IT was a cold, wet winter night, and flood waters were threatening to seal off the roads near Bladon.

Indeed, weather conditions couldn't have been much worse as I made my way to Woodstock's Market Square, and The Star pub. The trouble with travelling on such a night is that your expectations are higher and needs more urgent.

We arrived early in the evening - the town was deserted, making parking right outside the pub easy. During the height of the summer, it's best to aim for the public parking space in Hensington Road, which is only a five-minute walk away.

I haven't been inside this pub for at least 15 years, yet it seemed much the same as I remember it all those years ago. The dining area may have been extended a little at the rear, but in all other respects, it stands firmly in the 20th century as far as decor is concerned, though it actually dates back to 1638. No modern make-over for this establishment. Perhaps that is why it attracts a good local trade, including a substantial number of businessmen in their smart suits, enjoying a pint or two before returning home.

Look this pub up on the Internet, and you will find it boasts oak beams and log fires. Well, there are loads of beams, exposed Cotswold stone walls too, but the fires were not lit. The dancing flames of a log fire were just what the wretched weather conditions called for.

The attractive, well-stocked wooden bar, with shelves reaching right up to the ceiling, dominates as you enter the front door. It's a great feature. To the side of the bar, there's an eating area, with adjoining small rooms, that accommodate diners.

But the bar was buzzing and friendly. It seemed silly to sit in splendid isolation in the restaurant area when we could enjoy the jolly atmosphere of the front area, with the obligatory picture of Sir Winston Churchill looking down on us all.

There were several real ales to choose from, including Brakspear Bitter, Adnams Broadside, and Shepherd Neame's cask-conditioned Spitfire. Old Rosie scrumpy cider was also on tap. I chose the Spitfire because of its lingering malt and hop flavour and lasting aftertaste. I needed something gutsy to keep out the cold. Unfortunately, I must admit to being a little disappointed. I drink this beer often. This time, it seemed to lack that certain something that's difficult to define, but distinctly off-putting.

I was also very disappointed with my meal. I had chosen the butterfly chicken, marinated with garlic and herb, and served with potato rosti, vegetables, and gravy, at £8.50. The thin slice of chicken that arrived, without a hint of garlic, couldn't have weighed much more than three ounces, and was both tasteless and dry. I did mention this to the woman who served me, who, when asked again as I paid my bill, said: "Oh yes, well, the cook said perhaps she gave you a small piece," and left it at that. No apology, no further comment, nothing!

My friend fared better. He chose the beer battered cod and chips, pictured, served with minted mushy peas and tartar sauce, at £6.90. He tucked into his meal with gusto, and declared that he would give it seven out of ten if awarding points.

Other dishes listed on the menu, which are served until 9pm, included: steak and ale pie, served with vegetables and a choice of potatoes (£7.10), mushroom Stroganoff, served with mustard mash or turmeric rice (£7.25), pork and Granny Smith apple sausages, served on regular or mustard mash and red onion gravy, at £7.45. Seven different sandwiches are listed too, priced from £3.95, and served with chips. Filled jacket potatoes are priced from £3.95, and a children's menu listing five different dishes is priced from £4.25.

We left feeling this pub had done little to dispel the winter blues.