Central Southern Region

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Ferryman

Bablock Hythe
Bablock Hythe
OX29 5AT
Telephone(01865) 880028
Real AleFamily FriendlyGardenAccommodationLunchtime MealsEvening MealsGamesParkingFunction RoomDog FriendlyWiFiLive Music
Opening times: Mon 12:00-21:00; Tue closed; Wed 12:00-21:00; Thu 12:00-16:30; Fri and Sat 12:00-23:00; Sun 12:00-16:30
Regular beers: Wadworth --seasonal--, Wadworth 6X, Wadworth Henry's IPA, Wadworth Horizon

See more about this pub on WhatPub, CAMRA's national pub guide.

Not your typical Thames-side pub; owned by the nearby holiday park. 2 bars, large terrace and garden, and 2 miles of fishing rights. An 18th century inn called the Chequers was rebuilt as a hotel in the 1930s. There was a rope ferry crossing the Thames here from at least 1200 which in the 1950s used a cable which could be raised and lowered into the river so providing less of a hazard to passing boats. At this time it was operating 7 days a week from 8am to 11pm and could carry 3 cars or a lorry. It was always a risky business if the river was high and after capsizing a couple of times the licence was withdrawn in 1964. The hotel was rebuilt in somewhat utilitarian style in the 1990s and renamed as the Ferry Inn and then the Ferryman. The idea of a foot/cycle bridge regularly raises its head but nothing comes of it and the owner of the pub would like to reintroduce the ferry. Might take a beer off in the winter.