RED LION, GLOUCESTER GREEN, OXFORD: Which bright spark at the Red Lion (formerly the Goose) decided to plant pyracantha in the patio garden?

Alas, the evergreen shrub is somewhat stinky - rather like rotting litter. But generally this place is doing a good job at trying to out-Wetherspoons its nearby rivals, such as Old Orleans.

There are various menus and flyers around, but bargain hunters will be interested to hear you can get a pretty decent meal for £3.99 (choose from roast gammon, turkey or beef) with a baked potato and proper salad - plus a pint of Carling, Strongbow, Tetley or Fosters (wine or mineral water are also available). The meal on its own would cost £3.45.

The gammon looks more like carved ham, and the beef is a tad fatty, but tender. Of course, all the drinks are mega-chilled ... what do you expect at a gaff like this?

Typical punter: Football shirt and the odd tattoo; Background music: 80s (Huey Lewis); Service: Friendly; Loos: Smart (surprisingly - will they be in six months' time?).

THE VICTORIA, WALTON ST, OXFORD: Getting a pint in a tankard is no mean feat at some hostelries. Not so at the Victoria, where when I ordered a pint of Jennings Cumberland Ale I was asked immediately if I wanted a handled glass.

I wasn't massively bothered on this occasion, but I appreciated the gesture as I scoured the menu. The grub appeared to be snacky rather than hearty pub fare.

Pies are the Vicky's signature food, and the butternut squash, feta and caramelised red onion variant sounded like a winner (which it was). I feared it wouldn't be enough on its own, so I asked for baked Camembert and crusty bread too. Delicious, although a whole cheese was difficult to finish.

Chips would have been a lunchtime treat, but £2.95 for a bowl (including ketchup, folks)? Even for Jericho, that's brazen.

Typical punter: Smart-casual, perhaps with a couple of young kids; Background music: 80s/90s medley; Service: Helpful and efficient; Decor: A bit dark inside, but elegant. Not many places have a model aircraft dangling in the stairwell. The verandah overlooking the main street is a nice spot.