Like an inner-city barn, this corner of Gloucester Green is home to an array of people reaping a bumper crop of cheap pints.

While the young free-range hens of Oxford's public schools cluck and preen in the decked courtyard, a menagerie of animals fills the spacious bar area. A host of fat sows, slinking cats and studious owls frequent this jack-of-all-pubs and the atmosphere is suitably eclectic. Or rather it would be, if there were actually any discernable atmosphere.

Whilst not totally soulless, at weekends The Goose is a rather insipid watering hole that seems like a pre-club holding pen, designed to let Park End sheep imbibe their bodyweight in alcohol as quickly and as cheaply as possible.

The Goose's interior is large and the seating is comfortable, but it is the drinks prices that are the main attraction here. The lager prices have steadily risen in the past few years but, generally, pints are some of the cheapest around, and regular offers on spirits and alco-pops lend The Goose a broad appeal. Broad enough to include a surprisingly large(ish) range of ales. Shunning the popular approach of providing a sole tap of Tetley's Smooth, The Goose just about keeps CAMRA members happy with a selection that includes Adnams and Bombardier - just don't expect them to be in stock at weekends.

During daylight hours, The Goose is an airy, well-lit pub that does a good job of sweeping its night-time excesses under the monotone carpet. The food is cheap if unadventurous, and the large outdoor area is ideal for a summer afternoon of people-watching.

While the ubiquity of J.D. Wetherspoon has yet to hit Oxford, this cavernous cattle market is the closest you'll get to that successful pack-'em-in, sell-it-cheap ethos.