Where visitors enjoy a piece of Midsomer

PUB landlord Neil Ainsworth has found a good way to attract more customers — thanks to Midsomer Murders.

He runs the Argyll in Henley market place which has a brass plaque on the bar where stars John Nettles and Jason Hughes stood for filming of an episode of the ITV drama series called Last Year’s Model in 2006. Neil says between 50 and 100 people a week visit the pub because of their interest in the show.

“In peak season that number can double,” he says. “Over the last three or four years we have had a growing stream of people from both the British Isles and further afield.”

He says tour groups often stop at the pub for lunch and he likes to give them a feeling they have “arrived” in the village of Midsomer.

Customers are allowed behind the bar to pose for photos with the plaque, hold a tankard or even pour their own pint. “They love having a photo taken in a traditional-style pub with real ale,” says Neil. “They are living the experience.”