This little pub, situated on The Highway, is an excellent venue for the locals. Unfortunately, unless you’re approaching it from McDonalds there’s nothing to tell you it’s there - not even a sign on the door - so look out for the little building opposite the Texaco garage.

The Venue
Every day, thousands of motorists pass this little brown building, sporting its miniature orange canopies, without a clue as to what’s inside because there are no signs, posters, or boards saying what it is. If you’re coming from McDonalds then you’ll notice the blackboard stuck to the side of the building describing what the venue has to offer, but unless you’re walking and you purposefully stop to read it, that won’t pull you in either. The exterior of The Caxton completely gives off the wrong impression. It looks like an absolute dive but when you step inside you’ll find that it’s actually one of the better pubs on the road. The dark ambient lighting relaxes the body immediately, and as you look around you’ll notice how many leather sofas and armchairs there are.

The bar is actually a brick wall with a wooden work top with inviting black leather sofas, armchairs and low tables sitting atop a dark blue carpet. It feels very much like a comfortable old living room. There are also two enormous fireplaces filled with coals that look like they have kept the room warm in the past. If you wander round and past the bar you’ll come across a couple of fruit machines next to a short flight of stairs. Ascend these and you’ll wind up in the room available for hire.

This function room is very attractive and emits a completely different feeling to the first room. A small bar sitting in the corner is usually be closed off as it tends to be used for functions or when it gets busy. The rest of the space is very open as the furniture sits tight against the walls, consisting of four sofas and a couple of tables with chairs. There’s an interesting platform up here - much like a small stage. Sitting on this platform are two very inviting bamboo chairs and a table with a bunch of flowers on it. If you decide to sit here you’ll feel a bit on show, so if you’re trying to avoid the limelight go for one of the sofas.

The Atmosphere
The soft lighting, big leather sofas and couches, and friendly staff all play their part in creating the relaxed atmosphere that circulates around The Caxton. During the day, most of the punters have turned up for a quiet drink or two whilst meeting up with a few friends, but what attracts them to this venue is the decor - it’s unbelievably comfortable. Also worth noting is that they play live sports on TV.

The Food
If you fancy Thai then you’ve come to the right place – although only between noon and 3pm on weekdays. The pub menu offers spicy Thai dishes: a starter sits at around £3, a main course around £5, and one of the Chef specials comes in at the £8 mark.

The Drink
The only ale on offer at The Caxton is Adnams. Also available is Guinness, Kronenberg, Stella, San Miguel, Fosters, John Smiths and Starapromen. Those who have come for the wine will be disappointed as they only offer one or two of each. They also offer a good selection of juices and soft drinks.

The Last Word
Inside, The Caxton is a very comfortable pub – even if nobody knows it’s there. The drink selection is a bit limited but being the small venue that it is, it was never going to be heaving with wild and adventurous beers. Having said that, the Thai food is an interesting change from the usual pub grub.

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