It’s a hard job but someone has to do it and MARC WEST takes the Ale Trail challenge very seriously...

Last week, Brakspear Brewery invited me to explore some of Oxford’s best known pubs as well as some lesser known hidden gems and, along the way, sample some of England’s most beloved beers.

What better way could there be to while away the hours of an autumnal afternoon, I thought?

So, crossing the bridge as Magdalen Tower struck two and briskly strolling up The High towards Carfax, I dart left down the narrow cobbled alley that leads to The Wheatsheaf. Well known for its regular jazz nights – as well as being the launch pad for many up-and-coming bands – this pub also serves the Witney brewers’ flagship Bitter – so, I thought I’d better have a pint.

Amber in colour with a good fruit, hop and malt nose, the initial taste of well-hopped bitterness dissolves into a bittersweet and fruity finish. This drink has been craft brewed in the county since 1779 using their unique double drop fermentation system and is known locally as the “original taste of Oxfordshire”. It sure tasted good to me.

Following another quickie in the 14th century Monks Bar of The Chequers, I head to Broad Street to visit Morse’s favourite boozer, The White Horse. This cosy Grade II-listed gem also serves some of the best fish and chips I know of in the city – just what you need to soak up that alcohol.

Tucked down Friars Entry, Far From The Madding Crowd is a relative newcomer, but has already established itself as one of the city’s best family-run independent freehouses – having won the Campaign For Real Ale’s Pub of The Year three times (so far).

Then, it’s just a hop, step and a jump along St Giles to probably the city’s most famous drinking institution – known affectionately by town and gown alike as the “Bird & Baby”. It’s been a public house since 1650 and is simply etched in history, but The Eagle & Child is undoubtedly best known worldwide as being the regular meeting place for a group of writers dubbed The Inklings. Even today, you can well imagine C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien dreaming up their fantastic worlds over a pint or two every Tuesday morning in the Rabbit Room.

Finally, to The Royal Oak on Woodstock Road for a pint of Oxford Gold – which, as the names suggests, is a golden beer with a subtle fruity flavor and zesty aroma. It’s here I realise that a pub crawl in Oxford is actually a great alternative way to discover our city’s rich history and varied characters – but, just remember to please drink responsibly! With this, I stumble, err…I mean, walk home.

And, as if another incentive were needed, there’s also the chance to win some exclusive prizes until the end of the month too. While on the trail, tweet #Brakspear followed by the pub’s Twitter link and you could find yourself on a personal tour of the Wychwood Brewery with nine of your closet friends.

With 10 days of live music across 30 intimate and friendly venues with great beer and wholesome food, Brakspear’s rounds off its inaugural Jazz & Blues Week next Wednesday at The Crooked Billet in Stoke Row – a place where musicians and music lovers meet to blow away those winter blues.

Cutting-edge singer, songwriter and slide guitarist Catfish has established himself as one of the most exciting performers on the live circuit. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2008, he’s performed with the likes of John Lee Hooker, Ray Charles and Taj Mahal the world over – and now plays a special one-off show right here in our county.

The highly-regarded restaurant will also be serving a full menu from 7pm, so you can enjoy an evening of the highest calibre all round. Tickets are available now from brakspear.co.uk/jazzandblues