The Punchbowl had scaffolding up since mid-February, while the exterior was patched up and painted. Last week, it was closed for an internal makeover and decoration. The pub opened again yesterday and looks very smart now, thanks to the efforts of the landlady, Vanessa.

The pub has two rooms, a larger front bar accessible from the Market Place, and a traditional snug with wood panelling, low beams, and fixed bench seating, accessible from East St Helen Street. According to Inns and Alehouses of Abingdon 1550 – 1978 (J Smith and J Carter ), the pub’s earliest recorded date was 1775.