Over the Border

To Salford that is. E was back from London early, so a pint was in order. The Marble is getting too familiar for these post train trips and I just didn't fancy the Angel, so toting our passports we slipped across the Irwell to Salford. To the New Oxford. It's easy to find, set in a leafy square and is an attractive ex Vaux pub turned into a modern, airy and bright free house.

A few familiar faces cluttered the place. On a round tall table, Eddie, the eager, legal beagle, stalwart drinking companion of Tyson, was holding court and a few well known tickers were propping the bar up. One or two CAMRA types purred contentedly. I checked - only one beard in the busy pub and he was a ticker. So there. The beer range was extensive and mostly pale. Eddie recommended the Dark Star Sunshine, but I was drawn like a moth to flame by that most enticing of breweries - Mallinsons - this time in the shape of Cascade. Now I have to say it wasn't the finest Mallinsons ever, but it did have decent bitterness though somehow it just didn't hold together as well as usual. I then took Eddie's advice, but disaster struck. E got her half. My pint spluttered to an end. It was off. I ordered two halves. Acorn Marynka IPA. was pale, full bodied and had a spicy hoppiness that I liked a lot. What it wasn't was an IPA. Salamander Jiggery Pokery was a straightforward pale, hoppy, does what is says on the tin golden ale. Both could have been necked all night, but driving ruled that out. E's recommended beer was excellent. Good call Eddie.



The New Oxford is a modern decent pub with a great range of beers, both British and Foreign and as a bonus for Southern Softies, doesn't use sparklers. Ignore this obvious failing and go anyway.