Walking into the Big Society on Cowley Road feels more like walking into a quirky Californian watering hole. Historic wooden locker doors front the bar.  Glazed tiles and funky artwork hang on the walls. A bottle cap stamp emblazoned with Big Society and reminiscent of 1960s Cuba, is scattered on the old school furniture.

Manager Jack Pinnington describes the Big Society best, calling it a “Youth club for adults.”

It’s an informal kind of place, with games and ping-pong. They serve gourmet street food, and are proud about recreating the classic cheese burger.

“You can sit anywhere, eat anywhere, drink anywhere,” says Tim Fitz-Gibbon, Group Manager. Best of all, being a free house, they can sell what they want.

“We are going to be beer oriented with a few simple cocktails” Tim continues. 

The selection of bottle beers catches my eye. They have everything from Craft Czech lager, to Texas Lone Star.

Glasses have their own freezer so that every beer is poured into a frosty mug. They will always have real ales, lager, cider and a keg on tap and will change frequently depending on what the customer wants. Customers are encouraged to tell the staff either in person or via social media how they want the Big Society to evolve.

Interestingly, these drafts will be available in 2/3 pints at 2/3 the price.

“It’s not to be pretentious. We just want people to have a good time, and get a chance to taste the different beers.” They are also conscious of the “drinkaware” campaign which encourages people to monitor the units of alcohol consumed.

For wine lovers, our choice is between two reds and two whites, either cheap or posh, with rosés making an appearance seasonally. Tim says, “we just want to get away from the mediocre.”  How about trendsetting? Judge for yourself. The Big Society opens officially tomorrow, (Friday, February 8).

• Don’t forget, this Saturday, February 9, is the official launch of the Rabbit Foot Spasm Band Cider created by the Cotswold Cider Company. The event takes place at the Big Bang in the Castle Quarter from 7-11pm.  Tickets include a full live show and are available at http://www.wegottickets.com/event/201546