My ideal summer evening, after a hard days work, includes sitting with friends and the pup, enjoying a cool crisp glass of white while watching the shadows lengthen as the sun drops below the horizon. I am always on the lookout for hidden venues in central locations that can provide me with this experience. That is why I was delighted to find the White House Pub on Botley Road in Oxford open again after being closed for the better part of two years. Their claim to “Fine Wine” advertised on the outside of their building lifted my spirits evening more.

Unfortunately my elation was short lived.

There are no fine wines. In fact there isn’t even a wine list.

During my visit last night I found the interior clean and updated with wood floors (probably laminate) and fresh paint on the walls. The new menus although printed on plastic paper reminiscent of chain “fern bars” that swept through the states in the 90s, had some tempting tuck. There was plenty of outdoor seating, although since the managers took down the vine covered fence and cut down most of the trees the view of the parking lot in one direction and car rental agency in the other is a bit dismal.

Not as dismal as the wines.

When I asked to see a list, the friendly bar maids said I could have white, rose or red. There was a small debate about the type of white, whether it was a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc at which time I was shown their own branded “house” wine.

I have no problem with “house” wine, in fact I find if I am travelling or in foodie establishments, the house wine always offers better value for money and is usually an interesting gem from smaller lesser-known, local vineyards.

This was not the case. I found the white one dimensional and flat and definitely not worth a second glass.

I long for the old menu of listed wines by the glass. Since I don’t drink beer and rarely drink spirits I probably won’t be visiting the White House any time soon. Too bad, the Parma ham salad did look tempting.