Oxford, OX2 6AH

01865 311171

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Even cities with a cultural standing as magnificent as Oxford have their sleazy little corners. Not much bigger than the inside of a bus, Downtown Manhattan's is the cheesy dive where no-one wants to end up but everyone always does.

3 George Street; tel: 01865 721101; proximity usually indicated by a trail of pavement pizzas

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Another charming old boozer tucked away off the main drag, The Bear is celebrated for its curious collection of old school ties. Mind your head - in this historic building the ceiling is rather low.

6 Alfred Street, off the corner of St Aldates and High Street

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The all-year-round beer garden is warmed by the sun in summer and by scented braziers in winter. Some great ales too, all in a creaking, cellar-like building straight from the middle ages.

4 Bath Place just off Holywell Road Tel: 01865 243235

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