A lovely old pub with a fine garden affording great views across Otmoor. The arms in question are of James Bertie (1653 -1699) who was created 1st Earl of Abingdon in 1682. The Bertie family owned the village until 1919 when it was broken up and sold off in lots. The pub itself has a small bar area, with old photographs of the pub on display, and dominated by a log fire in the big fireplace. There is a separate restaurant room. The previously infrequent bus service is now non-existent but this is good walking and cycling country. The pub was put up for sale summer 2016, bought by a local community group after a community share offer, and reopened June 2017. As well as regularly changing real ales has quality lagers, some locally sourced. Bar snacks and deli options available when kitchen closed, Sunday lunch. Closing at 3 Monday and Tuesday in first 2 weeks of September due to staff holidays and food offering may vary.
Historic Interest
Grade II listed. Early C18. Apparently frequented by Lewis Carroll who may have got inspiration for the chessboard theme in 'Through the Looking-Glass' from the patchwork fields of Otmoor. Also regularly visited by Evelyn Waugh in the 1920s when he was an undergraduate and he now has a blue plaque.
Community Owned
Freehold Owner: Community Benefit Society. Beckley & Area Community Benefit Society Limited. Year Purchased 2017.
This Pub serves 2 changing beers and 2 regular beers.
Abingdon Arms, Beckley
Changing beers typically include: Chadlington - Oxford Blue , Loose Cannon - Abingdon Bridge , Vale (varies)
Source: Local