gatheral.com

Pub Visits - 2024

Inspired by the Good Beer Guide

My 2024 Pub Diary

This is a list of pubs I visited in 2024 many of which were in CAMRA's (Campaign for Real Ale) Good Beer Guide

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. The guide is published in late summer / autumn and if a pub is in the current Good Beer Guide when I have visited it then you'll see one of these badges next to it.

GBG 25

GBG 24

If you want to visit my 2023 pub list, then you better have a look here.

Visits in 2023

If you want to visit my current list, then you better go to the homepage.

Homepage

2024 Facts & Figures

66 pubs visited for the first time as a CAMRA member
2 pubs (regrettably) scored at 1 out of 5
5 pubs (gloriously) scored at 5 out of 5
Average score through the year of 3.39

The Lion, Liverpool, L2 2BP

GBG 25

Another street corner pub, this one traditional from the outside and equally traditional from the inside. I entered from Tithebarn Street, into a small lobby area, turn left for the public bar, turn right to the lounge bar. I turned left and found a reasonably long bar in the centre of the pub, with an open doorway in the rear wall that led through to the bar in the lounge. The lounge bar looked fairly quiet, the public bar was pretty busy, but it was that time of year.

Five hand pumps, Langton Spin and Skyline from Peerless across the water in Birkenhead; Blonde Vixen and Crafty Fox courtesy of the Wilyfox Brewery in nearby Wigan; and finally Lancaster Black from the not too far Lancaster Brewery. So 5 varied ales all from pretty local sources, top marks for supporting local suppliers. I tried the Blonde Vixen which was light, fresh and a pleasure to sample. Traditional outside and in, including a public and lounge bar, must be worth an extra half mark, so it's ...

4 out of 5

The Denbigh Castle, Liverpool, L2 2AW

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Denbigh Castle, Liverpool

Called in here for a quick drink, hoping to find a quieter spot away from the Christmas crowds, it’s tucked away on what is today a very minor road, but what’s supposed to have been a very early road in the growth of Liverpool from a village to a metropolis. Looked like it had been recently and nicely decorated from the outside and it was equally well been brought top to date in the interior as well. Yes, it was busy, but I managed to get served without too much trouble and found a location that wasn’t too busy. I could see people going down a stairway so it looks like they have further space downstairs, which would be useful at the time of year.

Interior photo of The Denbigh Castle, Liverpool

Five hand pumps, 4 beers - Best Bitter from Kirkstall Brewery, Vanishing Point as produced by North Brewing, plus Arpeggio and Holy Trinity from the very local Colbier Beer - and 1 cider, Mango from Lilley’s. I chose the Vanishing Point, a not too strong blonde ale which went down a treat. I should really have stayed to sample the one of the Colbier beers, but the place was getting busier and busier, space was becoming a little restrictive and service at the bar looked a little bit challenging. Onwards and upwards.

3 out of 5

Ma Boyle's (Alehouse & Eatery), Liverpool, L1 1BH

GBG 25

Exterior photo of Ma Boyle's (Alehouse & Eatery), Liverpool

Another ‘pub’ at the end of a cul-de-sac, if you keep on walking you end up in a churchyard. Now it’s an early Friday evening in mid December and this place is very busy. It struck me that in reality, it’s a restaurant which also sells a bit of beer, but perhaps on a Thursday evening in March the look and the feel of the place is very different.

Interior photo of Ma Boyle's (Alehouse & Eatery), Liverpool

Two hand pumps, one out of action, so it was Yellow Submarine from the nearby Rock The Boat Brewery. I sat outside, I wasn’t the only one, plenty of people arriving and doing the same - it was ‘fresh’ - the beer was very pleasant, some might be disappointed by the limited choice. On reflection, perhaps it’s more of an eatery than an alehouse, but it’s Christmas, so I won’t mark them too harshly.

2 out of 5

The Dispensary, Liverpool, L1 2SP

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Dispensary, Liverpool

Cain’s pub on a corner plot, looks quite small when viewed from the main road, but there’s much more frontage on the side street, so a good deal of room inside. Plenty of tables and chairs inside and some large TV screens, so could be lively and busy during football matches. Judging by the decorations on the wall this looks a good spot for Liverpool fans. It was reasonably busy when I visited, but there was space soI managed to get a table and a comfortable seat. Clientele looked like a mix of tourists, regulars and people who were warming up for a Christmas Friday night out.

Interior photo of The Dispensary, Liverpool

Five hand pumps, with Plum Porter and Plum Porter Grand Reserve from Titanic Brewery, Rattucino (a milk coffee stout) from the Rat Brewery, Butterley from Ossett Brewery and then one hand pump with 2 tabs, perhaps the Citra from Oakham was being served and the White Rat, again from Ossett Brewery was lined up to replace it. I opted for the Butterley, a very pleasing light ale with enjoyable throat lubrication properties.

3 out of 5

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, Liverpool, L1 9BX

Exterior photo of The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, Liverpool

I hadn’t originally planned to nip in here, but after leaving The Belvedere and on the way to The Dispensary it was an obvious stopping off point so I grabbed the opportunity. Impressive and imposing on a corner plot bounded by two busy fairly roads, wildly ornate doorway leading to a grand wood panelled interior. There’s lovely mosaic floors, wonderful glazing, a large circular bar at the heart of the premises, with rooms and areas off the bar. Busy with diners, drinkers, people calling in just to wander around and enjoy the place with a drink in their hand (don’t forget the ornately decorated gents urinals). Wonderful institution, long may it continue.

Interior photo of The Philharmonic Dining Rooms, Liverpool

Ten hand pumps, one out of action, so you had choose from Proper Job, Tribute, Nicholson’s (all St Austell’s Brewery), Ghost Ship (Adnams) Wainwright Gold (Marston’s), Mad Goose (Purity Brewing), Bah Humbug (Hobgoblin), Citra (Oakham) and Black Sheep (eponymous). I went for the Mad Goose, found a table in one of the smaller rooms (Liszt) and enjoyed the beer, the atmosphere and seeing visitors wandering around just marvelling at the place. You really can't do the place justice with just two photos.

5 out of 5

The Belvedere, Liverpool, L7 7 EB

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Belvedere, Liverpool

At the end of a very short cul-de-sac off Falkner Street it’s a lovely old fashioned two room pub. The bar is in the room on the right hand side and it takes up about half the available space, so things must get a bit cosy when you have a dozen or so drinkers in there. More room on the left hand side of the premises and they even have space for tables in there. The ‘wall’ between the two halves featured some internal decorated frosted glazing, a neat feature though it looked fairly modern to my eye, perhaps the original glazing didn’t stand the test of time. Friendly welcome, the bar area was fairly busy with Friday afternoon drinkers getting ready for Christmas.

Interior photo of The Belvedere, Liverpool

Four hand pumps, with Imperium from Wantsum Brewery (Kent), Princess Warrior courtesy of Wilde Child Brewing (Leeds), Golden Kingdom all the way from Brew York (no need to explain) and Carmen from Carnival Brewing (just down the road), so nothing too dark and heavy here, but presumably that’s just what the punters want. I went for the Golden Kingdom which was a lovely fresh and fruity drink. Not sure that there were too many customers in the other half of the pub, but the bar area was fairly busy.

3 out of 5

The Caledonia, Liverpool, L7 7DX

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Caledonia, Liverpool

Traditional street corner pub, close to the University of Liverpool’s city centre campus, not named after any North British love or connection, but after an early Cunard mail ship that took correspondence across the Atlantic to the United States. One medium to large room with a high ceiling and interesting tables and chairs - might take you back to your schooldays. There’s a traditional, sort of shabby chic, interior decorated in a very pleasant way. It was very quiet on the early Friday afternoon in December that I visited, but there was a friendly welcome. Lovely to see a traditional pub updated, operating in a modern manner and succeeding.

Interior photo of The Caledonia, Liverpool

Five hand pumps, though one out of action, so the choice was Rosie’s Continental Cider from Wrexham, Transformer a local porter from Carnival Brewing and a couple from Brass Castle Brewery in Malton, Bright (a pale ale) and Bad Kitty (vanilla porter). I plumped for the Bright, which had a most enjoyable fresh, citrus taste. Overall a very pleasant half hour, perhaps just a shame that more people weren’t enjoying some time there too, a lively night in here looked like it could be a lot of fun.

4 out of 5

The Augustus John, Liverpool, L3 5TX

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Augustus John, Liverpool

In the heart of the University of Liverpool city centre campus, so a bit of a challenging find, not one you're going to drive past nor spot from the road. Looks quite 1970s from the outside and the interior layout and velour upholstery backs that up. Very cosy inside which was much appreciated on a cool December day. Clients seemed, unsurprisingly, to be largely students or university staff, it almost felt like you were in an institution's private members club, although it clearly welcomes all. I got there just after noon, not too busy but it did get fairly full pretty quickly. They serve food, which is good if you enjoy pizza, only three versions to choose from, but well worth trying.

Interior photo of The Augustus John, Liverpool

Seven hand pumps, though only six in operation when I visited, 2 ciders (perhaps popular with the student community, if that’s not me jumping to an ill considered conclusion), 3 pale-ish ales - Shropshire Gold from Salopian - Chummy Bluster from Gun Brewery (my choice) - Pacu from Neptune Brewery, a gluten free offering - and Old Magic, a dark mild from Magic Dragon Brewing. So with the exception of a stout (perhaps that had been on the hand pump the was now out of action) a pretty good and varied offering. Good choice, good pint, good time.

4 out of 5

The Platform Bar, Hexham, NE46 1EZ

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Platform Bar, Hexham

Small, yet perfectly formed. I guess it must have originally been some sort of passenger waiting room, but now it’s been tastefully transformed into a very neatly presented ‘pocket’ pub. Very tastefully decorated with cream walls and gloss deep red painted features, lovely wooden floorboards along with historic maps, historic pictures and railway memorabilia hanging on the walls. Not the biggest of establishments, there's tables and chairs around the perimeter of the room and a bit of space in the centre for a couple of groups to gather. Very comfortable, very friendly, very relaxing.

Interior photo of The Platform Bar, Hexham

Five hand pumps, though one was out of action so the choice was between Muckle Tickle from Muckle Brewing in nearby Haltwhistle, there were two beers from the equally local North Shields, they were a stout, Darkside of the Toon, from the Three Kings Brewery and a pale ale, Strict Machine, from Darwin Brewery plus an Apples and Pears cider by Lilley’s all the way from far-flung Somerset. So quite a good choice, especially for local brewers. I tried the Muckle Tickle which was a perfectly pleasant light, golden ale.

4 out of 5

The Beaumont Hotel, Hexham, NE46 3LT

Exterior photo of The Beaumont Hotel, Hexham

I was staying here and whilst it’s not a pub, there is of course a hotel bar, so it might be interesting to explore what the options were for a beer drinker. It’s a very low key, relaxed sort of place, with a bar, dining area and a few tables and chairs for drinkers to the right as you walk in, more tables and chairs to the left and a number of tables and chairs outside in the street when the weather is willing. There was a very lively atmosphere here on the Friday evening and an equally pleasant atmosphere on the Saturday evening.

Interior photo of The Beaumont Hotel, Hexham

Two hand pumps, so a pretty good attempt to keep beer drinkers happy. Wagtail Best Bitter from the Allendale Brew Company and Helios from the Full Circle Brew Company in Newcastle. I tried and enjoyed them both over the 2 nights, coming down slightly in favour of Helios, a lovely, pale, refreshing, citrusy beer which is easy and delighful to drink. Overall, a great spot to grab a glass of beer (and a fine spot to spend a couple of nights - I’ll come back).

3 out of 5

The Heart of Northumberland, Hexham, NE46 3NS

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The Heart of Northumberland, Hexham

This looked a lovely, traditional establishment from the outside, the building is Grade II listed and has plenty of kerb appeal. Equally nice inside, tables and chairs either side of the door, a corridor up the middle of the room, with a bar on the right hand side and more tables and chairs to the left. It looked like there was a room at the back, though I never ventured that far. The premises had been derelict for a number of years but was returned to a pub in 2015, what a great job they’ve made of it. Lovely pub feel and buzz about the place, it was all decked out in its Halloween livery.

Interior photo of The Heart of Northumberland, Hexham

Five hand pumps, though one was out of action, so the choice was between Doom Bar, Wainwright Gold and the much more local Wagtail Best Bitter and Pennine Pale Ale from the Allendale Brew Company, a hop, skip and a jump away. I went local and sampled the Pennine Pale, a light coloured and fresh beer which slid down very nicely. As I left I passed a table of five who were being served with what looked like very good food and they were at the same time refreshing their glasses.

4 out of 5

The County Hotel, Hexham, NE14 1PS

GBG 25

Exterior photo of The County Hotel, Hexham

Called in here on a Friday at 5:30pm, the place was fairly busy with what looked like casual drinkers, people having a drink after work and one or two groups of people at the start of a (big?) evening out. Brightly lit, L shaped bar, a number of distinct rooms and areas and plenty of tables and chairs. It is an hotel, so they have a dining area and signs directing residents to reception. It felt more like a hotel with a large bar, rather than a pub, but perhaps that’s only natural.

Interior photo of The County Hotel, Hexham

Three hand pumps each with regional beers, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Timothy Taylor’s Landlord and Tyneside Blonde from Hadrian Border Brewery. I hadn’t tried - don’t think I’d seen - the latter before, so I plumped for that. It turned out to be a very light coloured and refreshing beer, 3.9% so not too strong. I could have stayed for more, but there were more spots to visit.

3 out of 5

New Beer Guide

Good Beer Guide 2025

14 September 2024 - The Good Beer Guide 2025 pops through my front door, not the traditional front cover by any manner of means, now we're on fictional pubs, with options for the west and east halves of the country. The more usual picture postcard view of a pub is also available if you wanted.

It's a chance to see what's new, what's dropped out, which community now has an entry etc.

Marriott's Warehouse, King's Lynn, PE30 5DT

Exterior photo of Marriott's Warehouse, King's Lynn

Stopped here for lunch whilst on a visit to King’s Lynn. It’s Grade II* listed and this brick warehouse was originally constructed for the storage of corn, salt and wine when Kings Lynn was a major port and trading centre with Europe. There’s a very nice terrace at the front next to the quayside, so an ideal spot for lunch and an enquiry into the beer situation.

Interior photo of Marriott's Warehouse, King's Lynn

Success, two hand pumps, Twin Coast from Sharp’s and Pintail from Moon Gazer in Fakenham. I tried the Twin Coast with my club sandwich and it was all very nice indeed. An extra half point because of the location and tremendous heritage aspect means it just makes a 3.

3 out of 5

The Caley Hall Hotel, Old Hunstanton, PE36 6HH

Exterior photo of The Caley Hall Hotel, Old Hunstanton

Stayed here for a few nights on a Norfolk holiday, wasn’t really expecting anything on the beer front. There’s a very pleasant hotel bar at the front of the property, that was pretty quiet when we visited it, as the picture shows, with a terrace area outside. Very comfy, probably doesn’t get too many people walking in off the street.

Interior photo of The Caley Hall Hotel, Old Hunstanton

Yes, one hand pump, serving Elwood’s Cambridge Bitter which is brewed fairly locally. Bonus! A bit unfair to give this place a 2 out of 5 since they have gone to the trouble to serve cask beer, but I don’t want to give the impression that this place is a beer drinker’s paradise, it’s just a very pleasant hotel that’s made a very good effort.

2 out of 5

Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn, Banbury, OX16 5NA

Exterior photo of Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn, Banbury

Loved it. Traditional. Bags of character. Good beer choice (it’s a Hook Norton pub). Multiple rooms. Great interior. Terrace out the back. That’s it, you need to go and visit the place yourself.

Interior photo of Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn, Banbury

Six hand pumps two serving Hooky plus Hooky Gold, Old Hooky, Hooky Mild and Off the Hook from the other four. Now just get along there and experience it for yourself.

5 out of 5

The Coach and Horses, Banbury, OX16 5JH

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Coach and Horses, Banbury

Quite a large pub, looks quite traditional and historic from the outside, with numerous different rooms and spaces, including a very pleasant terrace at the back, which was ideal when a local band were blasting out cover songs at 120dB inside! Didn’t really explore too much inside and I guess the regular room(s) layout might have been adjusted for the band. Interior looked to have undergone an bit of a refresh to bring the place up to to date.

Interior photo of The Coach and Horses, Banbury

It’s another Hook Norton pub, so they obviously had a very good offering from their brewery - Hooky, Hooky Gold, Old Hooky, Off the Hook and Red Rye on five of the hand pumps - plus Rosie’s Pig, a rhubarb cloudy cider from Weston’s, on the sixth. Old Hooky for me, nice pint, worth another visit (when things are a bit quieter).

3 out of 5

The Exchange, Banbury, OX16 5LA

It’s a Wetherspoons pub in the former Head Post Office building, perhaps they didn’t have as much to work with as they did in Abingdon, at least it hasn’t been stripped out and fully replaced with the standard kit of dark wood panelling, dark wood table and chairs, but nor has it been repurposed in quite the same way as the Narrows. The pale upper walls do at least lighten things up a bit.

It wasn’t particularly busy when we were there and it did offer the usual Wetherspoons formula, a good range of beer at very competitive prices and good value food, so if that’s what you’re in the market for you won’t be disappointed.

3 out of 5

The White Horse, Banbury, OX16 0TH

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The White Horse, Banbury

Well it’s the North Oxfordshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 2024, so it must be doing something right. Set back off the main road, looks solid, substantial and imposing from the outside, multi roomed with knick-knacks scattered throughout on the inside and there’s an outside terrace if you want some fresh air. Considering it was still early evening it was fairly busy inside and out. We sat in a room at the back close to people that were tucking into what looked and smelled like some very good food.

Interior photo of The White Horse, Banbury

Beer wise, there were five hand pumps serving beers from Everards - Tiger and Nemesis - along with Wipeout from the Little Ox Company, Captain Bob courtesy of the Mighty Oak Brewery and Azacca from the 4T’s Brewery in Warrington. I tried the Nemesis which was a limited edition Pale Ale and eminently enjoyable and drinkable at just 3.7%. Delicious, well done the White Horse on the award.

4 out of 5

The Three Pigeons, Banbury, OX16 2ED

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Three Pigeons, Banbury

Part thatched and quaint historic property, unfortunately now on the corner of a fairly busy crossroads. Expect low ceilings and doorways but there is a very pleasant beer garden / terrace out the back where low headroom is not a problem and the nearby traffic doesn’t distract you too much. There weren’t too many people inside, most were out the back enjoying a fine Friday evening.

Interior photo of The Three Pigeons, Banbury

Three hand pumps, although one was out of action, so the choice was between Doom Bar and Pure Gold from Purity Brewing. I tried the Pure Gold and it was a very good, light and refreshing drink to enjoy outside on a bright Spring evening while putting the world to right. A lovely little pub, just suffers slightly from modern highway development.

3 out of 5

The Broad Face, Abingdon, OX14 3HR

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Broad Face, Abingdon

Close to the River Thames, in fact the road that runs down the side of this place is called Thames Street. The building is Grade II listed and it’s very neatly and presented from the outside and enthusiastically updated inside - too enthusiastically perhaps - it’s supposed to be the only pub with this name in the country! It was getting towards the end of the evening and the place was pretty empty. The combination of the bright lights and lack of customers gave the whole place a bit of a clinical feel.

Interior photo of The Broad Face, Abingdon

Eight hand pumps here, Brainstorm (Spitting Feathers Brewery), Pure UBU (Purity Brewing), Yardbird (Greene King) plus Punk not Funk, PG Steam, Old Red Mild, Doonicans and Pitchfork (all from Nuttycombe Brewery). Spoilt for choice, I tried and enjoyed the PG Steam, it was quite a zesty and fruity IPA and a very pleasant way to end the evening. Nice pub, slightly let down by the interior and not helped by the lack of punters.

4 out of 5

The Narrows, Abingdon, OX14 5AA

GBG 24

Wetherspoons pub in the former Post Office in the High Street, the doors either side of the premises have a crown and ER insignia above them. This Post Office was the last one in the country to have a manual telephone exchange, that all came to an end in 1975. A slightly unusual interior for a Wetherspoons, but very attractive and contemporary.

The usual Wetherspoons offering, a good range of beer at very competitive prices, good value food but this time in smart, contemorary surroundings - no sign of wood panelling here. Why can’t they create more like these.

4 out of 5

The Brewery Tap, Abingdon, OX14 5BZ

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Brewery Tap, Abingdon

Lovely old traditional looking pub from the outside and just the same inside, where it seemed to look like very nicely crafted and created randomness. Plenty of tables and chairs and customers tucking into what looked like some very good food. It was the local outlet for Morland brewery, some of whose redeveloped premises and land are at the rear of the property. The brewery closed in 2000, at the time it was the second oldest brewer in England.

Interior photo of The Brewery Tap, Abingdon

Six hand pumps, although one was out of action, but the rest were dispensing Doctor Ron (Lovelier Brewery), Good Old Boy (Renegade Brewery), Rebellion IPA (Marlow Brewery), Red Admiral (Animal Brewing) and Knowle Spring (Timothy Taylor). I had the Rebellion IPA and it was a very refreshing and enjoyable drink. Good choice of beer from a wide range of brewers, a lot to be admired here.

4 out of 5

The White Horse, Abingdon, OX14 5DW

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The White Horse, Abingdon

Perhaps three quarters of a mile west of the town centre, though it seemed a lot further than that when we went to it, we seemed to be walking and walking forever. Situated on the corner of a fairly busy crossroads, with a large beer garden at the front which was very popular, food and drinks were being distributed all around. The pub itself was pretty quiet, perhaps not too surprising given the fine weather. We sat outside and were largely unaware of traffic passing nearby, well done the substantial heges.

Interior photo of The White Horse, Abingdon

Four hand pumps, but beer choice was a bit limited the night we were there (think that might have had a busy holiday weekend), only one was operating, so we had the Greene King IPA. It was fine, but it would of course have been even better to have had a bit of choice. But with a touch of generosity it’s a ...

3 out of 5

The Nag's Head, Abingdon, OX14 3HX

Exterior photo of The Nag's Head, Abingdon

What have we here. A pub on a very small island in the middle of the Thames and next door to Abingdon. Given the location they have a very pleasant and fairly large decking area and terrace out the back, along with a pop up style bar, where you can have your drink or meal with the Thames sliding past you on either side. Perhaps really set up as a slightly upmarket dining pub it’s all very laid out and furnished, inside and out.

Interior photo of The Nag's Head, Abingdon

Four hand pumps, two beers from Brakspear (it is their pub) Gravity and Oxford Gold, Landlord from Timothy Taylor and Abingdon Bridge from the Loose Cannon Brewery, so full marks to them for doing their best to keep beer drinkers satisfied. I had the local Abingdon Bridge, well I felt I had to given the location. Lovely pint, especially after a long and warm day’s walk.

4 out of 5

The White Horse, Oxford, OX1 3BB

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The White Horse, Oxford

Final pub of the night, pretty quiet inside, which was perhaps just as well because it is fairly small and narrow, things were a bit busier on the seating area outside. Inside there’s a lot of dark wood and beamed ceilings, so the whole place felt very traditional. Apparently another favourite Inspector Morse refreshment stop.

Interior photo of The White Horse, Oxford

Six hand pumps, Citra from Oakham Ales, Pure UBU from Purity Brewing, Landlord from Timothy Taylor, What’s Trub Got To Do With I from the Loose Cannon Brewery, Weston’s had Rosie’s Pig, a rhubarb cloudy cider and the final pump had been serving a Black Sheep beer, but that was now off. So Landlord it was and a nice end to the evening.

4 out of 5

The Bear, Oxford, OX1 4EH

GBG 24

Nipped in here next, in the centre of the city, but it was getting towards the end of the evening and places were becoming a bit quieter. Small bar area, but we had a medium sized room towards the back of the property to ourselves. Interesting wall and ceiling decorations, gents ties of all kinds, many framed, with a pinned note of explanation “BBC Club, 23/7/69”, “MacIntosh Hunting”, all a little strange.

Four hand pumps, three beers from Fuller’s, London Pride, HSB and Oliver’s Island alongside Weston’s Old Rosie (cloudy) cider at 6.8% (no thank you). I plumped for the Oliver’s Island at a much more acceptable 3.8%, which was light, delicate and refreshing. A great little spot, especially when it’s fairly quiet and you can admire the cravats (if that's your thing).

3 out of 5

The Chequers, Oxford, OX1 4D

GBG 24

I didn’t think this was the easiest place to find, it’s tucked down an alleyway on the south side of the High Street. It’s in an old, quirky building with an interesting collection of objects and artefacts in the interior and additional space outside with tables and chairs in the alleyway. Seems to strongly appeal to the younger, student market, so we fitted in nicely. Oxford United were on television, trying to reach the League One playoff final, so the atmosphere was good.

Six hand pumps, Bays Brewery Orangutan (they support conservation), Dark Star from Hophead Brewing, St Austell’s Proper Job and Nicholson Pale Ale, Original from Butcombe and a mild, Ruby from Rudgate Brewery. All in all a very nice range. I had to have the Butcombe beer, to see of it was as enjoyable as it was on numerous trips to the Bath area a few years ago. Not quite what I remember, but very pleasant nonetheless.

4 out of 5

The Royal Blenheim, Oxford, OX1 1PT

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Royal Blenheim, Oxford

Very attractive 19th century pub in an eye catching corner location, looked pretty busy as we approached, it was Quiz Night! What would a quiz night in Oxford be like? A not for the fainthearted version of University Challenge, perhaps. It was packed inside, serious quizzers, serious beer drinkers and serious people that did both. Can’t really tell you too much about the interior, too many people, but the bar was a simple stained and polished wood affair that looked good and worked well.

Interior photo of The Royal Blenheim, Oxford

Ten, yes ten, hand pumps, so much choice. Plum Porter, Iceberg, White Star, First Class and Avalon all from Titanic Brewery (it’s their pub) plus beers from Everards Brewery (Nemesis Session IPA), Broadtown Brewery (Black Llama), Loose Cannon Brewery (What’s Trub Got To Do With It), Stardust Brewery (Optic Pale Ale) and Beartown Brewery (Best). You couldn’t go wrong here. (The quiz didn’t seem TOO hard, but we didn’t stick around for the answers).

5 out of 5

The Jolly Farmers, Oxford, OX1 1LP

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Jolly Farmers, Oxford

Situated on the western edge of the city centre, it’s in a fairly old building that’s been nicely tidied up inside but not at the expense of destroying its character. There’s a series of rooms and spaces, a reasonably sized bar are and a very nice terrace out the back, which was busier than the pub given the fine late Spring evening.

Interior photo of The Jolly Farmers, Oxford

There were just a couple of hand pumps, serving beer from the Oxford Brewery, their Prospect as well as the interestingly named Let the Dragon see the Wolf! I chose the Prospect - easy to order - and it proved to be a light and refreshing ale, not too strong, but a very pleasant way to spend half an hour in this convivial spot.

3 out of 5

The Gardener's Arms, Oxford, OX2 6JE

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Gardener's Arms, Oxford

In a largely residential area to the north of the city centre, this is a corner property, slightly larger than the adjacent houses, although the bar is quite small and compact. There is a large, open, beer garden at the back so plenty of space to settle down in if the weather is fine. Seemed to be well supported by locals, tourists and students when I visited (and made some very judgemental assumptions!).

Interior photo of The Gardener's Arms, Oxford

There were 4 hand pumps in the bar, but one was out of action when I visited. So the choice was Golden Seahawk from Nuttycombe Brewery in nearby Taunton, Oxford Heritage from the even more local Chadlington or Sussex Hoppy from Lister’s Brewery from the lot less local West Sussex. Chose the Golden Seahawk, wasn’t disappointed, nice pint, nice table in the beer garden.

3 out of 5

The Rose and Crown, Oxford, OX2 6LX

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Rose and Crown, Oxford

A lovely little spot on a quiet road just north of the city centre, it’s got significant street presence due to it being painted in a pale, yet bold, pink colour. Quite small and traditional inside - no problem there - with a small seating area outside and the bonus of a very pleasant rear terrace area. Some very tempting looking pies were on display next to the bar.

Interior photo of The Rose and Crown, Oxford

Four hand pumps, serving beer from a range of sources - Old Hooky from Hook Norton Brewery - XT4 courtesy of XT Brewing Company - Trinity supplied by the Shooter Brewing Company - Mesmerist created by Siren Craft Brew - so overall a very pleasant choice. I had the Old Hooky which was most enjoyable and satisfying, especially when experienced in the mellow evening sunshine on the rear terrace. Beautiful.

4 out of 5

The Trout Inn, Wolvercote, Nr Oxford, OX2 8PN

Exterior photo of The Trout Inn, Wolvercote, Nr Oxford

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. The good points. Lovely old building in a drop dead location. On the bank of the River Thames on the north west edge of Oxford. Great terrace and beer garden next to the river. Elegant, nicely furnished and laid out interior. Famous for being an Inspector Morse watering hole.

Interior photo of The Trout Inn, Wolvercote, Nr Oxford

The not so good points. Three hand pumps. No cask beer available. On this visit, seemed more like a restaurant with a bar (of sorts) attached. Not much to attract the beer drinker (Morse would be VERY disappointed).

1 out of 5

The Swan & Castle, Oxford, OX1 1AY

Exterior photo of The Swan & Castle, Oxford

Another Wetherspoons pub, but this time in a fairly new building rather than a neatly converted landmark building. It takes its name from pub that was built in 1896 but demolished in 1968 for the construction of the nearby County Hall. Long history of beer sales here, the 1896 Swan and Castle replaced the 1806 Swan, which in turn had replaced the Nag’s Head which was around in 1667.

Interior photo of The Swan & Castle, Oxford

Bright, modern interior with seats outside and as might be expected the usual good range of beer at attractive prices and the standard Wetherspoons food menu offering a wide range of food that doesn’t hit the wallet too hard.

3 out of 5

The Four Candles, Oxford, OX1 2BE

Exterior photo of The Four Candles, Oxford

Wetherspoons pub, named after a much loved and famed British TV comedy sketch by Ronnie Barker in the 1970s (Oxford was his home town). This place gets nudged up to 3 purely on the memory and strength of the clip.

Interior photo of The Four Candles, Oxford

You know what to expect from Wetherspoons, a very good range of beer at very competitive prices, good value food and a lot of dark wood interior along with plenty of tables and chairs. This one is no different.

3 out of 5

The White Rabbit, Oxford, OX1 2BY

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The White Rabbit, Oxford

Not the easiest place to find, no real street presence, or perhaps we just made hard work of it. It did have what looked like a very pleasant and large outdoor seating area, which was well filled with people in the mellow evening sunshine, inside was a collection of small spaces, so it probably needed the extra capacity. Seemed to serving some very good looking pizzas, pity we weren’t hungry.

Interior photo of The White Rabbit, Oxford

Five hand pumps serving a range of beer, Vale Fork Handles from Vale Brewery, Kia Ora a hazy NZ IPA from Loddon Brewery, Broadtown Brewery’s Best, Bockster a dark lager from the Wriggly Monkey Brewery and 10 Stout from the XT Brewing Company, so a very interesting and pretty impressive range. I settled for the Kia Ora, the haziness seemed a little unusual but it was a very enjoyable drink, quite unlike Kia Ora from my youth.

4 out of 5

The Maybush, Newbridge, OX29 7QD

Exterior photo of The Maybush, Newbridge

Interesting pub, in a rather unusual location. It’s on the Thames, the Thames Path passes next door to it, it’s sandwiched between two road bridges, perhaps 100 yards apart, each with their own set of traffic lights, so it’s quite easy to get to and get away from if you’re walking along the Thames Path, a bit more complicated if you’re arriving or leaving by car. It’s really a dining pub with an attractive decking area out the back, overlooking the river.

Interior photo of The Maybush, Newbridge

But it did have three hand pumps, two dispensing St Austell Tribute and one serving Moor Beer Company’s Revival. I had a pint of the latter, only 3.4%, so not too dangerous, fairly tasty, quite refreshing, slid down smoothly and easily. Quite a nice spot, perhaps not aimed at the beer drinking market, but on a warm summer’s day that decking area and river view will be very pleasant (worth half a star, so 3).

3 out of 5

The Glue Pot, Swindon, SN1 5BP

GBG 24

Last pub of the evening and almost certainly the best. Delightful little corner pub in an area of town that was at one time created for workers in the vast railway works that made Swindon what it is today. It’s a microbar, with very attractive, traditional premises and that evening looked like it was being run in a very workmanlike manner by the owner. Clearly a labour of love.

Eight hand pumps, although two not in action, beer largely from the Hop Back Brewery - Summer Lightning, Citra, Entire Stout, Crop Circle and Spring Zing - plus New Forest Ale from Downton Brewery. I had the Summer Lightning, delightful, fresh, zesty, a beautiful pint. If you can only go to one pub in Swindon, this needs to be top of your list.

5 out of 5

The Sir Daniel Arms, Swindon, SN1 1RQ

Exterior photo of The Sir Daniel Arms, Swindon

Hold the front page! A Wetherspoons pub in what looks like a new build, so striking that I completely forgot to get a photo of the interior. Modern and eye catching exterior, but to be fair they also usually make the best of their more traditional buildings. Inside it’s not quite the standard formula, which was nice for a change.

Interior photo of The Sir Daniel Arms, Swindon

You know what to expect, a very good range of beer at very competitive prices, good value food and plenty of tables and chairs. So, a lot of the usual strong Wetherspoon traits, just in a different wrapper.

3 out of 5

The Wyevern Tavern, Swindon, SN1 1BL

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Wyevern Tavern, Swindon

In a pedestrianised street in the centre of Swindon, its in medium to large two storey premises, plenty of room for tables and chairs downstairs. Nit too busy when I visited, so no trouble finding a seat. Seemed to be well set up for TV sport and there were promoting various games in the Euros football competition over the summer. Had pool tables upstairs which seemed to be fairly busy with a younger crowd pitting themselves against each other.

Interior photo of The Wyevern Tavern, Swindon

Six hand pumps, three serving cider - Black Dragon from Tring Brewery plus Lilley’s Mango cider and their Strawberry cider - which clearly must be what a good deal of their customers enjoy. The beer choice was between Fuller’s London Pride and then two more local offerings, Moose River from the Hop Union Brewery in Bristol and Independence from the Bristol Beer Factory. I plumped for the Independence which was a very drinkable golden pale ale.

3 out of 5

The Savoy, Swindon, SN1 1JL

Wetherspoons pub in a former cinema, so full marks for redeveloping an existing asset - rather than simply demolishing and constructing a new build - and at the same recognising its former use through a larger framed display of movie posters as you enter. The internal layout has a very cinema like layout, large foyer area on entry plus steps down into what must have been the auditorium.

You know what to expect, a very good range of beer at very competitive prices, good value food and a lot of dark wood interior, plenty of tables and chairs. So, unsurprisingly it’s pretty much like 90% of all other Wetherspoons.

3 out of 5

The Beehive, Swindon, SN1 3JS

GBG 24

Now this one took a bit of finding. It’s in a residential area immediately south of the town centre and it’s flatiron shaped in plan due to the geometry of the surrounding streets. Inside it’s pretty traditional, lot of bare wooden floorboards, multiple levels, rooms off rooms, plenty of tables and chairs. The place had plenty of art and curios on display and a tailor’s dummy in a rather extravagant costume, just visible in the picture above, not sure what was going on there.

Half a dozen hand pumps, three beers from Greene King - Olde Trip, Two Bees and Hopping Special - along with Sign of Spring (Stonehenge Ales), East Street Cream (Nuttycombe Brewery) and Bowland Bumble (Bowland Brewery - Clitheroe!) - so a good choice. I went for the Two Bees, a very nice mid coloured ale which went down a treat. This place was well worth the search.

4 out of 5

The Hop Inn, Swindon, SN1 4B

GBG 24

The second and larger of the two pubs, see below, a stone’s throw from each other. This was pretty similar to the original premises, just a bit bigger and a slightly longer bar, so it’s able to offer a wider choice of drinks. I’m not entirely sure how two premises belonging to the same company can survive when they’re so close together, perhaps it does make business sense, maybe there are a good number of customers who much prefer one venue over the other.

Eight hand pumps dispensing beer from eight different brewers, including a house beer brewed for them by Ramsbury Brewery, so you could spend a very comfortable evening here exploring. I tried the Jolly Brewer from Froth Blowers Brewing, Birmingham, and it was fine though not as fruity as the beer I had just enjoyed at the Little Hop, perhaps I simply chose the wrong one.

4 out of 5

The Little Hop, Swindon, SN1 4BL

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Little Hop, Swindon

This micro brewery got established here in 2012, getting more and more popular over the years until 2019 when it moved 25 yards down the road to larger premises, leaving the founding boutique premises to continue what it does well. It’s a fairly typical micro brewery, reasonably austere and stripped back interior, there were a few customers in on a late Bank Holiday Monday afternoon, but we got a seat at a table fairly easily.

Interior photo of The Little Hop, Swindon

Five handpumps, 2 beers from Arbor Ales in Bristol, Blue Sky Drinking and Motueka (Gluten Free!), Spring Meadow from Brew 61, East Street Cream from Nuttycombe Brewery and Stout from Moor Beer, so a good selection from a range of brewers, most of them pretty local. I tried the Spring Meadow, which turned out to be a very fresh, fruity pale ale, most enjoyable.

4 out of 5

The Fleece, Cirencester, GL7 2NZ

Exterior photo of The Fleece, Cirencester

Now this was a bit of a strange place, looked historic and attractive from the outside (probably more so when the scaffold comes down) and quite a small bar but with a good and interesting range of beer. It looked and felt more like a hotel than it did a pub. The other aspect that was a it unusual was ordering beer at the bar, but being told to then take a seat and wait for its delivery. So a sort of compromise between counter service and table service. I tried to say I'd wait to take the drinks to our table, but I was told very clearly that wasn't going to happen.

Interior photo of The Fleece, Cirencester

Four handpumps, all badged Thwaites - we'd come all this way for beer from Blackburn! One out of action, there were 2 serving Thwaites Original and IPA, plus one dispensing III Ale Ceaser from Corinium Ales a micro brewery on the western edge of Cirencester. I had to have that, don't remember seeing it or its brewery offerings before. It was a very tasty and enjoyable IPA that made a very pleasant end to the evening, just a shame about the rather dictatorial rules around service.

2 out of 5

Porters, Cirencester, GL7 1QH

Not in the Beer Guide but this looked like a interesting place. It's quite bright and open plan downstairs, upstairs is largely devoted to gaming and amusements and was much the busier area. Probably a great spot if gaming is your thing, but for me the atmosphere downstairs was a bit disappointing. Perhaps it would have been a different story if there were a few more customers at and around the bar.

Eight handpumps, 1 out of action, but Proper Job, Doom Bar, Otter Bright and Tribute all available plus 3 ciders from Lilley's - Mango, Crazy Goat and Pineapple - so overall a pretty impressive choice. The only downside to my visit was the lack of atmosphere, might have warranted an extra mark on a different night?

3 out of 5

The Twelve Bells, Cirencester, GL7 1EA

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Twelve Bells, Cirencester

Lovely little pub just off the town centre, a Grade II listed building, so quite traditional inside and none the worse for that. Rooms either side of the entrance at the front and a room at the back. They seemed to have a good menu offering, so we went to the room at the back, where we enjoyed some beautiful sausage, mash and gravy - and a pint.

Interior photo of The Twelve Bells, Cirencester

Three handpumps, but only 2 offering beer that night, Wye Valley Bitter and Rapid Ascent from Broadtown Brewery in nearby Swindon, I tried the latter and it was a very pleasant IPA. It wasn't too busy, perhaps not a popular Sunday night spot, but it is a lovely traditional pub and a credit to the town.

4 out of 5

The Hop Kettle, Cirencester, GL7 2PR

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Hop Kettle, Cirencester

This looked like a newish micropub in a unit in a small development - called the Woolmarket, presumably after its previous life - just off the main street in town. A little spartan and austere inside, but with a good range of cask and keg beer. Fairly busy for an early Sunday evening, seemed to be the sort of place where people met up for a drink.

Interior photo of The Hop Kettle, Cirencester

Five handpumps, all of which were serving beer from the Hop Kettle in Swindon (Long Nights, Element, Shellback, NZ Session and C.O.B.) but it's their pub so you have to expect that. Seemed to have an interesting food offer, looked like some sort of occasional street-food offering. Could have spent a bit more time here, but there were other places to visit ...

4 out of 5

The Red Lion, Cricklade, SN6 6DD

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Red Lion, Cricklade

Called in here for a drink at the end of my day 1 walk on the Thames Path, the route goes right through the town (and past the pub). It was fairly busy, a Bank Holiday weekend, and we probably arrived as the last of the Sunday lunch crowd were leaving but before the evening crowd arrived. It was a comfortable and friendly pub, a great spot in an attractive town.

(Apologies for the quality of the interior picture, I took a couple and this one was the best! Must have put the camera on some unusual setting.)

Interior photo of The Red Lion, Cricklade

Seven handpumps, 4 of which were serving beer from the Hop Kettle in Swindon (Western Star, Element, NZ Session and North Wall) and 3 from St Austell Brewery (The Last of the Jed IPA, Tribute and Proper Job) two of which were very familiar from years on the South West Coast Path walks. Having had a fairly long day outside, I opted for the NZ Session, a lovely crisp beer that slid down a treat. A great way to finish a walk.

4 out of 5

The Kemble Brewery, Cheltenham, GL52 2JF

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Kemble Brewery, Cheltenham

Last pub of the night, it was getting late on a Saturday evening now, so I stepped in here to see what the offering was. It's a fairly small (narrow) pub, but it does have a bit of depth to it and a patio area at the back. Fairly quiet, but not far off closing time so perhaps not too surprising, would have been interesting to see the place a bit earlier or on a different evening.

Interior photo of The Kemble Brewery, Cheltenham

Six handpumps and a tour round the country, Shropshire, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Herefordshire (2) and Bristol., so plenty of choice. I opted for the Inferno from Oakham Brewery which was a very pleasant and reasonably light beer to end the evening on.

4 out of 5

The Sandford Park Alehouse, Cheltenham, GL50 1DZ

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Sandford Park Alehouse, Cheltenham

On the edge of the town centre, just along the road from The Strand - see below - this place looked neat and tidy from the outside, but nothing more than that. Inside it was quite modern, fairly minimalist and a patio plus beer garden out the back. It was late on a Saturday evening, the place was reasonably busy, there were plenty of people outside at the back, but we got a table fairly easily.

Interior photo of The Sandford Park Alehouse, Cheltenham

Great beer choice, ten handpumps, great range of beers - including a stout, which kept some members of my party happy - and plenty that were local to the area. There was a busy and bustling atmosphere to the place, it's got a nicely decorated bar area, so what's not to like.

4 out of 5

The Strand, Cheltenham, GL50 1EE

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Strand, Cheltenham

A very striking exterior, beautiful stonework which seems to indicate that at one time half the premises were a business which was ‘By appointment to HRH Prince of Wales’. It looks like two shops have been knocked into one relatively recently established bar. There’s a smart, functional interior but it somehow seemed a little sterile, perhaps not helped by the fact that it seemed very quiet for 9:30pm on a Saturday evening.

Interior photo of The Strand, Cheltenham

The blackboard indicated a good choice of beer was available and there were half a dozen hand pumps, but it wasn’t really too clear if they were in use, beer seemed to be supplied from a series of taps. Perhaps I just visited on a slow evening, the beer was fine, but based on this experience I don’t think I’ll be returning in a hurry. I don’t offer half marks, but I’ll be generous, I might just have visited on an off night.

3 out of 5

The Jolly Brewmaster, Cheltenham, GL50 2E

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Jolly Brewmaster, Cheltenham

Large pub with a strong physical presence in a largely genteel residential area. A very nice circular bar inside, considerable space for tables and chairs plus a beer garden to the rear which included what looked like a pop up bar for use in busy, warm days and evenings. The beer garden is accessible from the arched entrance to one side of the pub, presumably a legacy of when beer or visitors came here by horse.

Interior photo of The Jolly Brewmaster, Cheltenham

Great beer choice, something like a dozen hand pumps all dispensing different beers and ciders. There was space in the beer garden, so that’s where I chose to sit and enjoy my drink. Outstanding.

5 out of 5

The Beehive, Cheltenham, GL50 2XE

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Beehive, Cheltenham

Traditional pub south of the town centre in what seemed to be a trendy residential area. It wasn’t far from Montpellier Gardens which was hosting a free concert that Saturday evening, so the general area was quite busy. The fact that the pub was busy was probably due to it having a good choice in beer and outdoor seating to the front and rear on a fine late spring evening. It was May 4, so there was a party who were part dressed as Star Wars characters and watching them don or change their costumes was perhaps more entertaining than the film itself.

Interior photo of The Beehive, Cheltenham

Seven hand pumps, with beer from mostly local brewers - Goff’s, Sharp’s, Gloucester, Glastonbury, Ramsbury and Timothy Taylor’s plus a cider from Healeys in Cornwall - so a great choice. I sat outside at the back, perhaps not as pleasant or as attractive as a seat at the front, but it was the only available outside spot. I had the Sharp’s Twin Coast Pale Ale which was light and refreshing and slipped down very easily as I watched stormtroopers trying to get into costume. A great spot.

4 out of 5

The Moon Under Water, Cheltenham, GL53 7HA

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Moon Under Water, Cheltenham

A Wetherspoon’s pub in the town centre. They have a good range of beer from all around the country and they’re often in landmark buildings, this one was a former garage premises, and was undergoing some external renovations which made identification from the street a bit challenging.

Interior photo of The Moon Under Water, Cheltenham

I grabbed a drink, enjoyed it and then decided where I was going next.

2 out of 5

The Bank House, Cheltenham, GL50 3JL

Exterior photo of The Bank House, Cheltenham

A second Wetherspoon’s pub in Cheltenham town centre, if you’ve been to one before you pretty much know what to expect. Good range of beer, usually sourced from all round the country, wood panelling, plenty of tables and chairs, good value food offering (they usually have a very cost effective deal for a main course and a pint).

Interior photo of The Bank House, Cheltenham

TWhist they are very competitive and that’s great for customers, they don’t necessarily have a positive impact on neighbouring hostelries. They obviously suit some customers very well, but they are perhaps rather soul-less.

2 out of 5

The Railway, Cheltenham, GL50 3Q

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Railway, Cheltenham

On the north west edge of Cheltenham town centre but with no clear present day railway connection, this looked from the outside a little like an old fashioned pub, albeit in a striking deep and dark (Spanish?) pink. Inside it has been updated in a somewhat traditional manner, dark painted walls, wooden flooring and the overall grounds have had a functional and attractive outdoor seating added into an area nicely screened off from the road. Some tables were under a canopy, others in the full open air. It was a warm Saturday evening, so inside the pub was pretty quiet, but the outside area was reasonably busy.

Interior photo of The Railway, Cheltenham

Four hand pumps, one serving cider and the other three beer; Tiley’s Pale Ale and two offerings from the Bristol Beer Factory, Showdown and Fortitude. I sat outside, enjoyed my beer very much, the food menu looked pretty good and the overall experience was very good. Well worth a visit.

3 out of 5

Cheltenham Motor Club, Cheltenham, GL52 6SA

GBG 24

Exterior photo of Cheltenham Motor Club, Cheltenham

In the suburbs, south east of Cheltenham town centre, and not terribly easy to find. There’s pedestrian access up a passageway off London Road or vehicle and pedestrian access via Upper Park Street, but if you’re taking a car up here it’s narrow, not much available parking and tight turning at the end of the road. Club members and CAMRA members welcome, otherwise it’s £2 to join as a day member. It was reasonably busy, there were a couple of large rooms and at least one smaller one, each of the large rooms had a TV covering different sporting events. We were keenly welcomed and the place had a real club, as opposed to a pub, feel to it.

Interior photo of Cheltenham Motor Club, Cheltenham

Half a dozen hand pumps with a wide variety of beer from a wide variety of locations; Astryd - a vegan beer from Thornbridge in Derbyshire; Goats Milk - from Church End Brewery, Nuneaton; Tiley’s Ordinary Bitter - a local Gloucestershire beer; Jaipur John IPA - another from Thornbridge; BG Sips from Blue Monkey Brewery - all the way from Nottingham; and Manchester Stout - from Blackjack Brewing in Manchester (surprise, surprise). Great choice. I had the Jaipur John IPA, a lovely refreshing drink on a warm afternoon. A lovely little spot, worth searching out.

4 out of 5

The Royal, Charlton Kings, Nr Cheltenham, GL53 8JH

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Royal, Charlton Kings, Nr Cheltenham

Well this place has a traditional but bold and attractive exterior, with a smart modern interior, but it was too pleasant to spend time inside, so I retreated to the outdoor seating at the front. There was also a small beer garden at the end of the car park for sunny afternoons and evenings. It’s close to the local church and there are views of the church and churchyard across the road. It was fairly well supported by the local community, with plenty of people coming and going in the Saturday afternoon half hour that I was there for.

Interior photo of The Royal, Charlton Kings, Nr Cheltenham

There were four hand pumps on the bar, with beer from Bath Ales (Gem), Sharp’s Brewery (Solar Wave Hazy IPA), Dartmoor Brewery (Legend) and Otter Brewery (Otter Bitter), I was tempted by the Solar Wave, but in the end chose the less alcoholic Otter, after all this was going to be a long Saturday afternoon and evening. Very enjoyable.

3 out of 5

The Old Elm Inn, Churchdown, Nr Gloucester, GL53 2ER

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Old Elm Inn, Churchdown, Nr Gloucester

Large pub in what is a fairly small village. Outdoor seating in a lawned area at the front, more seating at the rear overlooking a children’s play area and a moderate sized car park. I visited on a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon and the interior seemed very much set up for dining, with drinking being an al fresco activity, with table ordering and service. The food selection looked tempting, what a pity I’d just had lunch. There were lots of (well behaved) dogs and owners there, drawn by the pub dog show so there was a fairly lively atmosphere.

Interior photo of The Old Elm Inn, Churchdown, Nr Gloucester

Five hand pumps visible on the bar, serving largely fairly local beers - Green Man IPA from North Cotswold Brewery, Cascade from Gloucester Brewery, Cheltenham Gold from Goff’s Brewery, plus the slightly more distant Butcombe Original (North Somerset) and Doom Bar from Sharp’s Brewery (Cornwall). I had the Butcombe, which was delicious and went down a treat on a warm afternoon. Good to see a pub putting on events for locals and great to see locals taking part and supporting the pub.

4 out of 5

Wilkins & Pye, Longton, Nr Preston, PR4 5AB

Exterior photo of Wilkins & Pye, Longton, Nr Preston

Just across the road from the Red Lion, would this place be any better? Well it’s certainly rather different, a now well established micro pub, quite small inside with a stripped back but not austere interior. Outdoor seating wraps around the street corner and offers a bit more space for drinkers. It was fairly busy when I visited, perhaps ten or so people inside and an almost similar number outside. There seemed to be a lot of people and families nipping out and in for a late afternoon drink on a bright day.

Interior photo of Wilkins & Pye, Longton, Nr Preston

They have just the two hand pumps, serving Lancaster IPA and Moorhouses Blonde Witch when I was there. I tried the former and took it outside where it proved most enjoyable. People were calling into and leaving the place at fairly regular intervals, somehow it just seemed to be a much more widely supported bar than the place across the road. A lovely little spot.

3 out of 5

The Wheatsheaf Inn, Wetheral, Nr Carlisle, CA4 8HD

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Wheatsheaf Inn, Wetheral, Nr Carlisle

Packed! But then they were screening a live satellite TV football match so that obviously got people out and in there. I couldn’t easily negotiate my way round the pub, though they were well organised and ordering and getting a drink was pretty straightforward. There was a good and lively atmosphere, perhaps influenced by the team favoured by most of the locals being 2-1 up. There is some outside seating, no idea how busy that was when I visited, perhaps full of non-football fans.

Interior photo of The Wheatsheaf Inn, Wetheral, Nr Carlisle

Three hand pumps, one with Corby Ale (Great Corby is only a 15 minute walk away over the footbridge which is a late, clip on, addition to the railway bridge - in it’s day reputedly the longest railway bridge in the world), Hawkshead Gold and Hawkshead Mosaic, so all pretty local. I had the most local of all, the Corby Ale, a very nice pint which slid down a treat. Good to see a local pub so well supported, it’s another spot that would get 3½, if only half marks were available.

3 out of 5

The Queen Inn, Great Corby, Nr Carlisle, CA4 8LR

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Queen Inn, Great Corby, Nr Carlisle

Situated just across the road from the Great Corby Brewhouse, which is contained beneath the striking sandstone arch of Great Corby, this pub is set in a fairly quiet corner of the village, it looks out onto a small green which makes a seat outside very inviting, in good weather. It’s quite traditional inside with a couple of small rooms just off the bar area, one set out with comfy couches and low tables. Initially there wasn’t any clear evidence of hand pumps, but tucked away at the left hand side of the bar, partially obscured by a small blackboard, menus and snacks, there they were.

Interior photo of The Queen Inn, Great Corby, Nr Carlisle

Three hand pumps, all serving Great Corby Brewhouse beers, they had Corby Ale, Corby Blonde and Corby Long Meg all on. I tried the Long Meg, hadn’t seen that before, and it was a light, very pleasant and refreshing beer on a warm April afternoon. People seemed to be calling in and booking tables for the evening, so it looks like they have a good food offering. Overall, a most enjoyable spot, if I was giving half marks then it would score 3½.

3 out of 5

The Red Lion, Longton, Nr Preston, PR4 5AU

Exterior photo of The Red Lion, Longton, Nr Preston

Called in here as a reward after I cut the grass on a Thursday afternoon. I hadn’t been in here for quite some time - years - but it looked like it was under recent new management, so I thought I’d give it a go. From the blackboard outside they seemed to have a good food offering, so hopefully they were also serving some good beer. The blackboard inside indicated that they typically have a music event on a couple of times a week, so presumably that brings the punters in, there were a couple of customers having a drink at a table along with half a dozen lads enjoying a drink and a game of pool after an early finish for the day.

Interior photo of The Red Lion, Longton, Nr Preston

As for the beer, well no cask ale on at all, they did have two hand pumps and one looked to have Theakston’s Summit on recently, but both were out of action now. I had to make do with what I thought might be some fairly average national keg bitter, but I’m afraid it wasn’t a pleasant experience. Regrettably not the place for me.

1 out of 5

The Woodman's Stroke, Rothley, LE7 7PD

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Woodman's Stroke, Rothley

Stayed in Rothley for another drink and called in at the Woodman’s Stroke, slightly tucked away in the south east corner of the village. Looked traditional but very attractive from the outside and had a very nice and modern outdoor seating area that was a very well populated with younger drinkers socialising and enjoying an early evening drink. The pub interior has a been kept fairly traditional - no large scale strip out and replacement with pseudo historic fitments here - just rooms and spaces that had been tastefully decorated and brought up to date for the comfort of drinkers.

Interior photo of The Woodman's Stroke, Rothley

Four hand pumps, with Try Hopped plus Vixen from Charnwood Brewery, Bass (we weren’t too far from Derbyshire) and Brewster’s Hophead from Nottinghamshire, so all fairly local beers. I had the Hophead which was a very refreshing, vibrant and enjoyable drink. The interior was pretty busy, so with the crowd outside it’s obviously a popular spot, even on a Monday early evening. For me, this was a much better experience than the nearby competition, see below. This is a pub that knows what it’s doing, does it well and is well supported. Most enjoyable.

4 out of 5

The Blue Bell Inn, Rothley, LE7 7NW

GBG 24

Exterior photo of The Blue Bell Inn, Rothley

Called in here on a late Monday afternoon to see what the place was like and enjoy an end of the day drink. It was approaching dusk, the place was attractively lit up, the car park was pretty full and there were a group of lads enjoying a drink outside in the small patio area. All looked promising. Quite an old building, so the interior is subdivided into a number of smaller areas and corridors, it didn't seem too busy inside, just one other drinker and a party of half a dozen or so sitting down with a drink and ordering food, as far as I could see.

Interior photo of The Blue Bell Inn, Rothley

TFour hand pumps, but only two serving beer so that was a bit disappointing. The choice was between Infinity IPA from Blue Monkey Brewery in nearby Nottingham and Try Hopped from the even more local Charnwood Brewery in Loughborough, I tried the latter. It was a very enjoyable, fresh and light and I spent a very pleasant twenty minutes or so in there, but unfortunately there was just something about the place that didn’t quite appeal to or connect with me. Glad I visited, but those twenty minutes were enough for me. Perhaps I just wasn’t in the mood.

2 out of 5

The Hapton Inn, Hapton, Nr Burnley, BB11 5QL

Exterior photo of The Hapton Inn, Hapton, Nr Burnley

Now this is a bit of a tricky one. I called in here at lunchtime on the day the new managers took over, they'd had the keys for less than 48 hours and been open for 90 minutes, so you couldn't expect perfection. The interior looked like it had been fitted out in the last 2 or 3 years, presumabnly by the previous operator, and it was very neat and attractive. They do food, at least at lunchtime, and the menu looked like your typical pub staples, sausage, mash and gravy, chicken curry, you get the idea. The railway station is half a mile away for anyone planning an East Lancs train / beer trip.

Interior photo of The Hapton Inn, Hapton, Nr Burnley

Now, the beer. Bit of a mixed story here, they have 4 hand pumps, but only one was serving beer, from the local Cross Bay Brewery, this was hopefully just a reflection of the new ownership, rather than an abandonment of cask beer. In fact the beer hadn't been set up on the cash register so there was some sort of manual overide that took a couple of minutes to sort out. Just fancy, a pub that doesn't seem to want your money! A little difficult to accurately score given the circumstances, but because someone has been brave enough to keep a pub open and going, I've got to give it a 3 and hope that it flourishes and expands its beer choice.

3 out of 5

gatheral.com