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| The Goose, Gloucester Green, 14 Gloucester Street, Tel: 01865 726255 | |
24/01 |
Like an inner-city barn, this corner of Gloucester Green is home to an array of people reaping a bumper crop of cheap pints. While the young free-range hens of Oxford's public schools cluck and preen in the decked courtyard, a menagerie of animals fills the spacious bar area. A host of fat sows, slinking cats and studious owls frequent this jack-of-all-pubs and the atmosphere is suitably eclectic. Or rather it would be, if there were actually any discernable atmosphere. Whilst not totally soulless, at weekends The Goose is a rather insipid watering hole that seems like a pre-club holding pen, designed to let Park End sheep imbibe their bodyweight in alcohol as quickly and as cheaply as possible. The pub's interior is large and the seating is comfortable, but it is the drinks prices that are the main attraction here. The lager prices have steadily risen in the past few years but, generally, pints are some of the cheapest around, and regular offers on spirits and alco-pops lend The Goose a broad appeal. Broad enough to include a surprisingly large(ish) range of ales. Shunning the popular approach of providing a sole tap of Tetley's Smooth, The Goose just about keeps CAMRA members happy with a selection that includes Adnams and Bombardier - just don't expect them to be in stock at weekends. During daylight hours, The Goose is an airy, well-lit pub that does a good job of sweeping its night-time excesses under the monotone carpet. The food is cheap if unadventurous, and the large outdoor area is ideal for a summer afternoon of people-watching. While the ubiquity of J.D. Wetherspoon has yet to hit Oxford, this cavernous venue is the closest you'll get to that successful pack-'em-in, sell-it-cheap ethos. Thom Airs |
11/03 |
Situated just back from George Street at Gloucester Green, the Goose is primarily a pub known for its ludicrously cheap drinks rather than its cuisine, but for a quick bite during a pub crawl or a pre or post cinema meal, the Goose is a really good bet. For a sunny day there are a number of tables available outside, or if it happens to be raining (as it usually is in Oxford), there are a few sofas gathered around tables, or more traditional wooden tables and chairs. There is food available from 10am, with the all-day breakfast a good hangover cure and a range of hot and cold dishes for lunch or dinner times. The burger and chips meal deal really can’t be beaten at £3.95 including a pint, glass of wine or soft drink and offering chunky chips and a good sized burger. If burgers aren’t really your thing, the menu extends to the usual pub fare of lasagne, curry, jacket potatoes, salads and sandwiches all for between £4 and £8. On my last visit I opted for a Cajun chicken wrap, which came with a small garnish of salad and a serving of nachos, for £4. The food is not especially inspiring, but the price of the drinks is, with a bottle of Blossom Hill at £6 representing the cheapest on the wine list and a number of other named brands far cheaper than you would expect to find them in a restaurant. Bottles of beer and alcopops are also at dangerously affordable prices.
Avoid the evenings if you are looking for peace and quiet, as from 8pm onwards it begins to get pretty lively. On the other hand, if you are wanting a good start to an evening out and some affordable food and drink, this is a really popular choice. V.H., 26.11.03 |