The Barley Mow at Newbold was very run down when we visited about 3 years ago. If it's still open, it must be better.

I've not really tried the Braunstone pubs much, as it gets very busy and mooring can be a problem, so we tend to motor on past.

The Lime Kiln is an oddity, split level with a downstairs function room. A fairly basic locals' pub, we thought, but it was mid afternoon on a weekday when we visited.

The Folly at Napton is very good, but is mainly a food place and gets very full- pre-booking is advisable.

I don't think there are any accessible pubs between Napton and Fenny Compton, where the Wharf is good, but again gets very busy with diners.

Then there's nothing till Cropredy. The Brasenose used to be quieter than the Red Lion, but was a bit odd when we last went in (a few years ago) with with leather armchairs in the bar.

After that, Banbury with a lot of choice. South of Banbury, King's Sutton is a mile's walk from the canal but worth it. The Great Western at Aynho is very welcoming. Lower Heyford has the Bell. We struck lucky here last year, on a wet dark Monday evening- they'd had a beer festival at the weekend and were selling off the remainder at £1 a pint!

If you're lucky with the weather, they all have a lot of "outside".

In line with national trends, all these pubs are aimed more at dining than at socialising. The Red Lion bar is the only one on the South Exford that's aimed at drinkers that I can remember. And don't forget that these days there's very little continuity in pubs- the situation as of last July may well have changed totally by next June.