Oxford. The name of this pub revives a historic inn that existed on Cornmarket Street from 1621, associated with the Guild of Cordwainers (shoemakers). The first English Guild of Cordwainers was formed in Oxford in 1130. The word is derived from the Spanish city of Cordoba, celebrated in the Middle Ages for the production of cordovan leather, called "corwain", made from goats skin. This leather became the material most in demand by makers of the finest footwear in all of Europe. The inn was demolished in the 19th century and was replaced by what became known as the George Hotel. The current pub on St. Michael's opened in 1987. It is a bit of a quirky split level pub, with a Bourdoir-like upper level and a cellar bar. It is a Samuel Smith's pub (although not as opulent as many I have visited), and like all of their pubs digital devices are prohibited, so my photos had to be taken in stealth mode. But as usual there were an array of organic beers to choose from, and the Sovereign Bitter was delicious as always.