I travelled from Aylesbury in the evening of 30 April, in order to attend the Mayday celebrations in Oxford.
My first port of call, at 9pm, was the Cricketers and I spent most of the night there, well until 3am anyway.
I had a very enjoyable time.
The new landlord and landlady run it mainly as a music venue, for students. With 'student bar' prices and various offers.
Everyone I spoke to was very friendly and, despite being 64 years of age, I did not feel at all out-of-place. Very welcome in fact.
The live music (acoustic that night, but check out what they feature on other nights) was excellent. And the landlady sings very well, too.
Unfortunately, I understand that the number of real ale pumps is being cut from 4 to 2 but, as long as I can get one or two decent real ales then that will suit me ... it's more about the music and the friendly atmosphere.
When we finally left, the landlord (Tim) recommended The Tick-Tock (I think it was called) cafe round the corner in Cowley Road. Also well worth a visit. All the pub food comes from there.
I stayed there, with a couple of coffees and a home-made chocolate cake, before wandering off with a couple of students I'd linked up with, to attempt to jump Magdalen Bridge (them, not me!).
Security was too tight so their two attempts, at 5.15am and again about an hour later after a further coffee, were both unsuccessful (probably just as well!).
So put the date in your diary for next year because, as far as I know, The Cricketers was the only 'town centre' (well almost) pub to stay open as late as 3.30am and almost certainly the nearest to Magdalen Bridge.
I'm not waiting 'til then, though; it's well worth the trip from Aylesbury, although I won't look forward to having to leave around 11pm., for the last bus back!