It's been a long wait but the doors of The James Figg in Thame finally opened again last week, with pub lovers making a bee-line back to enjoy a pint and some grub at the popular town local.
The pub's beer garden has been bustling since last Monday. Manager Tom Goldsmith and his team worked really hard during lockdown to get everything ready and ensure the place was ship-shape for the big day.
The big marquee in the beer garden is back, with plenty of tables and stools to sit and have a drink and a bite to eat, and there is new furniture throughout the rest of the garden, with benches, tables and parasols in the hope of some fine spring weather. In case that doesn't happen, the pub has kept its big red stretch tent up in front of The Stables, with heaters and lights to keep things toasty in all weathers.
The cellars are well-stocked with kegs of real ale including XT brewed just down the road in Long Crendon, Mad Goose from Stratford-on-Avon’s award-winning Purity Brewery and some great guest ales to celebrate being back at the pub. Aspall Suffolk Draught Cyder and Aspall Harry Sparrow will be poured to perfection and all the quaffable wines on the pub's list will be available by the glass and bottle, ideal for idling away a pleasant afternoon at the pub. There are also lots of new drinks that are perfect for spring, including Elderflower Fizz, Cuban Berryade and Pimm’s, as well as new gins like Italian Villa Ascenti and Edinburgh Gin Raspberry.
Properly good pub food is on offer daily. The Famous James Figg Burgers are back, with a choice of extras and all with chips, thick or thin. There are also pub classics like Aubrey Allen 28 day dry-aged steak and chips and Jimmy Butler’s sausage, mash and onion gravy, plus veggie options.
"It was a long time coming but the great day when we could at last welcome people back finally came, and what a day it was," says pub manager Tom Goldsmith. "We are so chuffed to have everyone back.
"We're the only place open in town at the moment, apart from our sister pub The Thatch, and we're making the most of it. Our beer garden - the biggest around - is looking great, our bar is well stocked and our kitchen all-set. Come and see us for a pint, a nice glass of wine and a bite to eat.
"It's brilliant to be back to something approaching normality, so come and have a great time with us and your friends and family. We're not taking bookings, but we are making it easier to order and pay with our new App. Why not beat the rush and download it today from https://www.thejamesfiggthame.co.uk/app/? Or pick up a card when you arrive and you'll be all-set in just a few clicks. It's great to be back."
The James Figg is open Monday to Saturday 11am to 11pm and Sunday 12 to 9pm. Food is served Monday to Saturday from 12 to 9pm and on Sunday from 12 to 8pm.
Full details of the steps taken to keep the pub safe for guests and the team can be viewed here https://www.thejamesfiggthame.co.uk/your-visit/
The James Figg is at 21 Cornmarket, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2BL. Tel: 01844 260 166. www.thejamesfiggthame.co.uk @figgthame
