Head of the River

For a summer-evening riverside drink, central Oxford holds no finer setting than the Thames-facing terrace of this imposing former warehouse – hence the hand-cranked crane, still outside – and later a boatyard. The beer’s good, courtesy of Fullers brewery. There’s plenty of room indoors – as well as decent food, and a stylish hotel upstairs – but the lure of the river is irresistible.