REAMS of colourful bunting zigzag across the courtyard at The Kings Head and Bell, bearing flags in reflection of Euro football fever.

Framed mirrors and wicker furniture line the walls of a tunnel-like entrance, which guides us through to a leafy garden.

A handful of drinkers brave looming rain-clouds to enjoy the outdoor bar, visible from inside the pub where windows stretch to the ceiling.

We hover inside the doorway waiting to be noticed, scanning the bright and modern open space packed with punters on this Sunday night.

A barmaid walks us to our seats, tucked behind a wall in a tiny pod of the restaurant with just two other tables.

I am not a hugely keen meat-eater but, after a few days of fine dining in celebration of family birthdays, I fancy something simple and comforting.

Temptation draws both me and my colleague Georgina to a hotdog in a brioche roll (£10.95), with coleslaw and fries plus optional toppings including cheese and barbecue beans.

We order and pay at the bar, where staff are setting up a sound system on one of the sofas.

I picture myself lining up to croon the Grease soundtrack on karaoke, but a booming voice shatters that illusion by initiating the second-best thing: a pub quiz.

My competitive streak fails to preside over sulky past experiences, in which my less-than-extensive general knowledge has fallen flat.

The first few minutes tell me we made the right choice in not taking part, just as our food arrives to distract us from the questions.

It is not the prettiest of plates, nor is it as big as the 'foot-long hotdog' the menu promised, but inviting enough for me to dig my knife and fork in.

The soft roll oozes with sweet saucy beans that encase the hotdog sausage, which hits the spot despite failing to amaze me with flavour or quality of ingredients.

More impressive is the warm atmosphere crafted by a jokey quiz master and friendly staff, who remain attentive despite our being seated out of sight.

I hope to return after mastering the history of television soaps and eighties pop hits.

The Kings Head and Bell is in East St Helen St, Abingdon, and can be reached on 01235 525362.