We’ve had a good summer in which to revisit some of our favourite boozy haunts near Tysoe. Some good options have opened in recent years in Banbury, Shipston-on-Stour and in Stratford-upon-Avon. Here my resident beer aficionado, Tom, has helped me craft our top four.
Here are the best micropubs near Tysoe, Warwickshire
Thirst Edition, Shipston on Stour
Thirst Edition is our nearest micropub to Tysoe with a solid range of ales which change on a regular basis. They also have a good selection of bottled beers from around the world, wines and a good gin choice – which is crucial if Tom wants to entice his wife along. It’s dog friendly but only 18s allowed.
The Baliff’s Tap, Banbury
The Baliff’s Tap is the original micropub in Banbury and is housed in the former bailiffs office – hence the name. There’s an assortment of sofas for seating and it has at least four cask ales available, a couple of keg beers and if beer isn’t your thing, there’s a small wine selection. But this is a real beer drinkers pub. Keep an eye out on the website for when the pub officially reopens.
The Apothecary Tap, Banbury
This opened in 2019 and is Banbury’s specialist craft beer bar and bottle shop. Through lockdown the pub offered takeaway selection from a roster of guest beers. At the time of going to press, the pub welcomed punters back inside for set drinking sessions so that they could implement social distancing. There’s six slots over the course of the week and I’d advise booking in advance, the pub takes a £10 deposit which can be used as a tab on arrival.
The Stratford Alehouse, Stratford upon Avon
The Stratford Alehouse is a regular on the CAMRA scene (that’s the campaign for real ale to the uninitiated) having won Branch Pub of the Year 2016 and is listed in the Good Beer Guide.
Opening times for all these change regularly, so I suggest checking ahead before you head there for a drink to avoid disappointment.
Are there any other micropubs near Tysoe to visit? Let me know in the comments.
Looking for somewhere to eat? Try my guide to favourite places to dine.