Pub hikes from Thame

So, a little more exploration of Oxfordshire pubs for the next couple of blog posts.

The first of which takes me to the market town of Thame. 

Which looks a little bit like this...

Lots of charming buildings in the historic centre of Thame.
I've been here a number of times, but usually in the rain for some reason, so it was nice to see the town basking in sunshine on this visit.

Georgian architecture

Almshouses looking very picturesque.

Thame always confused me by not being on the River Thames like I felt it should be.
But it turns out that it's on the River Thame - without the 's' - a tributary of the Thames.
Which looks like this...

But first things first, I planned to walk out of the town and, indeed, the county. My idea was to head out on a footpath northbound to the nearby Buckinghamshire village of Long Crendon, made famous by Midsummer Murders, so I'm told.

Nice paths through the fields, but the last trek along the lane into the village was a slog.

The High Street in Long Crendon is full of fantastic olde worlde cottages, spoiled only by the parked cars in front of all of them.
As is the pub, the Eight Bells...

Move your cars!  Pub blogging photography taking place.

The Eight Bells (51 High Street, Long Crendon, HP18 9AL - web)
The Eight Bells is named after the number of bells in the local church.  Hence, pre-1771, before the church went bell shopping for 3 extras, the local pub was just the Five Bells.
XT brewery is located a few minutes down the road from here, which seemed a good reason to pick their beer - in great condition on this visit.  Amber nectar - it went down a treat.

Got told off for standing in a 'no go' zone to take this picture.
Rules are rules and trust me to go and break 'em!

Just a few steps away from the pub is the National Trust owned Courthouse, looking rustic and historic in the picture below, with the church (and presumably it's 8 bells) just beyond it.

400-year old Long Crendon courthouse

A quick retracing of steps to patronize the Mermaid Fish Bar.
Never turn down the chance for a portion of chips when you've got miles ahead of you to the next pub.

Chips!

I made my way back to Thame, following a path to the east of Long Crendon which took me through lovely fields and countryside until the route went slap-bang through a modern industrial estate.  

An industrial estate without a brewery tap.
Although I did get to point a couple of ramblers in the right direction when they managed to take a wrong turn into the car park of Softbox Systems.

Back in Thame I called in for a couple of quick afternoon beers.
Firstly, the most expensive pint of the day (£4.60 for a London Pride), in the Six Bells (44 Lower Street, OX9 2AD - web) which is pictured at the top of the post.
Then in the 2019 Beer Guide entry The James Figg (21 Cornmarket, Thame, OX9 2BL - web), where I found a pleasant XT Animal 'Hop Kitty' available.

The James Figg at Thame.

The plan at this point was to head off on foot again, southbound this time, to reach a Good Beer Guide listed pub which would be a new tick for me.
This turned out to be a bit of a longer walk than anticipated.  Reaching a 'Sydenham 2 Miles' signpost at about the point I'd hoped to be arriving there, the hot weather and distance covered throughout the day were taking their toll.
But I got there.

The Inn at Emmington (Sydenham Road, Sydenham, OX39 4LD - web)

It's not the prettiest pub I've ever come across.  In fact, the Crown in Sydenham itself was the proper looking village boozer, but that wasn't yet open as I passed by.
But the Inn at Emmington provided a friendly welcome and, as the pump clips displayed above the bar show, is devoted to serving beers from local breweries.
Great pint of Rebellion 'IPA' - quaffed way too quickly, having worked up a thirst on the way there.

Here comes my pint.

My feet ached.  In a highly unusual move for me - someone who's prone to all sorts of crazy walks to avoid having to delve into my wallet - I called a taxi to get me back into Thame.
I was dropped off by the Cross Keys where I knew I could rest my weary legs and enjoy a great pint of beer.

The Cross Keys (East Street, Thame, OX9 3JS - web)

This is a regular GBG entry for Thame and rightly so.
It's a charming little pub, with a loyal local following, a relaxed atmosphere, and some great beers on offer.
They brew their own in a small microbrewery to the rear, but I was drawn to the Tiny Rebel Welsh red ale, 'Cwtch', which of course I pronounced wrongly when ordering.

Find your favorite beer on the ceiling.

Bus times home allowed just long enough to squeeze in another of XT's beers before leaving The Cross Keys.

I had one day for my hot and bothered feet to recover, before we were planning more trekking through the countryside to more local pubs.  

Which I'll report on as soon as I can get around to writing it.

Cheers!