About This Pub
Ah, The Merry Miller – it's one of those classic British pubs that really hits the mark for a proper Sunday lunch or a mid-week treat. From what I've gathered chatting about it with mates, the carvery stands out as a real gem; you get this brilliant spread of meats like lamb and gammon, paired with heaps of veg, roasties, and those enormous Yorkshire puddings that make you feel right at home. The atmosphere is cosy too, with a real fire crackling away and a welcoming feel for dogs, so it's perfect if you're popping in for a relaxed pint or a family meal. They've got fun specials like curry nights and pie evenings that keep things exciting. But, to be fair, it's not all sunshine – there was that one review where someone had a nightmare with bland pizza and a long wait in an empty pub, which makes you wonder if they have off days. Still, with a solid average rating, I'd say it's worth a visit; just keep an eye on the timings and maybe stick to their strengths like the carvery. Overall, it's a solid spot for us pub lovers, as long as you go in with realistic expectations and a bit of that British optimism!
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The carvery is an absolute winner, with a fantastic selection of five different meats and loads of tasty veg sides – it's proper hearty British fare that leaves you feeling satisfied.
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Portions are generous, and the food is piping hot and full of flavour, especially on those Sunday roasts with massive Yorkshire puds and rich gravy.
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It's a welcoming spot with a real fire going, making it cosy for a pint or a meal, and they're super dog-friendly, which is great if you're out with your furry mate.
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Service is spot on from what most folks say, with friendly staff and easy booking for events like curry nights or pie nights – adds a fun vibe to the week.
Cons
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There have been a few grumbles about inconsistent quality, like one experience where the food was bland and disappointing, with stale bits and long waits even when it's quiet.
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It can get a bit hit-or-miss with timings, as they shut the food line for cleaning every so often, which might disrupt your meal if you're not prepared.
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Some mentions of the pub feeling a tad empty at times, which might not give off the lively atmosphere you'd hope for on a night out.
Contact Information
Cothill Rd, Abingdon OX13 6JW
+441865390390
British
Closed today
Opening Hours
| Monday (Today) | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 14:30 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 14:30 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 14:30 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 14:30 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 20:00 |
Recent Reviews
Really loved their Sunday lunch carvery, five meat choices and several (8+) vegetable sides to choose from. The food line shuts for 15 minutes every two hours so they can clean it down and put fresh food out, I wish bigger carveries would do that.
The food was very tasty, I had lamb, my husband had beef and gammon and the there was an huge choice of veg. The Yorkshire puddings were delicious and homemade.
We shared the cheese board afterwards which was definitely big enough for 2 and included a glass of port.
The total cost for the food was £56.
We're definitely going again and hopefully during the week too as they do various themed evenings we want to try.
They run an a la carte menu at the same time too which also looks lovely.
The interior of the pub was very comfortable and there were several tables in the garden
This is the worst food we have ever had at a pub. The pub was dead with no one in it. Despite ordering we waited 30 mins or so for food to arrive (baring in mind no one else was at the pub). Arrived was a bland pizza with lots of cheap cheese on top, stale bread and the mains for us was absolutely tasteless. Literally no seasoning, on the chicken Milanese or fish cakes, not even salt! I have never tasted such bland food in my life. Is tucked away in a nice area but am not surprised it was so quiet as the food was horrible.
We have used the Merry Miller many times now, mostly for the amazing Carvery. The food is superb, you are offered and served a choice of 5 meats (lamb, gammon, beef, turkey and pork). You can then proceed to help yourself to an extensive array of stuffing, potatoes (roast & mash), then of course unlimited gravy.
We originally booked for 4, but wanted a last minute addition to take us to 5, and Jackie was so helpful getting us to 5 as it gets busy as so popular.
Service and experience is the best roast ever, Pie Nights are also tremendous, but always book!
This is how a pub should be run to make it successful.
Very good service. Very good food and large portions. Real fire and dog friendly. Will definitely go again
After all the great long reviews, we had to go try ourselves... yup! It is all true! Proper Sunday Roast! Biggest yorkshire pudding ever! Huge mega portions! Only wished i took 3 or 4 scoops of heavenly gravy and not 2! Proper big tea pot with big mugs!! Food is satisfying and hot! Only the seating is tight on the table we were given, the mismatch chairs too wide for the table, making getting in and out hard work, should use narrower simple lighter chairs.
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