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Pub Visits

Inspired by the Good Beer Guide

The Journey

This is my personal record of pubs that I have visited since I finally got around, after many years, to joining CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale - on 10 March 2023

For the last 30 years or so I have on countless occasions been on trips and holidays with mates that have usually involved enjoying a glass or two of beer at the end of the day. Very often the thing that has heavily influenced where we did this has has been the current version of CAMRA's (Campaign for Real Ale) Good Beer Guide. The CAMRA members in the group made sure we visited some unique hostelries and we had some very enjoyable evenings in everything from the smallest pub in the UK to a pub in Devon with amazing range of small volume, locally produced, ciders.

In early 2023 I decided I’d finally better get around to joining CAMRA. The Good Beer Guide 2025 is the 52nd edition of the book and I've marked the pubs I've visited out of 5. These are personal opinions often based on simply one or two visits. A nice cool drink after a long warm day may see me give a better score than a visit to a pub on a cold, wet, dark and miserable day.If you want to get in touch, please use the link in the footer at the bottom of this page. If you're interested in finding out a bit more about CAMRA, then hit the button.

The Pubs

You'll find a list of pubs I've visited this calendar year listed below, the majority are in the current version of the Good Beer Guide, marked with a GBG '25 logo up to mid-September and with a GBG '26 logo if I’ve visited after then and they’re in the 2026 version of the Guide.

GBG 25

GBG 26

If you want to look at my earlier visits, which I started in March 2023, then you’ll need to look at the 2023 and 2024 pages.

Visits in 2023 Visits in 2024

The Mason’s Arms, Southport, PR9 0UT

Exterior photo of Mason’s Arms, Southport

Called in here on a Friday lunchtime for a catch up with a former colleague. It’s tucked away at the the back of the old Southport Post Office, which is on the principal shopping boulevard, though like most towns these days, not quite what it was a few years ago. Used to be a Robinson’s pub and a Good Beer Guide regular entry, but left the Robinson’s stable fairly recently. I hadn’t been here before, so I’m not really qualified to comment on any changes. Compact, wood panelling, tiled floors, a real fire, you might call it a Victorian gem! Bar in the right hand back corner, three seating areas in the other corners? Board games on shelves if you fancy settling down for a competitive couple of hours.

Interior photo of Mason’s Arms, Southport

Six hand pumps, five in operation, Pheasant Plucker from Bowland Brewery; Osset Brewery’s White Rat; Plum Porter courtesy of Titanic; Helvellyn from Lakeland Beer; and finally Timothy Taylor’s Boltmaker. I settled down with a pint of the Lakeland Beer and put the world to rights. The fire was attended to on a regular basis, just as well since Storm Amy was doing her worst outside, and I had a couple of glasses of beer in some enjoyable company. Wonderful beer choice, great atmosphere and a very good effort from a small establishment.

5 out of 5

Bowland Beer Hall, Clitheroe, BB7 1EB

GBG 26

Hadn’t been here for a few years, but called in on a Friday lunchtime. Hadn’t changed in the slightest (thank goodness). Lovely shabby chic appeal (to my eyes at least) - it’s Grade II listed - and had the longest bar in the UK at one stage - it's a large island style bar which obviously helps. I suspect some enterprising developer has installed a larger one to grab that title, but that’s fairly unimportant. It's a lovely spot, with old mill machinery prominently featuring in one of the side rooms and the Bowland Brewery plant visible through the massive window at the rear of the premises.

Outstanding selection of cask ale, I counted 42 hand pumps, seemed to offer all the Bowland Brewery beers and a good number of beers from other brewers. Not sure they can realistically have a different beer on every pump and get it served promptly, but what an incredible effort. I had the Bowland Brewery Pheasant Plucker alongside a bowl of loaded chips. Heaven, in the heart of Clitheroe.

5 out of 5

New Beer Guide

Good Beer Guide 2026

13 September 2025 - arrival of The Good Beer Guide 2026.

So a chance to see what's new, what's dropped out, which community now has an entry etc. The Sidmouth Arms, visited 10 days ago, when the the GBG 2025 reigned supreme, makes it into the 2026 GBG! (The Last Hop, see in Staines below, does not make it into the 2026 Guide).

The Sidmouth Arms, Upottery, Nr Honiton, EX14 9PN

Here’s another spot just outside Honiton, see also below, although the Otter Inn is walkable from the town, this one really requires some mechanical help to get there. It’s an attractive old building, still largely a series of rooms, with the rooms towards the front fairly traditional and largely set up for dining, but with a much more modern bar and seating area towards the rear. The bar seemed quite quiet when we arrived and the rooms to the front were busy with diners, but when we left the bar was much more popular and seemed to be doing well

Four hand pumps, all in operation, three beers from the Otter Brewery - Otter Bitter, Amber and Ale, perhaps not too surprising since the brewery is just a couple of miles west of this establishment - plus Tribute all the way from St Austell. I went for the Otter Amber which was a light golden ale that worked very nicely with a portion of fish and chips. Can this spot be too far away from getting in the Beer Guide?
4 out of 5

4 out of 5

The Otter Inn, Weston, Nr Honiton, EX14 3NZ

Dropped in here in a Wednesday evening for a drink and a bite to eat, It’s on the west edge of Honiton, on the north bank of the River Otter. If you enter via the front door then you step into the pub set up, small bar and what looked like originally a series of rooms now knocked through to create a series of public spaces. To the right is the restaurant area, with a larger bar and more of a table and chairs set up for dining in a much larger portion of the pub.

Both the front pub bar and the restaurant bar each had 3 hand pumps, in both cases 2 seemed to be operational, hand pump clips indicated that Otter Bitter or Otter ale was available. I plumped for the Otter Ale which was a very enjoyable darker beer and slipped down nicely alongside some very respectable pub grub, the beer was so good I had to have a second. Perhaps it’s largely a dining pub, but they did at least have a choice of cask ale so it’s a well deserved 3.

3 out of 5

The Ship, Lathom, L40 4BX

GBG 25

Is it in Lathom or is it on the north east edge of Burscough? It doesn’t really matter, I called in here on a hot and humid August Bank Holiday afternoon. It’s at the point where the Rufford canal branch leaves the Leeds Liverpool Canal and heads north. As the years have gone by the place has expanded into the adjacent cottage properties to create a fairly long but narrow pub. They’ve held on to their history with areas known as the boat room, mid cottage, end cottage and similar. The interior is pretty smart and functional and broken down into a series of rooms and spaces. There’s exterior space too, tables next to the road at the front, a terrace at the north end of the property and spill out space on a good day next to the canal. Altogether a very nice and popular spot.

Six hand pumps, all in operation, three beers from Moorhouses in Burnley - White Witch, Pendle Witches Brew and Ship Special - along with Nook of Pendle from the Reedley Hallows Brewery (Burnley, again), Feckless from RedWillow Brewery (Macclesfield) and Wainwright Gold from slightly further afield. So good support for local brewers. I had the Ship Special which Moorhouses make for them and it was a very enjoyable and tasty amber ale (although it would have hard not to have been on an afternoon with weather such as this). Good beer, great choice, outstanding location, what more could you ask for.

4 out of 5

The Axminster Inn, Axminster, EX13 5AH

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Axminster Inn, Axminster

Nipped in here for a pint early on a Saturday evening. It looks quite a large place from the outside, long frontage onto the road, but it’s quite a shallow building, so perhaps not as cavernous as expected. You walk straight into the bar, there’s an area to the right with a pool table and from there, through a door at the back, you come to a small and attractive beer terrace out the back. This proved popular with people enjoying some moderate sunshine towards the end of the day, all very pleasant. Could have been me, but the chap at the bar on the interior photo seemed to bear a striking resemblance to Tim Martin, though suspect this isn’t really Wetherspoons territory.

Interior photo of The Axminster Inn, Axminster

Five hand pumps, 4 in operation, it’s a Palmer’s pub so the beer choice was between their 200 (premium ale), IPA, Dorset Gold (golden ale) or Copper (Dorset Pale Ale). I went for the IPA and wandered out the back to the beer terrace, there were a few people out there already, but there was still quite a bit of space. A warm early August evening, a very refreshing pale ale and the only pub in the Beer Guide in Axminster was a very pleasant place to be.

3 out of 5

The New Inn, Kilmington, EX13 7SF

Exterior photo of The New Inn, Kilmington

Small village and a fairly small pub, but a very attractive thatched property with a great beer garden at the front. The pub itself is a long, fairly narrow, 2 level room, quite small overall, but the village itself isn’t terribly large so that probably makes sense. There wasn’t anyone in the beer garden but it was fairly busy inside, quite a few people eating as well as drinking. Altogether a very comfortable spot and I guess one that must be appreciated by the village.

Interior photo of The New Inn, Kilmington

Four hand pumps, it’s another Palmer’s pub, this time the choice was between their 200, Dorset Gold or IPA, the fourth pump was serving up First Press cider, another Palmer’s offering. Given the size of the village and the pub I was quite impressed that they could keep 3 cask ales going, perhaps they manage to attract clientele from a wider area. I chose the Dorset Gold which was a very pleasant golden beer, it slipped down a treat.

3 out of 5

The Hunters Lodge Inn, Axminster, EX13 5SZ

Exterior photo of The Hunters Lodge Inn, Axminster

Called in here for a drink and a bite to eat on a Thursday evening, hadn’t booked anything and the car park seemed fairly busy. After a bit of humming and hawing they decided they could fit us in. Like quite a few pubs and inns in the area, at one time they enjoyed very brisk trade from the Exeter to London coach service, supporting passengers, changes of horses and similar. It’s obviously been updated and renovated through the years, quite contemporary inside and seems to really cater for the ‘let’s bring the family and have a meal’ crowd.

Interior photo of The Hunters Lodge Inn, Axminster

Only 2 hand pumps inside, both serving beer from the nearby Otter Brewery, so the choice was between Otter Bitter or Otter Ale. I went for the latter which was a perfectly respectable darker beer. If one thing could have been improved it should have been our reception on arrival, we asked if they had a table for 2 - we hadn’t booked - and “Let me have a look and see what we can do” would have been better than “I don’t think we can fit you in, but I’ll have a look”. It just the experience on a negative note

2 out of 5

The George Hotel, Axminster, EX13 5DW

Exterior photo of The George Hotel, Axminster

Stayed here for a few days while on a Devon break. Had seen it over the years going from a busy town centre small hotel, falling into some dereliction, before being revived and restored in 2019. In the heart of the town and the sole occupant of an island, surrounded by traffic. Bar on the ground floor and the old coach access to the rear premises, next to the bar, has been converted into a casual seating area. Small beer terrace to the rear, which is really just the border to the small to medium size hotel car park. Nicely renovated inside, it’s come a long way in the last 20 or so years, when there were buckets in the bar to catch the leaking ingress of rain.

Interior photo of The George Hotel, Axminster

Two hand pumps offering Doom Bar and Sea Fury from Sharp’s brewery on the north Cornwall coast, perhaps don’t sell enough cask ale to make a wider offering viable. I tried the Sea Fury since Doom Bar is pretty much omnipresent and this was something slightly different. It was a very good, coppery pint, so I had a second. The place seemed to be reasonably busy with both drinkers and diners, locals and visitors so it looks like it’s doing a number of things right. Full marks to the owners for saving the place.

3 out of 5

The Kicking Donkey, Ormskirk, L40 8HY

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Kicking Donkey, Ormskirk

Called in here for lunch and a pint after a morning trip to Ormskirk. On the northern outskirts of the town, surrounded by fields, so slightly dislocated from it. Very attractive building exterior, lawn with table and chairs at the front, car park round the back. Inside is somewhat rustic and traditional, it’s not trying to be anything that it isn’t. There's a good collection of Beer Guides on a shelf, so looks like it’s been serving quality beer for quite some time.

Interior photo of The Kicking Donkey, Ormskirk

Three hand pumps offering Tidal from the nearby Neptune Brewery, Alias from Tatton Brewery and Lancaster Blonde from Lancaster Brewery, so clearly supporting local producers. I had the Tidal which was a fresh and fruity pale ale that slipped down very nicely alongside some fish, chips and mushy peas. It’s a great little pub that deserves supporting and it obviously gets it, long may it continue.

4 out of 5

The King’s Head, Aylesbury, HP20 2RW

GBG 25

Exterior photo of King’s Head, Aylesbury

Took a little bit of finding, it’s up a narrow alleyway, though the A board on the street and the overhead sign should have pointed me in the right direction, but what a place! A Grade II* medieval coaching inn, owned by the National Trust and run by the Chiltern Brewery. Two bars, the Farmer’s Bar and the Great Hall, the former is the regular pub side of the business, the latter is more a small bar / restaurant with table service, but in a wonderful room with exquisite stained glass windows. There’s also a courtyard that operates as a beer terrace. Unusual, wonderful, unique.

Interior photo of King’s Head, Aylesbury

Six hand pumps in The Farmer’s Bar, one out of action, so the choice was between Chiltern Pale Ale, Beechwood Bitter, Gold, Chiltern White all from Chiltern Brewery or Sandford Orchards Devon Red Cider. I chose the Pale Ale, a light and refreshing drink that went down a treat. The Farmer’s Bar was very comfortable, what a wonderful way to wind up an evening. Hunt it out, fantastic spot, good beer selection.

5 out of 5

The White Hart, Aylesbury, HP20 1UR

GBG 25

Wetherspoons pub located in a late 20th century commercial building. Tables and chairs outside, fairly traditional Wetherspoons interior. The one exception was that at the time I visited it seemed that the clientele were mainly in their 20s and 30s, unlike the perhaps more normal Wetherspoons age distribution (better representation of people in their 40s, 50s, 60s etc).

As far as beer goes there was the usual Wetherspoons wide range of ales and good value food. It was fairly busy inside and out so people were obviously enjoying the experience. If you’ve been to a Wetherspoons before, you know what to expect (this one did have a small statue of a White Hart inside, see interior picture).

2 out of 5

The Aristocrat, Aylesbury, HP21 7SZ

GBG 25

Oh dear, town planners. Not quite a pub on a roundabout, but a pub and a small collection of homes and businesses on what is now a small triangle of land with three lanes of cars circulating in a clockwise direction in close proximity around them. Not too difficult to access if the roads aren’t too busy, no doubt it largely best manages the traffic, but perhaps not really ideal for the residents or business users. It's a Grade II listed property, it's an Asset of Community Value, so it's obviously got a lot going for it and is recognised by the local population.

Sorry, couldn't really put my finger on it, but this place just didn't work for me, perhaps it was just me. I seem to recall that the beer choice was quite limited when I visited, I had London Pride, don’t recall there being a lot of other options. Still, it seems to be thriving in somewhat challenging circumstances and supports the local community, so it’s doing a number of things right.

3 out of

The Hop Pole, Aylesbury, HP19 9AZ

GBG 25

On the north west edge of the town centre, it looked like a recently converted house to pub to me, but apparently has been a pub for a good number of years (and it actually sits on the line of Akeman Street, a Roman road). Quite large premises, seems to stretch back further than you might think possible and tables and chairs outside at the front. The front part of the premises were pretty busy and it certainly seemed to have a very good beer and bottled beer collection, as well as some tasty treats, plain or black pudding sausage rolls.

Ten hand pumps, not all working but there was still a great choice, Overtime from the Bristol Beer Factory; Beechwood Bitter from the Chiltern Brewery; Miniature Cymbals Pale Ale from Verdant Brewing; Balderdash, a brown ale from ABC (the Aylesbury Brewing Company); Red Kite plus Gravitas from the Vale Brewery (another couple of very local beers); and finally Wiper and True’s Best Bitter. I tried the Miniature Cymbals, a pale, crisp and clean refreshing drink that worked a treat. Great spot.

4 out of 5

The Weir, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 2JB

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Weir, Walton-on-Thames

On the south bank of the Thames, next to Sunbury Lock, hence the name and originally built as a stop for river / canal passengers. Obviously a popular spot, there were something like 30 to 40 picnic benches set out on the terrace at the front and to one side staff seemed to be refurbishing another 10 or so for the coming summer months. Obviously a popular place. Very nice inside, quite a traditional layout but updated and neat and tidy. Not sure everyone on the terrace could find shelter in the pub in the event of a heavy downpour, but not my problem, nor anyone else's today.

Interior photo of The Weir, Walton-on-Thames

Four hand pumps, so it was a choice between Brakspear Gravity, Wainwright Gold, Vanguard from Titsey Brewing or Hogs Back American Pale Ale. I chose the Gravity, didn’t want anything too strong, wouldn’t encourage the walk that was planned for the rest of the day. It was most enjoyable, but we were on a beer terrace next to an attractive spot on the Thames on a warm and sunny Friday lunchtime, so that’s hard not to like.

4 out of 5

The George, Staines, TW18 4EE

GBG 25

Wetherspoons pub with the fairly typical Wetherspoons interior, lots of fairly dark wood panelling. Apparently there’s been a pub here for around 700 years, though the 20th century saw it converted to shops, before returning to pub use under Wetherspoons.

There was the usual good range of beers and pub grub that you come to expect from Wetherspoons, all at very reasonable prices. It’s very similar to the vast majority of Wetherspoons in the country, you might like that, or you might prefer a bit of variety.

2 out of 5

The Last Hop, Staines, TW18 4SU

GBG 25

Opposite The Swan, see below. Not going to say too much about this place because it was a bit of a disaster, we must have visited at a bad time on the wrong day. Perhaps I need to come back again. It used to be the Thames Side Brewery Tap Room, before its current use.

Most of the beers seemed to be off (we found this out after they served us two or perhaps three different ones), we ended up with Beach Party Pale Ale, think this was all they had left. Interesting, fresh, VERY fizzy, like drinking a tropical lemonade.

1 out of 5

The Swan, Staines, TW18 3JB

Finished our walk in good time today, made it to our accommodation, so decided to visit the pub opposite and see what that was like. It’s a Fuller’s pub on the south bank of the Thames, with tables and chairs out the front spilling on to the river bank. Inside is neat and tidy and it perhaps looks like a smart hotel rather than a spit and sawdust watering hole. Plenty of room inside and some people were tucking into food which looked and smelt quite tempting.

Pretty good beer choice, four hand pumps, so it was a choice between Fuller’s ESB and London Pride; Renegade Master, a hazy pale ale from Tiny Rebel or Proper Job from St Austell. Proper Job hadn’t ben an option for a while and it took me back to the many days of walking the South West Coast Path, so it was a trip down memory lane and a Proper Job for me. Very refreshing, just what you needed after 12 or 13 miles in warm weather.

4 out of 5

The Windsor Trooper, Windsor, SL4 3BZ

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Windsor Trooper, Windsor

Last stop of the night, just to the south of the town centre. There was a fairly large area as you walked in with table and chairs, a broad corridor on the left hand side that led to a rear room with a further good number of tables and chairs and some outdoor space to the right hand side and rear of the pub. The front portion of the the pub was pretty busy, but there was plenty of available space in the rear room.

Interior photo of The Windsor Trooper, Windsor

Six hand pumps, all dispensing something different; Adnam’s Southwold Bitter; Citra from Oakham Ales; Green Man IPA and Hung, Drawn ’n’ Quartered from North Cotswold Brewery; English Bitter from Stardust Brewery; and Malvern Gold, a medium dry cider from the Malvern Cider Company, so quite the choice. I selected the English Bitter which turned out to be a fine golden ale and a fine way to end the evening.

4 out of 5

The Carpenter’s Arms, Windsor, SL4 1PB

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Carpenter’s Arms, Windsor

Well didn’t this place look attractive with outdoor tables and chairs in a narrow, cobbled street just to the south of the Castle complex and with its delicate outdoor lighting on as dusk falls. Inside was equally pleasant, lot of wood, a series of wide passageways with tables and chairs to the side, multiple levels, quite brightly lit, access to a door at the rear of the premises. Presumably it was a popular haunt for members of the woodworking community. It wasn’t terribly busy when I visited, so there was plenty of choice for a spot to sit at.

Interior photo of The Carpenter’s Arms, Windsor

Eight hand pumps, though the clips on three suggested they were all serving Nicholson’s Pale Ale, but Landlord from Timothy Taylor’s, Bass, Doom Bar, London Pride and Wainwright Gold were also available. I had the Wainwright Gold which as expected was a light golden ale that slipped down very nicely. Great pub, very good location, good choice of beer, well worth a visit.

4 out of 5

The King and Castle, Windsor, SL4 1PL

Exterior photo of The King and Castle, Windsor

Unlike Marlow, this was more like your established Wetherspoons premises. This was a former chemists, and took its name from the bust of Edward VII on a plinth above the passageway to the right of the pub, see photo, and the fact that it’s opposite a tower in the north west corner of Windsor Castle. Union Jack bunting on prominent display inside - presumably a pretty regular feature.

Interior photo of The King and Castle, Windsor

As far as beer goes there was the usual Wetherspoons wide range of ales and good value food. It wasn’t very busy, it did have the pretty standard Wetherspoons dark wood panelling, so pretty much the standard Wetherspoons set up. Not much more I can say.

2 out of 5

A Hoppy Place, Windsor, SL4 3BN

GBG 25

Exterior photo of A Hoppy Place, Windsor

Clearly a converted small shop that no longer sells T-shirts or whatever, but instead offers a range of cask, bottled and canned beers. Quite small and narrow inside, with the front premises offering tables and chairs and the bar tucked away at the back. I was in just before 7pm and it was pretty quiet, perhaps I had missed the after work crowd but arrived before the evening got going properly (but watch out, because closing times are different nearly every day of the week, from 8:30pm to 10:30pm). There’s a beer garden out the back, but I sat in the front and watched the world pass by the front door.

Interior photo of A Hoppy Place, Windsor

They seemed to have a couple of cask beers on, Route Two from the local Indie Rabble Brewing Company and Easy Pale Citra from the nearby Stardust Brewery and there were half a dozen or so other (non-cask) beers available plus ciders. I went for the Route Two, which was a dark and complex bitter and not something I would normally have in our warmer summer period, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Nice to see the high street being kept alive by small businesses.

3 out of 5

The Windsor & Eton Brewery Taproom, Windsor, SL4 1SE

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Windsor & Eton Brewery Taproom, Windsor

Not a high street premises, instead located in a group of small light industrial units, surrounded by traditional brick terraced properties, just to the north of Windsor town centre. It doesn’t quite ooze kerb appeal from the outside, but it’s very different inside, functional, contemporary, plenty of tables and seats, great beer choice, what more could you ask for? There was a small mezzanine floor above the bar offering some extra space. It was reasonably busy, everyone from groups of drinkers, chaps playing some impenetrable (to me) bar game featuring a wooden board and what looked like sliding pucks, to parents with young schoolchildren who were doing their homework at the table. The whole place just had a very pleasant and enjoyable feel to it.

Interior photo of The Windsor & Eton Brewery Taproom, Windsor

Eight hand pumps, two out of action, but still a range of 6 beers from the Windsor & Eton Brewery. The choice today was between Conqueror (a black IPA), Sligo Bay (Irish red ale), Last Drop (rose red bitter), Koh-I-Noor (IPA), Knight of the Garter (golden ale) and Guardsman (best bitter). I had the Koh-I-Noor IPA, which was a crisp and refreshing drink at the end of a warm afternoon. Most pleasant, could and perhaps should have stayed longer, but there were more pubs to visit in Windsor, so off we go …

5 out of 5

The Royal British Legion / The General, Marlow, SL7 1NT

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Royal British Legion / The General, Marlow

This pub seemed to be in transition from being known as The Royal British Legion club, to The General (note, regular entry for Royal British Legion or CAMRA members). Looked from the outside like they’d recently spent a bit of money creating a children’s area and outdoor drinking area. They’d spent some money on the inside too and I don’t recall coming across anything quite like it, certainly not in the UK. There was a snug, seemed to be quite a few people in there, a larger traditional bar with a large open space area in the middle of the room and tucked around the perimeter were a series of tables, in very modern booths or compartments, each with their own TV and presumably you could watch whatever you wanted (it was Champions League football the night we were there). Most unusual, very pleasant.

Interior photo of The Royal British Legion / The General, Marlow

Three hand pumps at the large bar, perhaps more / different beer choice in the snug. All the beers were from the Rebellion Beer Company, this time it was IPA, Roasted Nuts and Overthrow, I thought I’d try the Overthrow, hadn’t seen in on offer before. It was a pale, golden ale with a delightful fresh and fruity taste, slid down a treat while watching some football. We were the only people in the large bar, but then a Tuesday may not be a busy night for them and the regulars were probably in the snug. Full marks for spending some money, inside and out, in order to attract customers and keep the place viable.

4 out of 5

The Two Brewers, Marlow, SL7 1NQ

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Two Brewers, Marlow

Traditional pub tucked away from the main street, close to the River Thames. Picnic benches down the drive on one side of the pub and what looked like some other premises beyond that. Very nicely updated inside, a clean, traditional, functional look. It wasn’t particularly busy the night I visited, although there were a group of casually dressed people that came in from ‘out the back’ with name badges on, so perhaps there were some sort of corporate event happening back there, they soon seemed to disappear again, perhaps they were in the premises to the rear. The pub had a very pleasant feel to it.

Interior photo of The Two Brewers, Marlow

Four hand pumps, though one seemed to be out of action. All the beers choice was from the Marlow Brewery AKA the Rebellion Beer Company - their IPA and Smuggler along with their beer of the month, which at the time was Tempest. Went for the Tempest, hadn’t really seen or noticed it before. It was a very pleasant coppery beer which slid down a treat. It’s a lovely little pub, tucked away in a fairly quiet spot, very pleasant indeed.

4 out of 5

The Grand Assembly, Marlow, SL7 3HH

Exterior photo of The Grand Assembly, Marlow

Slightly surprised on our travels through Marlow to spot a Wetherspoons, turned out this place had only just recently opened, well, had to go and see what it was like. Not quite as much dark wood interior fittings as your more traditional Wetherspoons, this place was long and somewhat narrow, it featured brickwork, exposed services at the ceiling, small booths down one side of the room, parquet flooring, beer terrace to the rear. All in all, a slightly different look and feel to a conventional Wetherspoons.

Interior photo of The Grand Assembly, Marlow

Of course there was the usual Wetherspoons wide range of ales and good value food. It was fairly busy with drinkers and early evening diners. There’s usually a venue specific note on the front of the menu that tells you a bit about the history of the premises, there was a bit of lack of details here, it had previously been a shop, in fact it seemed to take its name from the premises next door. A welcome addition to Marlow.

3 out of 5

The Bird in Hand, Henley, RG9 1SB

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Bird in Hand, Henley

Just a short walk, three or four minutes, from the town centre brings you to this pub which has been in the Beer Guide for the last 30 years. Quite traditional from the outside and the same on the inside, but absolutely nothing wrong with that. Bar in the corner and an L shaped room for drinkers with a TV showing sport if desired (and it was desired, there was a now local Nottingham Forest fan in the neighbourhood). Apparently there’s a very pleasant beer garden out the back, but unfortunately we didn’t see any of that.

Interior photo of The Bird in Hand, Henley

Five hand pumps, all serving beer, two from Marlow Brewery - Rebellion IPA and Smuggler - Boltmaker from Timothy Taylor, Fuller’s London Pride and Brakspear Bitter. I had the Brakspear Bitter which was a most enjoyable copper coloured beer that slipped down a treat. Varied clientele, families, lone drinkers, football on TV watchers, the landlord engaged with everyone very positively, there was just a good caring, community feel to the place somehow. Most pleasant and enjoyable.

4 out of 5

The Catherine Wheel, Henley, RG9 2AR

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Catherine Wheel, Henley

I actually stayed at this Wetherspoons pub (hotel), rooms upstairs were fine and pretty good value. A large and attractive courtyard / beer terrace is accessed through the old coach or tradesman’s entrance on the right hand side. It’s long been a coaching inn and the building is Grade II listed. As might be expected, the pub displayed typical a Wetherspoons interior with dark wood panelling and plenty of tables and chairs. There are actually two bars, one on the left hand side of the building and one on the right.

Interior photo of The Catherine Wheel, Henley

It offered the usual Wetherspoons wide range of ales and good value food, obviously including their breakfast range early in the morning. Good to see Wetherspoons keeping the place going, it’s a big old unit and it can’t have been easy introducing too many necessary changes to bring it up to date in what is a Grade II listed building.

3 out of 5

The Plough, Shiplake, RG9 4BK

Called in here at the end of a walk, it was a convenient watering hole after a spot of exercise. Has been extensively and tastefully refurbished in the last 2 or 3 years, the garden space was very impressive, watch out for the low beams on the inside . Very much focusses on quality food. There were a reasonable number of customers inside for the middle of a Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. Everything, inside and out, was neat and up to date, without losing the traditional feel of the place. We elected to sit outside, we were the only ones out there.

Doesn’t have a real ale option, I settled for the Marlow Brewery IPA, the other choice was bitter from Loddon Brewery. The IPA was fine, but always likely to be after walking 12 or so miles. Staff were very good and on the ball, when they realised I wanted an interior picture of the bar, they insisted on tidying a couple of things up before I took the shot. In terms of a dining pub, it would be a 4 out of 5, but no cask ale so, unfortunately …

2 out of 5

The Hop Leaf, Reading, RG1 2QZ

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Just outside the town centre on what looked to be a fairly busy road during the day, but surrounded by both residential and commercial properties. Very traditional inside, not very busy, there was a maximum of two other customers when we were there, but it was getting towards the end of the night, so perhaps they were past their peak. The one very notable feature, which you don’t see very often these days, was the bar billiards table, didn’t see anyone playing it while we were there.

Six hand pumps, New Forest Ale from Downton Brewery plus Summer Lightning, Crop Circle and Entire stout from Hop Back Brewery (it’s a Hop Back pub). I had the Summer Lightning which was very pleasant and most enjoyable. Could just be me, but I’d be slightly worried if this was my local pub, didn’t strike me as a viable business, but what do I know, perhaps they were doing a roaring trade earlier in the day.

2 out of 5

The Alehouse, Reading, RG1 2BH

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On a street corner in the heart of the town, with a couple of picnic tables outside, presumably aimed at customers that wanted a quick smoke since the view is nothing to write home about. Quite small and slightly quirky inside. Lot of wood, small bar area, but up some stairs towards the back were a series of different little wooden booths which you could squeeze into and enjoy your drink. Lots (and I mean thousands) of hand pump clips seem to decorate most of the walls and ceilings inside. It’s a well established pub that’s gone through various changes of names and owners through the years.

Throughout that time, the one consistent thing it’s been known for is serving good beer. Nine hand pumps here, though one out of action, but still there was plenty of choice. I’m not going to list them all, enough to say there was a wide variety of beers from a range of breweries most of them local to the area. I went for the Tickety Boo from Vale Brewery in Aylesbury, a copper coloured beer that was not too strong and most enjoyable. Great drink, great pub.

5 out of 5

The Hope Tap, Reading, RG1 1EP

We called in to this Wetherspoons pub to grab something to eat. Typical Wetherspoons interior with dark wood panelling, plenty of tables and chairs and reasonably busy with punters grabbing drinks and a bite to eat. This place was originally the pub belonging to the Hope Brewery that stood on this site, hence the name. The brewery is now long gone, apparently ceased to be in the middle of the nineteenth century.

It offered the usual Wetherspoons wide range of ales and good value food. Perhaps because it wasn’t too busy outside, it was reasonably busy with drinkers inside all enjoying the fairly standard Wetherspoons experience. If you’ve been to a Wetherspoons before, you know what to expect.

2 out of 5

The Allied Arms, Reading, RG1 2LG

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Exterior photo of The Allied Arms, Reading

Looked old and attractive from the outside and it was very much the same ion the inside. You don’t enter via what looks like the main front door, instead go up the passageway to the side and go in the door there. There’s a room at the back and a room at the front, both with bars, but when we were there the bar in the back room was the one that was operational. It was reasonably busy, so we took our drinks into the front room. Lovely old historic interior with timber beams and there is a beer garden at the back as well, perhaps wet should have checked that out.

Interior photo of The Allied Arms, Reading

Five hand pumps, four in operation, so the choice was between Fullers ESB, Hullabaloo from Loddon Brewery, Nuts and Crosses a milk stout all the way from Buxton Brewery and Mesmerist a cloudy soft pale ale from Siren Craft Brew. I chose the latter - only 3.4% - but it was a fresh, citrusy drink that slipped down very nicely. It’s a lovely traditional pub in the heart of Reading, well worth a visit.

4 out of 5

The Nags Head, Reading, RG1 7XD

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Exterior photo of The Nags Head, Reading

Another popular and busy pub, plenty of people inside relaxing and socialising in shabby chic surroundings. Plenty of tables and chairs, good atmosphere, a variety of games if you wanted to sit down and pit your wits against your friends, there’s a darts board in one corner. There looked to be a beer garden out the back. From the certificates on the wall it’s clearly been a regional winner of CAMRA awards for over 10 years and on the strength of this visit you can see why.

Interior photo of The Nags Head, Reading

A dozen hand pumps serving all sorts of beers from a variety of brewers, so much choice. I plumped for Memento from Siren Craft Brew in nearby Wokingham and it was a pale, light, refreshing drink. Just the sort of thing you want on a warm spring evening. Delightful drink, great pub, can’t and won’t say any more, go and explore it for yourself.

5 out of 5

The Foresters Arms, Reading, RG1 6NY

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Exterior photo of The Foresters Arms, Reading

Took a little bit of finding, you approach it along a narrow residential street which started out quite narrow but did widen a bit by the time you reached the pub. It was early on a Bank Holiday Sunday evening and the place was pretty busy, it’s obviously a loved and well supported local. There’s a reasonable long, slightly narrow, room with the bar towards the back left hand corner. French doors at the rear open out onto a beer terrace, which seemed pretty busy. There was sport showing on TV which might have accounted for the number of people and they were setting up DJ mixing desk as we were leaving (before things got super lively).

Interior photo of The Foresters Arms, Reading

Four hand pumps, but only two serving beer when I visited, so it was a choice between Rebellion IPA and Guardsman from the Windsor & Eton Brewery. Had tried Rebellion a few times up to now, hadn’t seen Guardsman before (planning on visiting the Windsor & Eton Brewery Taproom in a couple of days time), so I chose that. It’s a copper coloured beer, not too strong (4.2%) and it proved very enjoyable. Apparently it was one of the first beers made by the brewery, might have a chance to try some more later in the week.

3 out of 5

The Greyhound, Whitchurch-on-Thames, RG8 7EL

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Exterior photo of The Greyhound, Whitchurch-on-Thames

Passed here on a walk in the middle of a warm Sunday afternoon, looked attractive from the outside, so it would be a shame to not spend half an hour over a drink. Very attractive wood panelled bar, neat quite traditional interior but very nicely set out and furnished, taller customers just need to watch out for the low headroom wooden beams in the ceiling. Nice rear beer garden, which was quite busy with family groups, dog walkers, cyclists, walkers. People were coming and going all the time I sat there and latterly the band for the evening’s entertainment were setting up on the terrace.

Interior photo of The Greyhound, Whitchurch-on-Thames

Five hand pumps, but only three serving beer when I was there so the choice was between Miniature Cymbals from the Verdant Brewing Company in Falmouth, Rebellion IPA from Marlow Brewery and XT4 from XT Brewing in Buckinghamshire. Being hot and bothered I elected to have one of those new fangled, chilled, Continental lager drinks. Very pleasant after the best part of a day’s walk was complete and the end was almost in sight.

3 out of 5

The Lion, Newbury, RG14 1BD

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Final pub of the evening and boy was it a noisy, busy place. Could have had something to do with the fact that there was live band playing in the front portion of the place and it seemed to draw quite a crowd. It made conversation a little challenging, though slightly easier in the back half of the pub (if you’re interested, the band seemed to be belting out popular music hits from the late twentieth and early twenty first century). The pub is tucked away just to the north west of the town centre centre and well surrounded by residential properties, it looked like a good number of their neighbours had called in for a drink and some live entertainment.

Eight, yes eight, hand pumps serving Pale all the way from the Full Circle Brew Company, in faraway Newcastle upon Tyne, and 6X and Horizon, from Wadworth in Wiltshire, each being dispensed from a pair of pumps, so three out of operation and beer choice a little reduced. Perhaps the thirsty public had started to drink the place dry! I selected the Horizon which was a light coloured, refreshing and citrusy pint. A nice way to end the evening.

3 out of 5

The Lock, Stock & Barrel, Newbury, RG14 1AA

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Exterior photo of The Lock, Stock & Barrel, Newbury

Tucked down an alleyway which gives access to the Kennet and Avon canal, amongst other things, on its way from Bristol to Reading. The Lock part of the pub name comes from the adjacent canal feature. It was dark and cool by now, so sitting outside on the roof terrace wasn’t a realistic option, but presumably this would be a popular spot on a warmer occasion. The waterside terrace wasn’t really any more appealing but again would undoubtedly be in high demand on a warm weekend. Downstairs in the pub was a long and fairly linear space with windows facing the canal, which proved an ideal spot to savour a drink.

Interior photo of The Lock, Stock & Barrel, Newbury

Six hand pumps, but they all doubled up to serve three beers, it’s a Fullers pub so the choice was down to their London Pride, ESB or Spring Sprinter. I couldn’t recall having seen Spring Sprinter before, so I chose that and it was a fresh, light and zesty beer. Just the thing at the end of a long day. It is fortunate to be at a very attractive location so that just nudges the score up a touch to give it a perhaps slightly generous three.

3 out of 5

The Hatchet Inn, Newbury, RG14 5BD

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Exterior photo of The Hatchet Inn, Newbury

Wetherspoons pub with a large terrace area at the front, which unlike the Catherine Wheel immediately below, was not particularly busy, perhaps everyone was enjoying the usually generous space found inside. Well the bar was basically one side of a narrow corridor and that led onto a fairly typical Wetherspoons interior of dark wood panelling and an area with tables and chairs for drinkers.

Interior photo of The Hatchet Inn, Newbury

As far as beer goes there was the usual Wetherspoons wide range of ales and good value food. Perhaps because it wasn’t too busy outside, it was reasonably busy with drinkers inside all enjoying the fairly standard Wetherspoons experience. If you’ve been to a Wetherspoons before, you know what to expect.

2 out of 5

The Catherine Wheel, Newbury, RG14 5D

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Exterior photo of The Catherine Wheel, Newbury

Called in here to see what the offering was on an early Saturday evening. The bar was reasonably busy, but the beer terrace to the rear and side was very busy. They’ve used the covered archway to the side of the pub as an enclosed outdoor area, there were various smaller covered booths and an open hard paved area, so a number of combinations that work very nicely in warmer weather. It was fairly busy out here with groups of 2 to 6 plus enjoying this social space. Quite a few people were eating, pies seemed to be at the forefront of their menu.

Interior photo of The Catherine Wheel, Newbury

Six hand pumps, all working and all serving different beers, so it’s off to a strong start. The options were Rebellion IPA from the Marlow Brewery, Railway Porter courtesy of Bond Brews, Barbarian as produced by the triple fff brewery, Renegade’s Good Old Boy, Dragonfly from Loddon and finally County Best all the way from the Exeter Brewery, so overall an extensive choice. I chose the reasonably local Rebellion IPA, a lovely drink that slipped down a treat.

4 out of 5

Delphic Brewing, Newbury, RG14 5DR

Exterior photo of Delphic Brewing, Newbury

Not in the Beer Guide, but I became aware of this place through a customer conversation at the nearby Cow & Cask, I was passing so it seemed a good idea to step in. It’s in a very striking building with a low rise arched roof, with the exterior painted in black and white which adds to its impact. Inside there’s the brewing equipment, bar and a seating area all below a very attractive and fine wooden lattice roof structure. Previous uses of the premises include an agricultural engineers business, a snooker hall and an aftermarket car part shop - good to see the building adapted to a new use - sustainability! The place was very busy, but there were some seats outside too and I managed to grab one of those as they came free.

Interior photo of Delphic Brewing, Newbury

Three hand pumps all offering their own beer, Ponderosa, Productivity Club and World’s End. The bar staff were being kept pretty busy keeping up with customer demand. I plumped for the Ponderosa, a light coloured and fresh pale ale, most enjoyable in the evening sunshine. Could this be a future Good Beer Guide entry? I wouldn’t be surprised, they seem to be doing a lot of things right. Nice to see the building brought back to life and serving a very useful purpose.

4 out of 5

The Cow & Cask, Newbury, RG14 5DP

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Exterior photo of The Cow & Cask, Newbury

Boy, did this place take some finding! Doesn’t exactly shout out “here I am”, quite difficult to spot if you haven’t been before and no real effective signing to help guide you. Quite small and simple inside, comes across as being run by a beer enthusiast for beer enthusiasts. No hand pumps, casks are kept on the side wall of the pub in insulated covers and simply rely on gravity to fill the glass, it couldn’t get more straightforward. The place was quite busy so I opted for a seat outside at the front which overlooked a small, quiet parking area.

Interior photo of The Cow & Cask, Newbury

Great beer choice - too many to mention - as you might be able to see from the blackboard on the left hand side of the image above, plus 20p off a pint for CAMRA members, every little bit helps. I chose the Moondance, from the triple fff brewery, a light coloured pale ale which was sharp and refreshing. There seemed to be a reasonable turnover of customers - presumably locals - so it seems to be well supported. Might be difficult to find, but well worth searching out.

4 out of 5

The Bowler’s Arms, Newbury, RG14 6TW

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Exterior photo of The Bowler’s Arms, Newbury

Interesting spot, this bar is part of the Falkland Cricket Club, but open to all, and situated in the southwest outskirts of Newbury. In trying to find it, I first ended up at the spot next door where the second eleven cricket team play, in slightly less glamorous surroundings. Should have known I wasn’t in the right place, the cute but tiny pavilion was smaller than the gents toilet of the main club itself. Anyway, got to where I wanted in the end and there was a game of cricket being played, so plenty of people sitting with a drink in the sunny terrace outside or around the edge of the ground watching the match being played out. This meant that the bar, which was smart and modern, wasn’t too busy.

Interior photo of The Bowler’s Arms, Newbury

TThree hand pumps, but only two were serving beer, so the choice was between Timothy Taylor’s Landlord and Tribute from St Austell Brewery. I went for the Tribute, which was its consistently good self, and grabbed a seat outside close to the boundary (but behind some netting, just in case). It was a lovely spot on a warm and sunny afternoon and full marks to the club for encouraging casual visitors and making the effort to get in and stay in the Good Beer Guide.

3 out of 5

The Brasenose Arms, Cropredy, OX17 1PW

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Exterior photo of The Brasenose Arms, Cropredy

Lovely little country pub, 400 or so years old and in a building that was previously a number of cottages. It seemed to have a pretty smart, new interior but what it also had was loads of outdoor space devoted to customers, including regular picnic tables, pods, a tented area under a lightweight cover plus an outdoor bar. Perhaps a sign of what’s needed when the pub hosts its summer musical event and on the other occasions when the village is amok with tourists. Apparently it’s the only pub in the country with this name.

Interior photo of The Brasenose Arms, Cropredy

Three hand pumps, but only two serving beer when I was there, so the choice was between Timothy Taylor’s Boltmaker and Landlord. I went for the Landlord and took my drink outside. All the pods were occupied so I had to make do with a seat under the canopy which did a good job of keeping me in the shade and out of the direction sun. The drink was good, there were plenty of people outside and it looked like everyone was settling down for a fine afternoon.

3 out of 5

The Forum, Hexham, NE46 1XF

Former cinema, now a Wetherspoons pub, but still (somehow) seems to host film showings on a regular basis (nor clear to me how they pull this off). Anyway, it’s supposed to bear signs of the cinema’s original art deco interior, but I couldn’t really see too much evidence of that. The entrance soon leads you into a fairly typical Wetherspoons interior, the only real sign of an alternative earlier use was an area at the rear where the floor level drops about 5 feet into a medium sized space with tables and chairs for drinkers.

As far as beer goes there was the usual Wetherspoons wide range of ales and good value food. It was fairly busy with drinkers and early evening diners. Just a shame that a bit more of the character of the cinema hadn’t been retained, but perhaps the condition of the cinema wasn’t good enough to make that an option. Pretty much the standard Wetherspoons set up.

2 out of 5

The Grapes, Hexham, NE46 1NQ

Tucked away in what is now a narrow, quiet, back street in the town, but presumably at one time, before the town centre was developed for motor cars and tourists, was part of a thriving commercial area. I called in at half past five on a Saturday afternoon and the place was packed. A real mixture of customers, couples, families, groups out for a drink - I got chatting to a couple of lads who were on a night out from Newcastle - they loved the place, “football on TV, a pool table and darts”!

Two hand pumps but only one serving beer, so it had to be Corby Blonde from the Great Corby Brewhouse. It proved to be a light, zesty, refreshing beer, most enjoyable drink, just as well because there was very limited choice. So probably not a pub for cask ale fans, but obviously ticking a lot of boxes for a lot of people, so they must be doing something right.

2 out of 5

The Taproom, Mumbles, SA3 4AS

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Well I turned up here just after lunch, should have been open, but no, well and truly shut up. I gave it up as a missed opportunity, but then on my way back to the town centre from the Beaufort Arms it was open (and empty). So it offers the output from the Gower Brewery, a local business that’s been in production for almost 15 years and has gone from strength to strength, increasing production, moving to larger premises and picking up numerous accolades along the way. Inside it’s a modern, stripped back look that works very well, it’s filled with Gower Brewery product, beer, clothing, knick-knacks, so something for everyone.

I was slightly disappointed to find that there only two hand pumps, I had expected a couple more to promote their range, so it was a choice between Gower Gold (their most popular beer) and Spring Tide (a zesty Pale Ale). I chose Spring Tide and it was indeed a most enjoyable, refreshing drink, very nice on a warm afternoon. This is a great little pub, in the middle of the main shopping street in Mumbles, fronting a thriving local business.

3 out of 5

The Beaufort Arms, Mumbles, SA3 5TF

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Exterior photo of The Beaufort Arms, Mumbles

So the back story here is that the company that used to run the pub closed it down in the mid to late 2010s, but a husband and wife team thought they could keep it going so they stepped in, bought it and proceeded to introduce a series of improvements so that it was maintained as an active asset for the community. It was reasonably busy when I visited, with what largely seemed to be locals, so it looks like the efforts to keep the place going have been appreciated. It’s an L shaped room, with what looked like a small beer garden to the rear. Everything was neat and tidy. Classic rock playing in the bar, but not too overpowering. Note, cash only, which is absolutely fair enough if you’re trying your very best to invest in your business.

Interior photo of The Beaufort Arms, Mumbles

Four hand pumps, though only three dispensing beer when I visited. So the choice was between Beaufort Best Bitter, Jemima’s Pitchfork courtesy of Glamorgan Brewing and Bass. I thought I’d better try their own brew though I was very tempted to pick the exotically named offering from Glamorgan Brewing. Never mind, this gives me a reason to return. Their beer was very good and on casual observation seemed to be being enjoyed by a good proportion of the punters. Best wishes to the team for continued success.

3 out of 5

The Victoria Inn, Mumbles, SA3 4DB

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Exterior photo of The Victoria Inn, Mumbles

Tucked away in a residential area just off the road along the seafront so not terribly easy to find, but slightly easier if you’re approaching or visiting on foot because it’s narrow roads with lots of resident’s cars and not to many obvious parking opportunities. To make things slightly easier they have painted it in a ‘vibrant’ colour, perhaps not to everyone’s taste. Very quiet when I visited, but it was just after they opened (4pm). I thought the interior was very nice, perhaps a little bit dark, but the bar was well lit and seemed to very pleasantly highlight the reason why people visit. One or two locals came in after me, so seems to enjoy local support.

Interior photo of The Victoria Inn, Mumbles

Five hand pumps with a mixture of local and national beers - Nectarbomb Pale from Grey Trees, Jemima’s Pitchfork courtesy of Glamorgan Brewing, Racing Pigeons from Electric Bear Brewing in almost nearby Bath, Doom Bar and Bass, I plumped for the Nectarbomb, which looked slightly cloudy to me, but had a lovely fresh, fruity taste to it. All in all a cracking little pub in a tucked away spot - just a shame about that exterior paint choice!

4 out of 5

The Pilot, Mumbles, SA3 4EL

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On the sea front in Mumbles overlooking Swansea Bay, traditional looking pub with a no nonsense sign outside, "No large groups, hen or stag parties, fancy dress". Lovely up to date but traditional interior, reflecting it's location and history, there's a wooden boat keel incorporated into the bar ceiling. L shaped bar with a slightly raised seating area to the back of the pub. Seemed to be popular with both locals and tourists. I got into quite an interesting discussion about the future of Swansea FC, Luka Modric had just invested in the club, locals were very excited.

Seven hand pumps, three serving their own beer - Gold (a light coloured bitter), Pilot Light (described on the pump tab as a "premium bstrd lager) and Black Storm (a stout) - plus Proper Job, Old Speckled Hen, Bass and London Pride, so plenty of choice and variety. Well I had to try the Pilot Light to see what that was all about - very nice, refreshing, easy drinking, it slid down a treat. Lovely spot, worth searching out.

5 out of 5

The Woodman, Blackpill, SA3 5AS

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Exterior photo of The Woodman, Blackpill

It's not in Swansea, it's not in Mumbles, it's in a community located between the two. It was late afternoon, pretty wet (both the weather and myself) so this seemed like a good spot to get out of the rain and enjoy some internal liquid. Looked neat and tidy from the outside, there's quite a large car park to the side of the property. Inside it became very clear that this was now really a dining pub rather than a traditional watering hole. Nothing wrong with that, you need places to cater for everyone, there were lots of families tucking into or ordering food. The interior looked to have been spruced up, everything looked pretty fresh and tidy.

Interior photo of The Woodman, Blackpill

For the beer drinker there were five hand pumps, two dispensing Yardbird, Abbot Ale, Old Golden Hen (it's a Chef & Brewer pub, a brand owned by Greene King) and Wadworth 6X. l decided to try the 6X which I remember as a lovely characterful pint, though not quite so distinctive in recent years. It was the same again her, enjoyable enough, but not the outstanding drink I remember. Still, if you didn't enjoy that they did have a few alternatives. So this place seems to combine fairly successfully food for the family and beer for the beer drinker, well done.

3 out of 5

The Uplands Tavern, Swansea, SA2 0PG

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Uplands Tavern, Swansea

Just outside the city centre, but a 20 minute walk through the suburbs soon got me there. Terrace at the front, though only really looking out over a traffic signal junction, so perhaps not the most inspiring view. Inside, it seemed quite dark to me, just the sort of spot you might choose for an illicit meeting! Quite a lot of wood, brick and other hard surfaces. Island bar in a pentagon shape was a bit unusual. Music ephemera, there's a mural on the wall (quite good, I thought), album artwork, music playing. All very pleasant and a bit different really.

Interior photo of The Uplands Tavern, Swansea

Four hand pumps, Abbot Ale, Hopping Special, Greene King IPA (it''s a Greene King pub) and Flo Rider from the Glamorgan Brewing Company were the choices. I decided to try something different, so plumped for the Flo Rider, described as a tropical pale ale. Very enjoyable, fresh and fruity, it slipped down a treat. The beer is actually a nod to the company's three directors who are undertaking a charity cycle challenge in Florida in support of a Welsh specialist cancer care and support centre, which seemed a wonderful gesture and a great idea to produce a beer to raise awareness.

3 out of 5

The Potters Wheel, Swansea, SA1 5JE

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Exterior photo of The Potters Wheel, Swansea

Second Wetherspoons in Swansea, this one in a most striking building from the outside, the orange vertical stripes certainly catch your eye. It's on the edge of a roundabout and it seemed to perhaps be the longest Wetherspoons establishment in the country. Interesting, because when you step inside it looks like the shallowest Wetherspoons in the country, front window to the back of the bar seemed to take all of 12 paces. Usual Wetherspoons interior.

Interior photo of The Potters Wheel, Swansea

As for beer, there was the usual good range of ales, good value food plus plenty of tables and chairs. It was fairly busy with drinkers, individuals and families having lunch and a drink. Pretty much the standard Wetherspoons formula, just packaged up in a slightly strange shape.

2 out of 5

The No Sign Bar, Swansea, SA1 1EG

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Exterior photo of The No Sign Bar, Swansea

Now the observant will spot that this place is next door to the Bank Statement, see 2 entries below, but the latter opens at 8am whilst this place opens at around noon, hence my quick trip to the Queen's Hotel before visiting here. That's not the only difference, the No Sign Bar is narrow and slender, even more historic, seems to have imported wines and spirits from Europe for several centuries. There's a beer garden / terrace towards the rear, plenty of tables and chairs inside and what looked like more space upstairs. It's all very pleasant in a traditional / contemporary mix, overall a very pleasant space to spend some time in with a drink and probably good for a bite to eat.

Interior photo of The No Sign Bar, Swansea

Four hand pumps, but one out of action, so the (fairly local) beer choice was Gower Gold from Gower Brewery, O3 Boss from Cwrw Otley and North to the Future from the Bristol Beer Company. I opted for the Gower Gold (didn't want to end up in any discussion with the barmaid about the the O3 Boss brewer!) and found a table and chair to sit at and enjoy my drink admire the surroundings. Great beer, lovely surroundings, could have stayed a lot longer (almost a 5 out of 5).

4 out of 5

The Queen's Hotel, Swansea, SA1 1TY

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Exterior photo of The Queen's Hotel, Swansea

Opens at 11am on a Monday, so I thought I'd visit early, but at 11:10 the front door was still firmly shut. No problem, I can go for a 25 minute walk around the marina, I thought. Still not open just after 11:30, but with enquiries at a side door it turned out the electricity was off, due to open shortly, step inside and wait if you want. I did just that. There's a nice, almost classical curved brick facade and inside the place has a bit of a 1970s feel, but that's not a criticism. The bar wraps round through what might have been two rooms at one time. Lots of ship and docks pictures on the wall. There seemed to be some chat about the place being sold and subject to a makeover, that might be a shame.

Interior photo of The Queen's Hotel, Swansea

TFour hand pumps, all serving different beers, two national (Theakston Best Bitter and Old Peculier) and two much more local (from Grey Trees there was JPR's Pale Ale and Original from Gower Brewery). I thought I'd try the Pale Ale and it was a pleasant and most enjoyable drink. So, pretty good beer choice, fine traditional surroundings, what's not to enjoy. Finally, the carpet to my eyes was classic 1970s, a very busy pattern that had seen the passage of 5 million dock workers feet over the years. It fitted in perfectly and felt so right.

4 out of 5

The Bank Statement, Swansea, SA1 1EP

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Bank Statement, Swansea

Wetherspoons pub in a winding street that is lined with some very handsome and impressive buildings from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. You can imagine quite a few, like this one, having been financial institutions or involved in seafaring business. A fairly typical Wetherspoons interior, lots of fairly dark wood panelling, but nicely preserved original features, three very attractive round windows high up on an interior wall, perhaps originally providing light to the banking premises and beautiful plasterwork on the ceilings. It was fairly early (10:30am), but the place was reasonably busy with people grabbing a coffee, enjoying a breakfast or tempted by an early drink.

Interior photo of The Bank Statement, Swansea

The usual good range of beers that you come to expect from Wetherspoons, all at very reasonable prices. They have a formula and they generally roll it out very successfully. There's always a frequently changing range of cask beer, good value food, perhaps the only down side is that internally they generally all look very similar, are we in Swansea or are we in Swanage? Oh for a bit of variety.

3 out of 5

The Ring O'Bells, Lathom, L40 5TE

Exterior photo of The Ring O'Bells, Lathom

I've passed this place for years and always thought it looked quite interesting. Large, squareish brick building, next to the Leeds Liverpool Canal at Lathom, just outside Burscough. Refurbished interior, with a large modern single storey eating area added on to the rear, overlooking a terrace area and the canal. It's got plenty of green space around it and it's perhaps now really more of a restaurant with a small original bar attached, rather than an out and out drinking only spot. Still, it's very modern and comfortable and looked good for a midweek pint and a bite of lunch.

Interior photo of The Ring O'Bells, Lathom

There were three hand pumps, all serving different beers, Theakston XB, Old Golden Hen from Morland Brewing and 6X from Wadworth. I decided I'd try the XB with my sausage, mash and onion gravy, both were very enjoyable. I could imagine that being close to the canal, the towpath and having a good terrace and adjacent area of grass, this place could be chock a block on a weekend with good weather. Fairly good cask ale selection, so perhaps a place that ticks a lot of boxes for families.

3 out of 5

The Dog Inn, Whalley, BB7 9SP

GBG 25

Called in on a Tuesday afternoon in mid January, wasn’t sure what to expect, but what an enjoyable experience. There were probably 4 or 5 groups of people, just over a dozen customers plus a couple of people sitting at the bar. It’s a country pub in the heart of the town, hunting and shooting prints on the wall, a fishing rod and shotgun also decorate the place. Plenty of room, a yard out the back with rustic tables and chairs. There’s plenty of local competition - Whalley village has grown in recent years, not something long standing residents are necessarily too happy about - there are plenty of other pubs and bars to choose from, but this place was spot on.

Six hand pumps, all serving different beers, Ruby mild from Rudgate, Yammerhouse pale ale from Northern Whisper, Revivalist amber ale from Moorhouses, Antipodean Pale from Brewsmith, Barncliffe Bitter from plus Mosaic from Hawkshead Brewery. So quite the choice and all from the region. I had the Yammerhouse all the way from Rossendale and it was a pale, fresh, citrusy pint which slid down a treat, pity I was in the car.

4 out of 5

Hartley's, Preston, PR1 8BS

I hadn't been in here for something like 20 years, this could in fact have been the first visit this century. Used to come here on a semi regular basis, the seating area outside at the front was a pleasant spot in a sunny afternoon, though not very large so not always easy to get a seat there. It was redeveloped from Matthew Brown’s Oddfellows Arms in the late 1980s or very early 1990s, not sure I ever visited in the Oddfellows era. It’s handy for the centre, tucked just 25 yards off the main shopping street in Preston.

A little quirky inside, main bar on one side, small snug at the back, some interesting wall decoration, but, I’m afraid, nothing particularly interesting in the beer department for me. No cask ales, had to make do with the keg supplied Shipyard Pale Ale from Carlsberg Marston’s, it’s a Marston’s pub now. Probably a fine place if you want a lager or a G&T, but I’m afraid not the place for an interesting and tasty pint.

1 out of 5

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