Due to the distance of travel to arrive at The Great Western Arms, I called ahead to confirm my daughter and I would be arriving in the evening, and what time food would be available. The phone was answered by a very friendly gentleman, he was very understanding and accommodating of our needs. Upon arrival we were greeted warmly, asked if we would like to check in first, get a drink or order some food. We were sat down, bought water and given the menu which was incredible. I got recommend the burger of the day and it was nothing but GREAT. Further more, my daughter has dietry needs and they went above and beyond to feed my daughter her safe food and even co firmed other allergens in other food items. It's a family run pub/accommodation and we felt very safe. The atmosphere was wonderful and when being shown to our room, all services were explained and it was clean, newly decorated, warm and very equipped. We had a very quiet, comfortable and lovely stay. Nothing was too much, all the staff were great. Check in easy, check out easy and the stay was incredible value for money! Many thanks for the stay, we highly recommend this location.

We wish we could have stayed longer

Lovely friendly staff who work so hard and couldn't do enough for us . The location was good for us on our road North after getting off ferry in Portsmouth. We arrived at 7pm and had an excellent meal and drinks . We had an early night on a reasonably comfortable bed . The lovely hard working manager Nicole had a lovely Continental breakfast box outside our room for our early 8pm departure. Shower was excellent . Many Thanx everyone .

These are only suggestions for improvement and in no way reflect how we feel about the place . Perhaps replace the rug on the floor, could be bigger as I kept tripping on it - and the towels could have been softer and whiter . Maybe some air freshener would be nice too as it's an old worldy establishment .

Beautiful pub situated next to the canal, easy to find with ample parking. Rooms are away from the restaurant so there was very little noise. Lovely big room, comfy bed, working TV and hot shower, what more do you need! Opted for the early morning continental breakfast which is provided to the room, plenty of choice there and a good selection of teas and coffee too. Staff were very welcoming and helpful. The menu and food in the restaurant was also exceptional. Will definitely revisit.

No negatives for me.

We stayed at The Great Western as we were meeting up with family who live on a narrow boat, it was ideally situated. Comfortable, clean and we all had a meal in the evening, the food was excellent

The shower head was flimsy and wouldn't stay central and in fact broke away from the main stem it was fitted to. We all had breakfast, which was excellent but we're put on a table with a low bench seat, I felt like I was eating with my utensils up near my ears

My friend and I stayed using two rooms and both of us would have no hestlitation in returning. Great value for money. Nicola and James made us welcome. super friendly but not "in your face". Nicole was alone in the bar and restaurant but the effort she put in you wouldn't have noticed she was by herself. Excellent food from James, comfy cosy room, fantastic management. Also we were introduced to Duck chips, WOW! Will be back with the family next time we are in the area.

nothing to dislike as great value.

Nice cosy pub with very welcoming staff. Only 4 rooms. Meals in pub vg. Canal next to pub good for a walk. Good location for visiting Banbury, Chipping norton and Bicester. Rooms comfortable and had wide selection of teas,coffee and hot chocolate and were well cleaned.

Perhaps more flexible time for full English breakfast which is 10am. You can have an earlier continental breakfast brought to your room

Perfect location for us following a day shopping at Bicester Village. Lovely warm welcome, log burner, cosy feel. Food superb - can recommend the steak & katsu curry. Nice wine. Great team. Thank you.

To offer a fair & balanced review, we personally felt the room rate was a little overpriced at £100. We were warned on check-in about the strong smell of paint & had to keep the window open all night. The room was clean but quite tired, particularly the bathroom. Ok for an overnight stay.

Staff friendly and helpful going and keen to oblige with all requests handled swiftly and efficiently. Hospitality tray including delicious hot chocolate and Borders biscuits. Lunchtime food in bar was good, although less happy to see 12% added as a matter of course. Although as the pub name suggests adjacent to the railway, lots of mature trees and the old station itself mask the sound of passing trains so they're barely and only briefly noticeable. Super canal-side walks, with boaters' general stores and lovely pop-up cafe next door at Aynho wharf.

Had not expected cooked breakfasts only from 10am Had not expected continental breakfast to be room delivery only, and rather basic and uninteresting. Continentals especially would be dismayed at breakfast with neither muesli and least one cup of fresh ground coffee.

Continental breakfast was good and well presented. The welcome from all staff was outstanding and we were made to feel very comfortable. We plan to come back later this year.

The room was well equipped but a little damp. We had to dry the quilt with the hair dryer before going to bed on the first night. Also the clothes we hung up became very slightly damp too. We believe this was due to the very humid weather and the room itself not heated at this time of year.

Stayed here for two nights whilst on business in the area. I would have no problems staying here again at all. Great location, really good food, restaurant and bar area, a nice comfortable bed (room 2) and very friendly staff and owners. Situated next to the canal so you can stretch your legs along the tow path after dinner. There's nothing not to like.