UK TOWNS,CITIES and ISLANDS part 1

 

AS FROM DECEMBER 2018 THERE WILL BE NO MORE PUBS ADDED TO THIS PAGE

Including Brighton, Cambridge, Dorking, Lewes, Oxford, the Isle of Man, Reading, Birmingham, Aylesbury and Shrewsbury…..

A full postcode has been provided, for location lick on

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl  OR

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/

BRIGHTON

Brighton is only 50 minutes by express train from London Victoria. It makes for a good day trip any time of the year. It has been nicknamed 'London by the sea'. There are some good pubs in Brighton; hopefully I have included a few! But the pubs listed below are pubs I have visited over a period of time, good, not so good or indifferent! Revisited in March 2012.Enough new pubs to do two more visits in September 2014 and December 2014, plus revisit some old favourites.

In May 2018 I did another trip to Brighton, this one was mid-week, instead of at the weekend, which meant things were not so busy and more relaxing. Brighton is a fairly liberal sort of place, with a fair sized gay community, a Green MP and there was a Green council from 2011 to 2015. It is almost like an Amsterdam by the sea, but without the infamous coffee shops and red light district!  Beer-wise, a lot of the handpumps were coming from local Sussex micros, which is good to see. Manage to visit some old favourites and a few new pubs too.

I also manage to do day trips to Worthing and Hove, which I have added at the end.

 

CITY CENTRE

Basketmakers Arms, 12 Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 4AD

Owner- Fullers

Beers- Fullers London Pride, ESB, Gales Spring Sprinter, HSB, Seafarers, Adnams Ghost Ship, Butcombe Gold, Castle Rock Session IPA.

Telephone-01273-689006

Low beamed Gale's pub, with lots of bric-a-brac around the place. Old photos, old tobacco tins, brewery mirrors and beer mats all add to the charm of this place. As well as reasonably priced food and good beers. Good pub.

John 9/10 visit March 2003

 

Small crowded low-beam pub, always hard to get a seat here; well worth the effort if you wait. Still with the same décor, good to see Fullers have left the pub as it is since they have taken over the pub from Gales. There are 2 guest real ales on draught, plus other 6 from the Fullers/Gales range. London Pride was £3.60 a pint.

 

John 9/10 visit December 2014

 

 

Nice cosy Fullers pub, which is not so crowded due to me visiting mid-week. A pint of London Pride was £4.20.

 

John 9/10 visit May 2018

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Battle of Trafalgar, 34 Guildford Road, Brighton. BN1 3LW

Owner- Free House

Beers-Fullers London Pride, Greene King Abbot, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Young's Special Bitter,

Telephone-01273-327997

A pub which is close to the station, but is up a steep hill. A pub with different drinking areas. Green seems to be the colour here; also there's old navy prints and a fair bit of wood-panelling. Dim lighting and two fireplaces make for a cosy atmosphere.

John 8/10 visit March 2003

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Bright Helm, 20/22A West Street, Brighton, BN1 2Re.

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Greene King IPA, Abbot, Sharp’s Doombar, Ringwood, Old Thumper, Forty Niner.

 

Telephone- 01273- 224690

 

Web site- https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/east-sussex/the-bright-helm-brighton

 

Wetherspoons pub about 100 yards from the seafront. I have been in this pub before, so I am not sure why I have not put it in the guide before! A Lloyds No 1 pub, so not so many real ales. Decor is ocean liner style. A pint of Ringwood Forty Niner was £2.65.

 

John 7/10 visit May 2018

 

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Brighton Beer Dispensary, 38 Dean Street, Brighton. BN1 1EA

 

Owner- Brighton Bier and Late Knights

 

Beers-Southey Pale Ale, Brighton Bier South Coast IPA, Wander Beyond Great Rift, Saltire Cascade.

 

Telephone- 01273-710624

 

Web site- http://www.brightonbier.com/our-pub.html

 

Good pub with a good atmosphere which is co-owned by Brighton Bier and late Knights, two micro-breweries. Two each of their beers are on handpump on the bar, plus 4 barrels from other micros are at the end of the bar. The pub also does 4 draught ciders, plus no mainstream beers. Low beamed pub with bare brick walls and wooden floor. Had a Brighton Bier West Pier Pale Ale at £3.40 a pint.

 

John 9/10 visit September 2014

 

 

No longer owned by Brighton Bier and Dark Knights. Like the nearby Craft Beer Co, this pub does not have so many real ales on, compared to my last visit and is also lacking something. Blackboard with the beers and prices to the right of the bar. A pint of Brighton Bier South Coat IPA was £3.90.

 

John 7.5/10 visit May 2018

 

 

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Craft Beer Co, 22/23 Upper North Street,Brighton. BN1 3EG

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Bad Seed Kiwi, Gun Parabellum Milk Stout, Neptune Tetramagia, Kent Pale Ale, 19 craft keg beers, 4 real ciders.

 

Telephone- 01273-723736

 

Web site- http://thecraftbeerco.com/pubs/brighton/

 

The Craft Beer Company’s first outlet outside London. The beer range is as good as its other pubs and prices are based on beer strength, £2.75 ( house beer) to £4.90 a pint. Had a Dark Star Wildness at £3.40 a pint. Décor is fairly non-descript, a few brewery mirrors and white walls. Pub is busy with most people drinking the good beers on offer.

 

John 8/10 visit September 2014

 

One of the good things about Craft Beer Co pubs is there is a current beer menu on the table. There is less choice of real ales here than from my last visit. Unlike their London pubs there is a sport screen here, which shows to me, they are not getting by selling good beer alone. Something missing here, not sure what it is? A pint of Gun Parabellum Milk Stout was £4.30.

 

John 7/10 visit May 2018

 

 

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Eagle, 125, Gloucester Rd, Brighton, BN1 4AF

 

Owner - Free House

 

Beers- Dark Star Hopland, Brains Milkwood, Titanic Iceberg, Greene King Abbot.

 

Telephone -01273-607765

 

A nice relaxing gastro pub with a student/bohemian atmosphere. Decor is red walls, comfy sofas (which are hard to get up from!) and wooden tables.

A low lighting and candles on the tables sort of place. Four real ales are on draught, which are from different breweries. Dark Star Hopland was

£3.20 a pint.

 

John 7.5/10 visit March 2012

 

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Evening Star, 55-56 Surrey Street, Brighton. BN1 3PB

Owner Dark Star

Beers- Dark Star Hophead, Revelation, American Pale Ale, Not into Yoga,  Holler Cheat More, Bristol Beer Factory Espresso Martini.

Telephone-01273-328931

Web site  www.eveningstar.co.uk

Great ale house. No TV or any other distractions, people are just here for the good beer. Been decorated since my last visit, maybe needs a little more time for that lived-in feel. Ex home brew pub for Dark Star until they moved to a bigger site. Dark Star beers are still here, as well as other micro brews. Close to Brighton Station-a good place to start or finish a trip to Brighton.

John 9.5/10 visit March 2003

A great drinkers pub, which is close to Brighton station. Wooden chairs, tables and floorboards all add to this place. No TV and music is low, creating

a good atmosphere. Nearly everyone here is drinking a pint. Four of the beers on draught are from Dark Star, plus 3 guest beers. Great pub. Dark

Star Sussex Stout was £3.20 a pint.

 

John 10/10 visit March 2012

 

Still the same great pub. Had a Dark Star beer.

 

John 9.5 visit September 2014

 

Still Brighton’s premier ale pub. Forgot the price of my pint of Dark Star Hophead.

 

John 9.5/10 visit May 2018

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Grand Central, 29 Surrey Street, Brighton, BN1 3PA.

 

Owner- Fullers

 

Beers- Fullers London Pride, Gales Spring Sprinter, Brighton Bier West Pier.

 

Telephone- 01273-329086

 

Web site- http://www.grandcentralbrighton.co.uk/

 

Fullers have brought this pub, since my last visit to Brighton. The pub is very close to Brighton Station; it is on the right hand side as you go out. Nice upmarket decor, with a wooden floor and a white ceiling. Today is hot, so the doors are open and a nice breeze is blowing in. Friendly barman. A pint of London Pride was £4.25.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

 

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Hare and Hounds, 75 London Road, Brighton. BN1 4JF.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Firebird APA, Festival 51, plus Meantime fresh lager.

 

Telephone- 01273-682839

 

Web site- http://www.thehareandhounds.pub/

 

Modern pub which says it does British craft beers and ciders. ( Got me in!) Busy at the time of visit with mainly locals, far enough away from the beach and station perhaps! Pub does Meantime fresh lager with big tanks of the stuff around the pub. Had a pint of Firebird APA, not sure of the price! Nice place, good atmosphere.

 

John 7.5/10 visit December 2014

 

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Hobgoblin, 31 York Place, Brighton. BN1 4GU

Owner- Wychwood

Beers- Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Ushers Spring Fever, Wychwood Hobgoblin plus Hoegaarden on draught

Telephone-01273-602519

Standard Hobgoblin pub. Benches, floorboards, and sport on TV, but has a good lively student atmosphere. This might be because they offer students 20% off between 14-00 to 20-00 hours. Interesting beer memorabilia around the pub.

John 7/10 visit March 2003

 

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Lord Nelson, 36 Trafalgar Street, Brighton. BN1 4ED

Owner- Harveys-

Beers- Harveys Best Bitter, Armada, IPA, Olympia.     

Telephone -01273-695872

Web site  www.thelordnelsoninn.co.uk

Great Harveys pub close to Brighton Station. The feel of a country pub in the centre of town! Three different drinking areas including a Nelson Gallery 2001 conservatory at the back with modern art paintings. Brighton football and Sussex cricket memorabilia around the pub. Great pub , great beer, good atmosphere.

John 9.5/10 visit March 2003

One of Harveys best pubs. A traditional pub in the city centre which is close to the railway station on the map, but not straight-forward to find! The

décor and atmosphere is unchanged. Sample a full range of Harveys beers in excellent condition. Great pub! Harveys Mild was £3.20 a pint.

 

John 9.5/10 visit March 2012

 

Almost the full range of Harveys beers are on draught here, I had a pint of Harveys Mild which at £3.40 a pint, is more expensive than their London pub, the Royal Oak in Borough. Like the photos of ‘Goodbye to the Goldstone Ground 1997’ in the male loos. Still a good pub.

 

John 9/10 visit December 2014

 

One of my favourite Harveys pub in the North Laines area, which has a lot of independent shops and an antique market. The goodbye to the Goldstone ground photos, which were in the male loos on my last visit, are now on the walls of the pub. A pint of Harveys Best Bitter was £3.90. Pub has a nice conservatory and a beer garden.

 

John 9/10 visit May 2018

 

 

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Mitre Tavern,13  Baker Street, Brighton. BN1 4JN

 

Owner- Harveys

 

Beers- Harveys Mild, Best Bitter, Old Ale.

 

Telephone-01273-683173

 

Web site- http://www.mitretavern.co.uk/#

 

Small back street pub of the London Road shopping centre. While the décor is new, it still has a traditional décor. Which makes a change from a lot of other Brighton pubs, which tend to be a little bit modern and trendy! Nice relaxing sort of place, friendly staff and a good pint of Harveys Best Bitter at £3.80 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit December 2014

 

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North Laines Brewhouse, 29 Gloucester Place, Brighton. BN1 4AA

 

Owner Laines brew pub

 

Beers- Laines Red Empire, Porter, Single Hop, Hop Bomb, Breaker.

 

Telephone-01273-683666

 

Spacious brew pub with a good atmosphere. While the pub is big and not exactly in the city centre, it is very crowded mainly with families with kids. The friendly staff were keen to tell us about 8 beers from the brewing vessels behind the bar. I had a Laines IPA at £3.00 a pint, good pint and a good price.

 

John 9/10 visit December 2014

 

Still the same. Always nice to see a brewery behind the bar! While it is a hot day outside, the pubs air conditioning is too cold inside; might be why there are only 3 people in the pub! A good pint of Laines Red Empire was £4.35.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

 

 

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Post and Telegraph, 155-158 North Street, Brighton, BN1 1EA

 

Owner – Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Greene King Abbot, Sharp’s Doombar, Ruddles Bitter, Arkells Kingsdown Ale, Brains SA, Great Newsome Holderness Dark, Wimbledon Quartermaine

 

Telephone-01273-827540

 

A classy Wetherspoons pub which is an ex-bank; see the history on a plaque outside. The pub is on two floors, with the top floor more relaxing than

the ground. Friendly bar staff and a good pubby atmosphere add to the pub. Visited at the time of a Wetherspoons beer Festival, festival beers are

£2.05 a pint.

 

John 8.5/10 visit March 2012

 

 Still the same. As well as an ex-bank, the building was also the offices of a local newspaper; hence the name.

 

John 8/10 September 2014

 

Still the same. The pub is on two floors, with the toilets upstairs. It is pub is mainly full of shoppers having a drink after their shopping ( thirsty work) . A pint of Brains SA was £2.65.

 

John 8.5/10 visit May 2018

 

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Prestonville, 64 Hamilton Road, Brighton. BN1 5DN

 

Owner- Fullers

 

Beers- Fullers London Pride, Gales HSD, Seafarer, Thwaites Wainwright.

 

Telephone- 01273-701007

 

Web Site- http://www.theprestonvillearms.co.uk/

 

Fullers back street local which is to the North of the station and up a hill, so mainly locals at the time of my visit.  The pub was not to crowded  for a Saturday at 16:30 hours. Nice décor, nice atmosphere, friendly atmosphere and a good pint of London Pride. Opens 17:00 hours weekdays.

 

John 8/10 visit December 2014

 

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Prince Albert, 48 Trafalgar Street, Brighton. BN1 4ED

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Burning Sky Aurora, Porter, Dark Star Original, Skinners, Harveys Bellowhead,

 

Telephone- 01273-730499

 

Pub close to Brighton station, but you need to find Trafalgar Street (not easy!) Multi-room pub with sport on the TV in some rooms . Décor is wooden tables, chairs and red panelled walls with brewery mirrors and theatre posters on them. There were 5 local ales on draught, had a Burning Sky Porter at £4.00 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit December 2014

 

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Victory Inn, 6 Duke Street, Brighton. BN1 1AH

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Brighton Bier Kemp Town Red Ale, Bedlam Smash, Laines Red Empire, Gun IPA.

 

Telephone- 01273-326555

 

Small pub with a Nelson and Naval theme, as you might expect from the name. I like the model ships and the etched-glass windows with the pub’s name, which gives the pub a cosy feel, even if it is off a major shopping street. More rooms behind the bar and there is seating upstairs. Four local real ales are on draught; had a Kings beer Black Symphony at £4.00 a pint. Nice pub apart from the price of the beer!

 

John 8.5/10 visit December 2014

 

Nice traditional pub off a main shopping street. I did not notice the Tamplins Ales frontage on my last visit. A good choice of Sussex ales. A pint of Brighton Bier Kemp Town Red was £4.35.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

 

 

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HANOVER

 

A hilly part of Brighton to the East of the City centre. I am not sure why, but a lot of pubs have survived here, despite it being a residential area, making it ideal for a pub crawl. Most of pubs open later during the week; I have put the opening times in, from when I visited in May 2018; this might change over time.

 

Admiral, 2/6 Elm Grove, Brighton, BN2 3DD.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Dark Star Original, Revelation, Black Sheep Holy Grail, Oakham Green Devil IPA.

 

Telephone-01273-691028

 

Web site- http://www.theadmiralbrighton.com/

 

A Hanover pub just as you are starting up the hill! Pub looks like a 1950’s estate pub, but now done out in a bohemian style. The pub has an outside drinking area at the front and a beer garden at the back. Various happy hours between 1600 and 1900 hours daily. The pub opens at 1500 hours, Monday to Thursday. A pint of Dark Star Original was £4.30.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

 

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Constant Service, 96 Islingword Road, Brighton, BN2 9SJ

 

Owner- Harveys

 

Beers- Harveys Best Bitter, Armada Ale, Wild Hop, Olympia.

 

Telephone- 01273-607058

 

A Harveys pub which is a very gastro pub. Whilst it looks like a gastro pub, the food on the menu is mainly pies! Décor is low lighting, comfy

seats and white walls. Only 3 Harveys beers on draught; service was a little slow, but to be fair they was two charging of barrels. Minus point was

the locals standing at the bar leaving no gap to get service in!

 

John 7.5/10 visit March 2012

On my last visit here the locals were blocking access to the bar; this time there is room to get served. Monday is pie and a pint night, with a pie and 1 of 3 drinks ( one was Harveys Best) for £10; the portions were generous! There were 3 vegetarian options on the menu. Good atmosphere. A pint of Harveys Best Bitter was £3.90. Opening hours are 1500 hours Monday and Thursday.

 

John 8.5/10 visit May 2018

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Dover Castle, 43 Southover Street, Brighton. BN2 9UE

Owner- Shepherd Neame

Beers- Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Whitstable Bay Pale Ale.

Telephone-01273-688276

Rare Shepherd Neame outlet in Brighton. As with most Hanover pubs, a small locals' pub. Red décor inside, but a little too open-planned. Sport on TV and a dart board on the side. Interesting menu which has a lot of vegetarian food.

John 7.5/10 visit June 2001

This Shepherd Neame pub has changed a lot since my last visit. I remember it being more open plan, now it is more tables. Whilst a gastro pub which

has candles on the table, it does still have a pubby atmosphere.  A coffee bar is in the pub which opens at 0900 hours. The food menu has a lot of

organic food. Good pint of Spitfire at £3.35 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2012

 

This pub no longer has a coffee bar (see last review). There are cat prints for sale, to help raise money for a cats charity. There is a fair sized beer garden at the back. The Wi-Fi password is beerisgood! A pint of Shepherd Neame Spitfire was £4.30. Pub is open daily at 1200 hours.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

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Greys, 105 Southover Street, Brighton. BN2 9UA

Owner- Free House

Beers- Cellar Head Amber Ale, Brighton Bier South Coast IPA.

Telephone-01273-680734

Web site www.greyspub.com

Nice cosy locals' pub in Hanover. Nice design pub, with interesting posters on the walls including theatre and beer ones. Live music on a Monday night. Good choice of Belgian bottled beers; see blackboard on the bar. Friendly pub dog.

John 8/10 visit March 2003

The first or last pub of your Hanover pub crawl. Only a small pub but it does do live music, for which there is an admission charge when it is on. Only

2 real ales are on, but the Harveys is good. Lots of theatre posters around the pub. Belgian bottled beers seem popular here.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2012

 

Still the same. A small pub which is almost like a Dutch brown cafe. Only 2 real ales on. A pint of Cellars Head Amber Ale was £4.00. Opens at 1600 hours Monday to Thursday.

 

John 7/10 visit May 2018

 

 

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Hanover, 242 Queens Park Road, Brighton, BN2 9ZB.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- 360 Best Bitter, Single Hop, Sharp’s Doombar, Siren Yula, Freebird APA.

 

Telephone- 01273-679902

 

Web site- http://www.hanoverbrighton.co.uk/

 

A  large gastro pub with a good atmosphere and an interesting choice of ales. Decor is bare brick walls and cosy seats. The pub has a pizza oven. A pint of Freebird APA was £3.90. Opening hours are 1500 hours Monday to Thursday.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

 

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Independent, 95 Queens Park Road, Brighton, BN2 0GH. Formerly the Walmer Castle

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Dark Star Partridge, Winchester Tom Cat, Vibrant Cydonia.

 

Telephone- 01273-602822

 

Web site-  http://theindependent.pub/

 

King and Barnes pub which I have not visited since it was taken over by Hall and Woodhouse. So I am not sure about the beer quality now. Imaginative décor, including balloon figures hanging from the ceiling. Modern airly feel to the pub, but a good atmosphere.

John 8/10 visit June 2001

Last time I was here this was a King and Barnes pub called the Walmer Castle. The pub has changed a lot, the decor is now very upmarket and gastro pub. This said it is alright to have a drink here and the staff are very welcoming. There is a small outside decking area at the front of the pub. A pint of Dark Star Partridge was £4.10. Opens at 1700 hours Monday to Thursday.

John 8/10 visit May 2018

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Islingword Inn, 175 Queens Park Road, Brighton, BN2 9ZA.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Gun Red Ale, Laines Breaker.

Telephone- 01273-625429

 

Web site- https://www.islingword.pub/

 

Large pub by Hanover standards at the top of the hill. Unlike a lot of other Hanover pubs, this pub has live sport, a pool table, happy hour offers and is open all day. Decor is wood panelled walls and wooden floor. A pint of Gun Red Ale was £3.75.

 

John 7.5/10 visit May 2018

 

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Reservoir, 1 Howard Road, Brighton, BN2 9TP.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- 360 Best Bitter, Siren Under Current, Liquid Mistress.

 

Telephone- 01273-692448

 

Web Site - http://www.reservoirbrighton.co.uk/

 

A nice small cosy Hanover back street local; outside the pub states it does independent craft beer and Sussex ales; when inside you will find that it does Siren from Berkshire! The pub has a low ceiling, with a fair number of people in for Monday at 1800 hours. Downstairs is another drinking area, plus a beer garden and the toilets. Food wise there is a reasonably priced Thai menu. A pint of Siren Under Current was £3.80. Pub opens 1500 hours Monday to Friday and 1300 hours Saturday. Nice place.

 

John 9/10 visit May 2018

 

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Sir Charles Napier, 50 Southover Street, Brighton. BN2 9UE

Owner- Fullers

Beers- Fullers London Pride, Gales HSB, Spring Sprinter, St Austell Tribute.

Telephone-01273-601413

Locals pub in Hanover which is more roomy than it looks on the outside. Nice memorabilia and old photos around the pub, including some old empty beer bottles! Good choice of malt whiskeys behind the bar. Collection of golf balls in a glass cabinet. Good pint of Gale's HSD.

John 8/10 visit March 2003

When I was last here this pub was a Gales pub. Now it is owned by Fullers, but there are still two Gales beers on draught, which shows the beers

still have a  local following. Cosy low-beamed pub with a good atmosphere. There is an interesting food menu, plus they do pizza until 2200 hours.

The walls have old photos of Brighton, and beer bottles on the shelves. Good back-street local. Fullers London Pride was £3.35 a pint.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2012

 

Candles on the tables here, instead of the standard Hanover flowers in bottles! The food here is Thai. A pint of London Pride was £4.00. Opens at 1600 hours Monday to Thursday.

John 9/10 visit May 2018

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Southover, 58 Southover Street, Brighton, BN2 9UF.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Sharp’s Doombar, Siren Yu Lu, Liquid Mistress, Freebird APA.

 

Telephone- 01273-601419

 

Web site- http://www.southover.pub/

 

Bigger than most Hanover pubs, which might be why they have live music and a quiz night, but it is still a cosy atmosphere. Indie music in the background. A pint of Siren Yu Lu was £3.70. Opens at 1700 hours Monday to Thursday.

 

John 7.5/10 visit May 2018

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KEMPTOWN

Like Hanover, Kemp Town is to the East of City centre, but is by the sea and not so hilly. Lively pub and bar scene, even during the week, but the drinks can be a little a pricy in some places and can be just as expensive as the city centre.   

 

 

 

Barley Mow, 92 St Georges Road, Brighton. BN2 1EE

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Rother Valley Jupiter Stout, Purity UPU, Long Man American Pale Ale.

 

Telephone-01273-682259

 

Small pub on the main road in Kemp Town. Traditional  low beam pub, with nice décor and a comfortable feel. There is a beer  garden at the back with theatre posters in the corridor. Beers on draught are from Sussex breweries, had a Rother Valley Porter at £3.70 a pint which was well kept.

 

John 8.5/10 visit September 2014

 

Not much has changed in this Kemp Town local since my last visit. Despite being on a main road, the pub has a back street local feel. The pub specialises in Pie Minster pies. A pint of Rother Valley Jupiter Stout was £4.35.

 

John 8.5/10 visit May 2018

 

 

 

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Bird in Hand, 33 Upper St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1JN

Owner- Kemptown and Brighton Bier brew pub

Beers- Bird in Hand High Five, Hans Shaka, Titchier.

Telephone-01273-699595

Home brew pub, with some good beers and reasonable prices. A small place with a nice cosy atmosphere. Walls are full of old newspaper articles and ties hang from the ceiling. Nice pub.

John 8/10 visit June 2001

Small brew pub with 2 breweries operating here? Pub much as I remember it,  it has still got the newspaper décor. Good cosy atmosphere, lucky to get a seat as there are lots of people drinking outside. Beers from both breweries are on handpump; had a Kemp Town Red at £3.80 a pint, plus  real German and Belgian beers on tap, including Bruges Zot. Nice place.

John 8.5/10 visit September 2014

Brighton’s original brew pub is still going strong. More than 20 people in this pub and it is crowded! Usually some Belgian bottled beers behind the bar. A pint of Bird in Hand High Five was £3.90.

 

John 9/10 visit May 2018

 

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Brighton Bierhaus, 161 Edward Street, Brighton, BN2 0JB.

 

Owner- Brighton Bier

 

Beers- Brighton Bier No Name Stout, Red Ale, Pale Ale, South Coast IPA.

 

Telephone- 01273-686386

 

Web site- http://www.brightonbierhaus.com/

 

Last time I was in Brighton, Brighton Bier were sharing a brewery with Bird in the Hand. Now they have a new brewery and this new pub.  Small place with modern decor, all their beers ( cask and keg) are on a screen above the bar with the prices; there are 5 cask beers. Had a pint of No Name Stout at £3.90. Friendly barman.

 

John 8.5/10 visit May 2018

 

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Royal Oak, 46 St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1RG

Owner-Free House

Beers- Fullers London Pride, John Smith's Bitter

Telephone-01273-699248

Traditional pub still with a saloon and public bar. Wood panelled walls, white ceiling, black beams. TV is on, but the locals are into their own conversations. The John Smith's is cask not keg, and seems popular among the locals.

John 6/10 visit March 2003

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St James Tavern, 16 Maderia Place, Brighton. BN2 1TN

 

Owner-Free House

 

Beers- Timothy Taylor Landlord, Otter Amber Ale, Adnams Ghost Ship.  Over 80 rums from different countires.

 

Telephone-01273-626696

 

Small town in the Kemp Town area. The pub is famous for its wide selection of rums ( over 80). The menu is not too helpful, no country for instance, but the staff are helpful and the prices are reasonable. Good range of beers on draught, with 3 beers from the Franklin brewery. Décor is wooden tables, chairs and floor. There are flowers on the tables in bottles. Food is Thai. A pint of Franklin Pale Ale is £3.65 a pint.

 

John 7.5/10 visit September 2014

 

Crowded for a Wednesday evening, but the one barman is coping well. Still with a good rum menu and the prices are not unreasonable. The pub also has a rum club. A pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord was £4.40, making it the most expensive pint on my trip.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

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MARINA

The West Quay. Brighton Marina Village. Brighton. BN2 5UT

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers-  Various beers from Wetherspoons Beer Festival at £2.35 a pint

 

Telephone - 01273-645780

 

 

A Wetherspoons pub in Brighton Marina. The marina is a fair way out the city centre  so take the number 7 bus to it. The pub makes the most of its

views outwards towards the marina. A nice place to drink on a sunny day; there is also an upstairs drinking area. Service is a little lacking: the

barman pours half of my beer out, leaves it, then tries to pour a beer from another pump- I stop him just in time! Wetherspoons beer festival beers

are £2.35 a pint.

 

John 7.5/10 visit March 2012

 

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HOVE

 

Hove is next door to Brighton. It is a little hard to see where Brighton ends and Hove starts! The roads in Hove are a little bit wider and the houses a bit bigger here! Worth a visit if you have been to Brighton a few times.

 

Cliftonville Inn, 98/10 George Street, Hove, BN3 3YE.

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Sharp’s Doombar, Greene King Abbot, Moreland Old Speckled Hen, Langham Dark Mild, Welton White Wedding, Hammerpot Australian Pale Ale, Kissingate Pinneritt, Goldmark Moshpit.

 

Telephone- 01273-726969

 

Web site-    https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/east-sussex/the-cliftonville-inn-hove

 

Nice Wetherspoons pub at the end of George Street. Old school Spoons set up, with the tables and chairs all lined up in an open-planned pub. French lady ordering fish and chips wonders what mushy peas are; we tell her she is not missing anything! Nice pint of Langham Dark Mild at £2.29. Good atmosphere.

 

John 9/10 visit May 2018

 

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Poets Ale and Smoke House, 33 Montgomery Street, Hove, BN3 5BF.

 

Owner- Harveys

 

Beers- Harveys Best Bitter, Armada Ale, IPA, Olympia.

 

Telephone- 01273-272212

 

Web site-  http://www.thepoets.co.uk/

 

Two bar Harveys back street local. Nice comfortable pub where the decor is roughly the same in each bar; the only different is that one side has live sport. Drinking area out the front, as well as a beer garden round the back. A pint of Harveys Best Bitter was £4.00.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

 

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Sussex Cricketer, Eaton Road, Hove, BN3 3AF.

 

Owner- Ember Inns

 

Beers- Ember Pale Ale ( house beer), Harveys Best Bitter, Sharp’s Juniper Rising, Thornbridge Jaipur, Robinsons Light Brigade.

 

Telephone- 01273-771645

 

Web site- https://www.emberinns.co.uk/nationalsearch/southeast/the-sussex-cricketer-hove

 

Aptly named pub next to Sussex cricket ground. Nice comfortable pub which has an adults area, as well as a family area. Beer garden is an actually grass garden which backs on to the cricket ground. A pint of Harveys Best Bitter was £4.15.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

 

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Watchmakers Arms, 84 Goldstone Villias, Hove, BN3 3RU.

 

Owner- Micro pub

 

Beers- Long Man Best Bitter, Howling Hops Chocolate Stout, Download Submit, Bamber, Saltire Easy Road plus 4 real ciders.

 

Telephone-01273-776307

 

Web site-    http://www.thewatchmakersarms.co.uk/

 

Nice micro pub close to Hove Station. Standard micro pub decor with stools and high tables. The pub does its own beer mats and glasses. If you want something to eat, pizzas can be ordered in for you. A pint of Long Man Best Bitter was £3.80. The pub is closed on Monday;  check the web site for the opening hours for the rest of the week.

 

John 8.5/10 visit May 2018

 

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Westbourne, 90 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5PN.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Pig and Porter APA, Bedlam Benchmark, Vibrant Forest Metropolis.

 

Telephone- 01273-823633

 

Web site-   http://www.thewestbournehove.co.uk/

 

Large pub on a main road, with a good choice of real ales and craft beer. Food menu is mainly burgers from an open kitchen. Most people are drinking outside today. Like the barman’s ‘ Good people drink good beer’ T-shirt. A pint of Pig and Porter APA was £4.30.

 

John 7.5/10 visit May 2018

 

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WORTHING

Along the coast from Brighton. Like Brighton it has a pier and pebble beach, but is a more traditional seaside town. A nice place to visit for the day. Worthing has 4 micro pubs; I manage to visit 2 of them, out of the 7 pubs I visited!

 

Anchored in Worthing, 27 West Building, Worthing, BN11 3BS

Owner- Mirco pub

 

Beers- Kissingate Moon, Hammerpot Mosaic, High Weald Chronicle.

 

Telephone- 01903-529100

 

Web site- http://www.anchoredinworthing.co.uk/

 

While most micro pubs are small, this one is smaller than most! Nice eccentric decor, including a ‘Tardis’ door front. The friendly owner has spent a lot of time at sea, hence the name of the pub! Had a pint of Kissingate Moon at £3.50. The pub is closed Monday; it  opens 1200 hours daily, check the web site for closing times.

 

John 9/10 visit May 2018

 

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Brooksteed Alehouse, 38 South Farm Road, Worthing, BN14 7AE.

 

Owner- Micro pub

 

Beers- Loud Shirt Ephron, Holler Cheat Mode, Loot, Cellar Head IPA 

 

Telephone- 07484-840103

 

Web site- https://brooksteedalehouse.co.uk/

 

A micro pub to the North of Worthing station on a parade of shops. Nice old photos around the pub. On the clipboard there is a note about the dos and don’ts about the pub dog Redford! Good choice of hard to find Sussex ales. A pint of Loud Shirt Euphoria was £3.80. Opens 1200 hours daily; check the web site for closing times.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

 

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Corner House, 80 High Street, Worthing, BN11 1DJ.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Harveys Best Bitter, 360 IPA, Bedlam Smash, Gun Pale Ale.

 

Telephone- 01903- 216463

 

Web site- https://www.cornerhouseworthing.co.uk/

 

Aptly named pub, next to a roundabout. Nice and comfortable inside, with dark wood and a high white ceiling. The pub has a beer garden around the back. Reasonably full for a Wednesday night. A pint of Gun Pale Ale was £4.10.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

 

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Egremont, 32 Brighton Road, Worthing, BN11 3ED.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Kemp Town 1836, DD Burning Sky, Aurora, Plateau, Harveys Best Bitter, Goldmark Moshpit IPA.

 

Telephone- 01903-600064

 

Web site- https://www.theegremont.co.uk/

 

Large pub on the main Brighton Road in the town centre. Like the way the owners have restore the Kemp Town Brewery frontage. Inside is upmarket and pleasant. The pub has a good gin menu, with distilleries from all over the world. They also have 6 handpumps from local Sussex breweries. A pint of Kemp Town 1836 was £4.00.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

 

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Hare and Hounds, 79 Portland Road, Worthing, BN11 1QG

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers-Harveys Best Bitter, Fullers London Pride, Adnams Ghost Ship, Exmoor Gold, St Austell Proper Job.

 

Telephone- 01903-230085

 

Web site- http://www.hareandhoundsworthing.co.uk/

 

Nice relaxing back street local to the North of the local shopping centre. Low beamed pub, with carpet and a conservatory at the back. The sort of place you can take your parents to for a quiet meal. Beers are from well-known regional breweries and are selling well. A pint of Harveys Best Bitter was £4.20.

 

John 9/10 visit May 2018

 

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Selden Arms, 41 Lyndhurst Road, Worthing, BN11 2DB.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Palmers 200, Winchester Red Hand, Ashover Butts Pale Ale, plus one more guest beer.

 

Telephone- 01903-522361

 

Web site- http://www.seldenarms.co.uk/

 

Small pub off the High Street, which reminds of a Cornish pub, because all the locals are sat around the bar. The ceiling is full of handpump clips. A pint of Palmers 200 was £3.70. Nice to Palmers this far East of Dorset.

 

John 7/10 visit May 2018

 

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Three Fishes, 56 Chapel Road, Worthing, BN11 1BE.

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Greene King Abbot, Sharp’s Doombar, Ruddles Bitter, Welton Buckland Shag, Lymstone Stone Cutter, Hammerpot Australian Pale Ale.

 

 

Telephone- 01903-288640

 

Web site- https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/west-sussex/the-three-fishes-worthing

 

This Wetherspoons pub is a Lloyds No1 pub;  in the afternoon when I visited the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing with no music. As befits a seaside town most of the clientele seem to be enjoying their retirement! Nice old photos of Worthing on the wall.  A pint of Welton Australian Pale Ale was £2.29, same price has my local Spoons in London! Note, I did not make a mistake with the name of the Welton beer, I checked it on the company’s web site!

 

John 8/10 visit May 2018

 

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CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge is famous as a university city. Less urban than Oxford, with some nice historic buildings and colleges. Beer wise it is dominated by Greene King, but there are independent breweries with pubs, like Adnams, Everards, and Charles Wells, as well as some good free houses. I am not sure why, but Cambridge has more than its fair share of good back- street local pubs! Especially around the railway station. I have done a special section marked Mill Road Back Street Locals as they make for a good pub crawl. Only 50 minutes from London on the non-stop train from Kings Cross.

First pubs were done on two visits, in June and July 2003. Visited recently in June 2014 and twice in August 2014. So many good pubs you need to do three visits!

In August 2017 I sent 4 days in Cambridge. Doing the pubs all at once was easier  than doing lots of day trips, and Cambridge is a nice city. I managed do 8 new pubs, plus lots of old favourites in this good drinking city.

 

CITY CENTRE

Alma, 26 Russell Court, Cambridge. CB2 1HW

Owner- Ridleys

Beers- Ridleys IPA, Rumpus, Old Bob

Telephone-01223-364965

Ridleys pub well hidden in the back streets of Cambridge. Modern pub with low ceiling, orange walls and a pool table. Red Indian artefacts on the walls, but in pride of place in the pub is the original fish tank in a old red telephone box!

John 8/10 visit July 2003

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Bird in Hand, 73 Newmarket Road, Cambridge. CB2 1HW

Owner- Greene King

Beers-Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale, Ruddles Country

Telephone-01223-351919

A small pub which has been nicely decorated. White walls, dim lighting and leather seats all make for a cosy atmosphere. Whilst on a main road, it is quiet and pleasant on the inside, apart from the strange disco music in the background!

John 8/10 visit July 2003

Pub now closed

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Cambridge Brew House, 1 King Street, Cambridge. CB1 1LN.

 

Owner – Free house

 

Beers- Cambridge Misty River, Night Porter, Unnaturally Miller, Here Say Nick Porter. 

 

Telephone- 01223-855185

 

Web site- http://thecambridgebrewhouse.com/

 

Brew pub in the city centre. Like its clientele, the pub is very young and trendy but it does have a good pubby atmosphere! You can see the brewery through a window next to the bar. Low seating makes it hard to get up! Good pint of house brew IPA at £3.50 a pint.

 

John 8.5/10 visit August 2014

 

Still the same. There is more seating and loos upstairs. Interesting poster of real ale breweries in the UK in 1978; lots of the breweries not around now, they are mainly ones from the former big six breweries. A pint of Cambridge Mistry River was £3.90.

 

John 8.5/10 visit August 2017

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Castle Inn, 38 Castle Road, Cambridge. CB3 0AJ

Owner- Adnams

Beers- Adnams Bitter, Broadside, Lighthouse, Regatta, Ghost Ship, Mosaic Pale Ale, Trawler Boys Best Bitter, Oakham JHB, Purity UBU.

Telephone-01223-353194

Pub just to the north of the city centre, with a nice cosy feel to it. Recently refurbished, with white walls, bare floorboards, plants and rowing oars. But still with a traditional atmosphere. Adnams pub with a good choice of guest beers, as well as their own beers. Good pint of Broadside here. Nice courtyard at the back.

John 9/10 visit July 2003

Excellent Adnams pub, just a little north of the city centre. Lots of different rooms and alcoves off the bar plus a beer garden at the back.  There are 9 beers on the  handpumps; 7 are Adnams plus 2 guest beers. Adnams Bitter was £3.40 a pint. A nice relaxing pub with a  good pint. Closes 1500 to 1700 hours Monday to Friday.

 

John 9/10 visit August 2014

 

Only 5 minute walk up a hill ( rare for Cambridge!) from the city centre. So a non-tourists pub. A multi-room Adnams pub with 6 of their beers on the 9 handpumps. Under-rated pub. A pint of Adnams Broadside was £3.95.

 

John 9/10 visit August 2017

 

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Champion of the Thames, 68 King Street, Cambridge. CB1 1LN

Owner- Greene King

Beers- Greene King IPA, Abbot, Truman Runner, Timothy Taylor Knowle Spring, Navigation New Dawn.

Telephone-01223-352043

A city centre pub with a nice cosy feel to it. Wood panelled walls, alcoves, dim lighting and low ceiling make for an almost rural atmosphere. Rowing theme throughout the pub, including oars and photos of Oxford V Cambridge boat races. Good pint of Abbot here. Nice place.

John 8.5/10 visit June 2003

 

Still the same.  The pub is smaller than I remember it. Lovely wood panelled walls and etched-glass windows. Cosy atmosphere for a city centre pub, with the barmaid knowing the names of most of her regulars. She hides biscuits around the pub for a dog which is coming in. Good fun to watch the dog search for them! Had a pint of Abbot at £3.60 a pint.

 

John 9/10 visit August 2014

 

A small Greene King pub in the city centre with a back street local atmosphere. Food here is only snacks. The pub  is dog friendly. A pint of Truman Runner was £4.30.

 

John 9/10 visit August 2017

 

 

Eagle, 9 Bene't Street, Cambridge. CB2 3QN

Owner- Greene King

Beers- Greene King IPA, Abbot, St Edmunds Ale, Hardy And Hanson Old Trip, Wadworth 6X, Dirty Rucker.

Telephone-01223-505020

Famous city  centre pub. It's a pub of many rooms but you have to visit the back bar, with its graffiti on the ceiling from World War Two air crews. How it was done is explained, on the wall, as well as photos of air crews and aircraft from the era. Cosy atmosphere inside, also a nice courtyard for the summer.

John 9/10 visit July 2003

Nice traditional pub in the city centre. You need to find the RAF bar at the back to fully  enjoy this pub ( see previous review about the ceiling). Friendly bar staff despite being busy. Had a Greene King at £3.60 a pint.

John 9/10 visit August 2014

Love the history of this place. The graffiti from the war-time air crews will live forever. A fair range of beers and an outside drinking area add to the pub. A pint of Timothy Taylor was £4.45; expensive for Cambridge.

 

John 9.5/10 visit August 2017

 

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Elm Tree, Orchard Road, Cambridge. CB1 1JS

Owner- Free House

Beers- 9 beers on Handpump, 3 beers from Banks and Taylor,  2 beers from Charles Wells, and 4 beers from other breweries. Over 100 Belgian bottled beers.

 

Telephone-01223-363005

 

Web site- http://www.theelmtreecambridge.co.uk/

Back street local, with a homely touch to it. It almost feels like being in someone's front room! Wall to wall carpet, green décor, old prints on the wall, flashing lights above the bar and a fish tank-it makes you wonder if 'Changing Rooms' has been here! Traditional to the point of having no food.

John 7.5/10 visit June 2003

Lovely small pub with impressive décor. Most of the walls are taken up by beer memorabilia or photos of people in the pub. Large Belgian beer menu with Westvleteren beers priced at £35 or £45 a bottle? No TV and no food just a cosy atmosphere to chill out in. A Charles Wells pub, but only 3 of the 8 handpumps are from Charles Wells. Had Shefford Mild at £3.30 a pint. No fish tank on this visit.

 

John 9/10 visit June 2014

 

Still with a good Belgian bottled beer list, still with bottles of Westvleteren at £35! Plenty of UK and Belgian beer memorabilia around the pub. Nice relaxing sort of place. A pint of Banks And Taylor Plum Mild was £3.60.

 

John 9/10 visit August 2017

 

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Flying Pig, 106 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1LQ.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Woodforde Nelsons Revenge, Adnams Regetta, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, Moonshine Cambridge Best Bitter plus real ciders and 7 non-mainstream keg and lagers.

 

Telephone- 01322- 354623

 

Small cosy pub with lots of music posters around the pub, including the ceiling! The pub is a live music pub, but I am not sure where the bands play? Opens at 1900 hours on a Saturday and Sunday. A good range of regional beers, as well as a few Belgian bottled beers. A pint of Woodforde Nelsons Revenge was £3.60.

 

John 8/10 visit August 2017

 

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Fort St George In England, Midsummer Common, Cambridge. CB4 1HA

Owner- Greene King

Beers Greene King IPA, Abbot, London Glory, Moreland Old Speckled Hen, St Austell Tribute.

Telephone-01223-354327

Web site- http://www.fortstgeorge-cambridge.co.uk/

 

How can you go wrong with the location of this pub? On one side is a common, on the other is a river. A pub with many drinking areas, the oldest being to the left of the main entrance, with beams and a white tiled floor. Lots of bric-a-brac around the pub including rowing oars, old radios and empty bottles. Can get a little crowded in the summer.

John 9/10 visit July 2003

On a sunny day most people are drinking outside, which leaves me free to enjoy the lovely interior. Staff are good at engaging with people. Black Sheep Veldo was £3.75 a pint. As I said before great location.

John 8.5/10 visit August 2014

As stated before a pub, in a great location, with a river on one side and a common on another. The common is Mid-Summer Common, but I didn’t see any murders while I was there! Just cows grazing! A pint of Greene King Abbot was £3.90.

John 9/10 visit August 2017

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Free Press, 7 Prospect Row, Cambridge. CB1 1DU

Owner-Greene King

Beers- Greene King XX Mild, IPA, Abbot, Navigation New Dawn, Belhaven Golden Bay, Black Wolf Bok.

Telephone 01223-368337

Cambridge's other non-smoking pub. Small traditional pub with low ceiling and wood panelled walls. Newspaper front pages of famous events from the last century are all around the pub. Small beer garden around the back, as well as some tables out the front for the summer. No Abbot ale on at the time of visit, but a good guest beer in the form of St Austell's Tribute. Closes in mid-afternoon.

John 8/10 visit June 2003

Cosy pub with traditional décor but the pub is a little too foody for my taste. The prices are on a blackboard by the bar; some beers are a bit steep pricewise. Had  a  XX mild at £3.30 a pint for two reasons; one I had most of the other Greene King beers before, and two, it’s the ideal beer for a pub crawl. Seems to be some guided tour on the next table. Once this pub was only one of 2 non-smoking pubs in Cambridge-now it does not matter!

 

John 7.5/10 visit June 2014

 

Rare chance to try Greene King XX Mild at £3.60 which isn’t badly priced, where the Abbot Ale is £4.40 a pint! Not as busy as my previous weekend visits, the pub has a more relaxed feel. Like the old photos of the pub on  the wall.

 

John 8.5/10 visit August 2017

 

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Granta, 14 Newnham Road, Cambridge, CB3 9EX.

 

Owner- Greene King

 

Beers- Greene King IPA, St Edmunds Ale, Moreland Old Golden Hen, Wadworth 6X.

 

Telephone- 01223-505016

 

Web site- http://www.granta-cambridge.co.uk/

 

Lovely riverside pub which is in a great location, next to a punt station. The pub makes the most of the river views, with views out of the window and a beer garden overlooking the river. Just far enough from the city centre to avoid the tourists! A pint of Wadworth 6X was £3.85.

John 8.5/10 visit August 2017

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Grapes, 19 Histon Road, Cambridge. CB4 3JB

Owner- Greene King

Beers-Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale, Morelands Old Speckled Hen, St Austell Tribute, Charles Wells Bombardier

Telephone-01223-506038

Entrance is around the back in this pub. Bigger than it looks form the outside. Inside is a low white ceiling, red carpets, prints and plates on the walls. A little quiet at the time of visit, but a pleasant atmosphere none the less. Closes mid-afternoon.

John 7.5/10 visit July 2003

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Hopbine, 11/12 Fair Street, Cambridge, CB1 1HA.

 

Owner –Free house

 

Beers- Oakham Green Devil IPA, Scarlet Macaw, Several Great Blokes Don-ale Trump Ale, Milton Nero, Church End Folk-a- Cola, Crafty Carpenters Cask.

 

Telephone-01223-367204

 

Web site- http://www.thehopbine.co.uk/

 

A back street local close to the city centre. Still has its original wood panelled walls and low ceiling, which gives it a traditional feel. The 4 beers on draught were from micro-breweries, had a Buntingford Squadron at £3.50 a pint, which was in good nick. The pub also has a good range of rums. Like the 1960s reggae music. Staff a little slow in serving.

 

John 8/10 visit August  2014

 

Another back street local in the city centre, with 6 local ales on handpump plus craft bottled and can beers in the fridge next to the bar. A meal deal  from Monday to Friday at 1200 to 1500 hours,  means you get  an extra meal for £1! Also all real ales are £3 a pint Thursday between 1700 and 2300 hours. My pint of Several Great Blokes Don-Ale Trump Ale was £3.85.

 

John 8/10 visit August 2017

 

 

 

Maypole, 20A Portugal Place, Cambridge. CB5 8AF

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Tring Skycrane, Milton Nero, Mauldon Mid-Summer Gold, Grain Coriander, Slate plus 2 other real ales.

 

Telephone- 01223-352999

 

Web site- http://www.maypolefreehouse.co.uk/Welcome.html

 

A pub down a side street in the city centre. Décor fairly unremarkable, but the pub does a good pint and the landlord goes around chatting to his customers. There is also an outside drinking area. Had a pint of Buntingford Polar star at £3.50 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit August 2014 

 

Whilst in the city centre, this pub is well tucked away and not easy to find. The pub has 7 real ales, mainly from local breweries, but are expensive. There is a good bottled beer menu from the UK and overseas, as well as a good list of malts and gins. Only minus point is the canteen-style chairs and tables. There is an outside drinking area. A pint of Tring Skycrane was £4.20.

 

John 8/10 visit August 2017

 

 

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Mill, 14 Mill Lane, Cambridge. CB2 1RX.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Beers- Adnams Bitter plus 6 real ales from micro-breweries plus a fridge full of craft bottles and cans.

 

Telephone- 01223-311829

 

Web site-  http://themillpubcambridge.co.uk/

 

Small pub with the river across the road. Most people are drinking outside with plastic glasses. There are 8 beers on handpump, apart from Adnams they are mainly micro-breweries, with London prices. There is a fridge at the end of the bar with Belgian and UK bottled beers. Behind two idiots who wanted to sample most of the beers when the pub is busy and only 2 bar staff on, which only leaves 1 bar person for the rest of us!

 

John 8/10 visit August 2014

 

Pretty much the same as my last visit. A sunny day and most people are drinking outside. A pint of Adnams Bitter was £3.80.

 

John 8/10 visit August 2017

 

 

 

Old Bicycle Shop, 104 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1DP.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Adams Bitter, Cambridge Brewing Mistry River, Grain Threeonesix, 1 real cider and 6 craft keg draughts.

 

Telephone-01223-859909

 

Web site-  http://www.oldbicycleshop.com/

 

This place is half coffee shop and half pub, with a small drinking area at the front. The place was once, (yes), an old bicycle shop! The 3 ales are cask marque approved. As usual in places like this, there is usually something different to drink. Nice mix of people, good atmosphere. I had a pint of Cambridge Brewery Mistry River at £3.95.

 

John 8/10 visit August 2017

 

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Panton Arms, 43 Panton Road, Cambridge. CB2 1HL

 

Owner- Greene King

 

Beers- Hook Norton Hooky, Wadworth 6X, Vale VPA.

 

Telephone- 01223-464351

 

Web site- https://pantonarms.co.uk/

 

A Greene King back street local which I visited about 24 years with a student who lived nearby.  It is not as I remember it, as the pub now has a gastro makeover. Not too busy when I visited, but the landlord was friendly. All 3 beers on handpump were non-Greene King had a pint of Wadworth 6X  at £3.80 a pint.

 

John 7/10 visit August 2014

 

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Pint Shop, 2 Peas Hill, Cambridge, CB2 3PN.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- East London Brewing Fountain Bitter, Brakeman, Tapstone Voodoo Juice, Marble Pale Ale, Table Beer

 

Telephone- 01223- 352293

 

Web site- http://pintshop.co.uk/locations/cambridge/#contact

 

Similar décor to their sister pub in Oxford. The drinking area is a lot smaller than the Oxford pub, making it more atmospheric. The blackboard by the bar tells you all you need to know about the beers and prices! Friendly barman. A pint of East London Brewing Fountain Bitter was £4.50, making it the most expensive pint during my visit to Cambridge. 

 

John 8/10 visit August 2017

 

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Regal, 38 St Andrews Street, Cambridge.CB2 3AR

Owner- Wetherspoons

Beers- Greene King IPA, Abbot, Sharps Doombar, Jennings Hop Commotion, Adnams Regatta, Ghost Ship, Phoenix Moon Shadow, Nethergate Umbel, Oakham Scarlet Macaw.

Telephone-01223-366459

Web site- http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-regal

Large Wetherspoons pub in an ex- cinema. Supposed to be one of the largest pubs in the country! Usual Wetherspoons décor with some art décor design . Standard things you usually find in Wetherspoons, like non-smoking areas and reasonably priced food and beer. As it's so big you stand a good chance of getting a seat.

John 7.5/10 visit June 2003

Large impressive pub. This is a Wetherspoons Lloyds No 1 so it might get busier and noisier in the evening. At the moment- 12.30 on a Saturday-it is reasonably full for a large pub. Upstairs area leads to another bar. Guest beers are £2.65 a pint, had a Woodforde Nelson. Impressive loos!

John 8/10 visit August 2014

Large Spoons which I visited early in the afternoon, even at this time it was busy. The pub has 10 handpumps, so a good choice. The guest beers are £2.79 a pint. One of those Spoons with impressive loos!

John 9/10 visit August 2017

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Royal Standard, 292 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 8QN.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Adnams Broadside, Woodforde Wherry, Nene Valley Australian Pale. Duvel and Bitburger on draught.

 

Telephone- 01223-569065

 

Web site- http://cambridge.pub/royal-standard/

 

While on Mill Road this pub is a 10 minute walk away from the Mill Road back street pubs. The pub has a good range of non-mainstream beers including Duvel (at 6.7%) and Bitburger on draught. Only 3 real ales on, sadly my pint of Woodford Wherry ( price £3.75) was off, but it was replaced straight away with Adnams Broadside. Nice place with a good atmosphere.

 

John 7/10 visit August 2017

 

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St Radegund, 129 King Street, Cambridge. CB1 1LD

Owner- Free House

Fullers London Pride, Milk Street The Usual, Milestone Honey Porter plus 3 other real ales.

Telephone-01223-311794

Web site http://st-radegund.co.uk/

 

Atmospheric cosy city centre pub with a wonderful ceiling, with smoked etchings of college names! Nice old prints and photos all around the pub, mainly with a rowing or rugby theme. Seem to remember more beers on handpump on my last visit, but the beer quality was good. Nice place, good atmosphere.

John 9.5/10 visit July 2003

Still as I remember from my last visit. Wonderful small pub which is a little crowded at the moment, due to some people having  pre-wedding  drinks, but the pub has a unique atmosphere. Had a Milton Pegasus at £3.20 a pint which was very average, worst pint of the day. No mainstream lagers here. Opens 1700 to 2300 hours Monday to Friday. 

 

John 8/10 visit August 2014

 

The pub has had a makeover since my last visit, the bar is in a different place. Which was confirmed by the barman. It seems to be better for it. The pub still has photos of rowing, cricket and rugby teams on the wall. Like my last visit the beer was average again! My pint of Milk Street The Usual was £3.80. Opens 1700 hours Monday to Friday.

 

John 7.5/10 visit August 2017

 

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The Grain and Hop Store, 69/75 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AA.

 

Owner- Greene King

 

Beers- Greene King IPA, Radio X Amplified, Brentwood Blonde, Slater Ultra, Wadworth 6X, Mauldons Black Adder. Pilsner Urquell tank beer, plus a beer menu with UK and overseas bottled beer.

 

Telephone- 01223-323405

 

Web site- http://www.grainandhopstore-cambridge.co.uk/

 

Not an easy place to find. If you are walking along Regent Street, look for the City Kebab takeaway and the pub is down an alleyway. Inside is a modern pub, with great views of Parkers Piece ( a green in the city centre). A Greene King craft pub with 6 handpumps, with 2 of the beers coming from the Greene King range; there is a beer menu on the table with a selection of UK craft and overseas bottled and canned beers. The pub also has a tank of unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell.  Good new pub.

 

John 8.5/10 visit August 2017

 

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Tram Depot, 5 Dover Street, Cambridge. CB1 1DY

 

Beers- Bath Ales Barnsey, Everards Tiger, Original, Tram Light, Lacons Falcon Ale

 

Telephone- 01223-324553

 

Web site-http://www.everards.co.uk/our-pubs/tram-depot-cambridge/

 

A large modern pub with a cosy interior including flagstone floor, wooden beams, bare-brick walls and low lighting which creates a good atmosphere. An Everards pub with 3 of the 5 beers from their brewery. Had a Hydes Bitter at £3.40 a pint. Good beer.

John 8/10 visit June 2014

Like this pub with its bare brick walls, low lighting, comfy seats and candles. My pint of Lacon Falcon was off; it was replaced with no fuss by a pint of Everards Tiger at £3.60.

 

John 8/10 visit August 2017

 

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Tivoli, 16 Chesterton Road, Cambridge. CB4 3AX

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Sharp’s Doombar, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Bitter, Banks and Taylor Shefford Bitter, Golden Fox, Vale VPA, Cairngorm Wildcat.

 

Telephone- 01223-310450

 

Web site-  http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-tivoli

 

Cosy Wetherspoons pub on the north side of the River Cam. There is an upstairs drinking area and a downstairs garden room; the seats at the front have river views. Low lighting, low ceiling and mature clientele makes for a relaxing atmosphere. Guest beers are £1.99 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit August 2014

 

 THIS PUB HAS BEEN BADLY DAMAGED BY A FIRE AND LOOKS UNLIKE TO OPEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE

 

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Zebra, 80 Maids Causeway, Cambridge. CB5 8DD

Owner- Greene King

Beers- Greene King IPA, Suffolk Summer, Moreland Old Speckled Hen, Ruddles Country Plus Budvar Czech lager on draught

Telephone-01223-512400

Roadside pub, just outside of the city centre. Light green walls, wood panelled bar and mirrors all round the pub-which makes it look larger. Dim lighting adds to the pleasant atmosphere of the pub. Why can't Greene King have Budvar on draught in a few more pubs, instead of their 'bog standard' lagers?

John 8/10 visit July 2003

Pub now closed

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MILL ROAD BACK STREET LOCALS  (near station)

 

 

 

Alexandra Arms, 22 Cwydir Street, Cambridge. CB1 2LL

 

Owner- Greene King

 

Beers- 7 real ales; 2 from the Greene King range and 5 from other breweries.

 

Telephone-01223-500170

 

Web site http://www.thealexcambridge.com/

 

Not sure what to make of this pub. The pub is small but very gastro in style. Not many punters in at the time of my visit on a Saturday; not really creating an atmosphere( I later realised this might be because of the beer festival at the Cambridge Blue down the road). There are 8 beers on handpump, 4 Greene King and 4 non-Greene King. Had a Buntingford single Hop Junga at £3.60 a pint.

 

John 7/10 visit June 2014.

 

Still the same. A nice Greene King back-street local with 7 beers on handpump. The food looks interesting. My pint of Mad Squirrel Red Squirrel was £3.40. Opens 1600 hours on Monday

 

John 8/10 visit August 2017

 

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Blue Moon, 2 Norfolk Street, Cambridge, CB1 2LF.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers-Adnams Mosaic Pale, Dark Star Hophead, Colchester No 1.

 

Telephone- 01223-500238

 

Estate pub in the Mill Road area, which is being run by the owners of the Cambridge Blue. Unlike the Cambridge Blue, the pub has pool, TV and live music. The draught beer range is non-mainstream, with 3 real ales plus 50 gins. Not many people in on my Monday evening visit. Interesting to see how this pub pans out. A pint of Colchester No 1 was £3.40. Opens 1700 hours Monday to Friday.

John 7.5/10 visit August 2017

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Cambridge Blue, 85-87 Gwydir Road, Cambridge. CB1 2LG.  

Owner- Free House

Beers- 14 real ales and ciders plus 3 fridges of mainly Belgian bottled beer.

Telephone-01223-319414

Web site- http://www.the-cambridgeblue.co.uk/

Small cosy back street pub with a conservatory at the back, which leads to a beer garden. Rowing theme in the pub, including oars on the walls and rowing club flags. Overseas bank notes hanging from bar ceiling. One of two totally non-smoking pubs in Cambridge; and other one is the Free Press, ( see above ). Interesting range of beers. Closes mid-afternoon.

John 9/10visit June 2003

A great pub. Hard to believe  such a small pub does such a large amount of beer! As you walk the first thing you see is fridges full of Belgian beer- Tempering, who says presentation is not everything! There are 14 handpumps at the bar and as luck would have it they were having a beer festival, so there were even more beers out in the beer garden-Good timing or what. Most important of all the pub has a great atmosphere. Love for this to be my local. Had a Stewarts 80 schilling at £3.40 a pint. Now open all day.

John 10/10 visit June 2014  

The classic Cambridge back-street local with a great choice of beers on draught and in bottles. Lots of beer memorabilia around the pub. Friendly barman. My pint of Woodforde Wherry was £3.40.

John 10/10 visit August 2017

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Devonshire Arms, 1 Devonshire Road, Cambridge. CB1 2BH.  

 

Owner-Milton

 

Beers- 5 beers from the Milton brewery range plus one from Banks and Taylor and a few Belgian bottled beers.

 

Web site- https://www.individualpubs.co.uk/devonshire/

 

A Milton brewery pub with 4 of their beers on handpump plus 2 guest beers. Looks like it’s been redecorated recently, with lots of wood in the decor. The pub has a quiet atmosphere with no TV etc. There are some Belgian beers in the fridge. Had a pint of Minotaur, but not sure of the price! It was the last pub of the day!

 

John visit 8/10 June 2014

 

Mill Road local owned by the Milton Brewery. The regulars are at the front part of the pub; there is a large back room with a fan. The pub also has a few Belgian bottled beers in the fridge.

 

John 7.5/10 visit August 2017

 

 

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Geldart, 1 Ainsworth Street, Cambridge. CB1 2PF  

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- St Austell Tribute, Oakham Cirta, JHB, Deuchars IPA, Adnams Ghost Ship, Lancaster Gold, Media City Solstice

 

Web site- http://www.the-geldart.co.uk/

 

While the décor is modern there seem to be a definite eating and drinking areas here. Nice relaxing atmosphere, with friendly locals and a good range of beers with 8 on handpump. Had a Rooster Italian Job at £3.50 a pint. There is a malt whisky list with malts from all over the world as well as Scotland.

 

John 8/10 visit June 2014

 

Pub with small drinking area to the left as you go in and  alarger drinking/dining area to the right. Seven real ales is good for a small pub. The food menu specialises in game. My pint of St Austell Tribute was £4.10. Friendly atmosphere. Closed Monday, opens 1700 hours Tuesday to Friday.

 

John 8/10 visit August 2017

 

 

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Kingston Arms, 33 Kingston Street, Cambridge CB1 2NU.

Owner- Free House

 Beers- Woodforde Wherry, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Thornbridge Jaipur  Rooster Blind Jack, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, plus 3 other real ales.

Telephone-01223-319414

 

 

This is the only pub owned by the Lidstones brewery from Newmarket. Modern décor, including green ceiling, white walls, wooden benches and beer posters. This said, the pub does have a traditional atmosphere to it. Beer garden out the back. Brave of Lidstones to serve guest beers, offering more choice. Another good Cambridge back street local

John 8/10 visit June 2003

Nice décor for a back street local. The pub is no longer owned by Lidstones, but there are 10 beers on handpump. Had a pint of Landlord for £3.90 a pint ( most expensive of the day), but did not know about the 20p discount for Camra members.  There are a lot of reserved signs on the table, but the sign tells you what time the table is reserved for and tells you know it is okay to sit there before the time.

 

John 8/10 visit June 2014#

 

Pub with 8 real ales on handpump but not easy to see them, because of the locals on their bar stools. The pub is busy for a Monday evening, but I am not sure why the front door is open on cold evening at 2000 hours? On the plus side the bar staff are friendly, the beer range is good and the prices of the real ales are on the handpumps. A pint of Woodforde Wherry was £3.30. Opens 1200 to 1430 hours and 1700 to 2300 hours Monday to Friday.

 

John 8/10 visit August 2017

 

 

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Live and Let Live, 40 Mawson Road, Cambridge.CB1 2EA.

Owner- Free House

Beers- Nethergate Umbel Ale, North Yorkshire Dizzy Dick, Oakham Citra, Green Devil IPA, plus 3 real ciders.

 

Telephone-01223-460261

 

Hours Monday to Friday 1130 to 1430 (expect Wednesday and Thursday) and 1730 to 2300, Saturday 1130 to 1430 and 1800 to 2300, Sunday 1200 to 1500 and 1900 and 2300.

Telephone-01223-460261

Lovely back street pub near to the railway station. Lots of wood, as well as low beams, prints and photos of cricket and brewery memorabilia. Beer mats and beer clips hanging from the bar. A great range of beer from micro breweries, as well as Belgian bottled beers and Scotch malt whiskys ( see list on bar for last two ) . Closes mid-afternoon. Great place.

John 9/10 visit June 2003

Lovely back street of great character. The low beams and the beer memorabilia around the walls makes for a cosy atmosphere.  No TV or food adds to the atmosphere of the pub. Like the beer towels on the tables instead of beer mats. There are 5 beers on draught from independent brewers. Had a Portobello Market Porter at £3.70 a pint. Impressive rum menu which is in 3 parts, with hundreds of rums from all over the world. Pub closes mid-afternoon even at the weekend, but worth including on your pub crawl.

 

John 9.5/10 visit June 2014 

 

Love this place, despite the unusual opening times ( see above)! No TV, fruit machines or music; just talk. There is an alcove room at the back if the front part is full. Still with an impressive rum menu. A pint of Nethergate Umbel was £3.80. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, but I like this pub.

 

John 9.5/10 visit August 2017

 

 

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Petersfield, 2 Sturton Street, Cambridge, CB1 2QA.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Crafty APA, Nene Valley Big Bang Theory plus 2 real ciders

 

Telephone- 01223-306306

 

Web site-  http://www.thepetersfield.co.uk/

 

Another Mill Road back street pub. Small pub which was busy at the time of my visit, mainly with people eating. The pub looks like it’s had an upmarket makeover recently ( I might be wrong). Which might explain why my pint of Crafty APA was £4.45! Paying with plastic seems popular here, even for one drink!

 

John 7/10 visit August 2017

 

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Salisbury, 76 Tension Road, Cambridge. CB1 2DW.  

Owner- Charles Wells

Beers- Marstons Pedigree, McEwan’s IPA, Young’s Bitter.

Telephone-01223-576363

Web site- http://www.salisburyarmscambridge.co.uk/

Large back street local, near to the railway station. Long narrow pub, with a room around the back. Lots of wood panelling around the pub, with old Camra beer festivals' posters and photos of old brewery workers on the walls. Bike hanging from ceiling adds to the character of the pub! Charles Wells pub, but guest beers to choose from as well. Good beer, good pub.

John 8.5/10 visit June 2003

First of the Cambridge back street local pubs which are near the railway station. This one is closest to the station (a 5 minute walk). The pub is done out in gastro style, but still has a nice pubby feel to it. Long narrow pub with a room at the back and a small beer garden.  A Charles Wells pub with 6 of the 8 beers on handpump coming from the Wells/Young’s stable. Had Camerons Strongarm at £3.40 a pint.

 

John 8.5/10 visit June 2014

 

Nicely done out back street local, which is totally different from the nearby basic Live and Let Live. Pizzas are the main food here and why not? The friendly young manager  has set the music up to play David Bowie all night. Only 3 real ales on, my pint of Marstons Pedigree was £4.00. Less beer choice since my last visit.

 

John 8/10 visit August 2017

 

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DORKING

Dorking is within easy reach from London Victoria or Waterloo stations, 50 minutes from Waterloo at the weekend. The centre of the town is a fair way from the railway station, it's easily to take a taxi to the first pub. Once at the first pub the rest follow in the order below. The town has pubs owned by four independent breweries, as well some good free houses. As well as three pubs in West Street, every other shop in West Street seems to be an antique shop. so if beer and antiques are your thing this is the place to be.

Star Inn, West Street, Dorking, Surrey. RH4 1BU

Owner- Greene King

Beers- Greene King IPA, Moreland Old Speckled Hen.

A small pub with Greene King etched glass windows. Not too many seats, but there is seating outside for a summers day. No Greene King abbot Ale, but the Old Speckled Hen was good. This pub is a little more yuppie in style than the rest of the pubs visited in Dorking, but is a pleasant pub.

John 8/10 visit June 2005

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Old House at Home, West Street, Dorking, Surrey. RH4 1BY

Owner- Young's

Beers- Young's Bitter, Special, Waggledance Golden Zest.

Young's pub which is nicely done out and like the Kings Arms it's a genuine old pub. Low black and white beams, red walls and floorboards all add to the charm. In one corner of the pub is some Chelsea FC memorabilia, interesting to see the price of a 1994 FA cup final programme is £5 and a 2000 one is £10! Young's beer was in good condition.

John8.5/10 visit June 2005

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Kings Arms, West Street, Dorking, Surrey. RH4 1BU

Fullers London Pride, Greene King IPA, Downton Quadpa, Hop Back Fools Frontier,

Genuine old pub on West Street to go with the antique shops. Done out in mock Tudor style with low beans, red seats and carpet. Lots of different drinking areas in the pub. Beer garden at the back. Guest beer was very average, might have just been an average guest beer.

John 8/10 visit June 2005

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Bull's Head, South Street, Dorking, Surrey. RH4  2DY

Owner Gale's

Beers- Gale's Buster Bitter, Best Bitter, HSB, Seafarers Ale

Gale's pub with a good range of Gale beers, I never seen Seafarers Ale before. Small pub with not to many seats, but a good quiet atmosphere. Unlike the busy road junction outside. Beer was the best I had today.

John 9/10 visit June 2005

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Spotted Dog, South Street, Dorking, Surrey.RH4 2HQ

Owner- Free House

Beers- Courage Directors, Fullers London Pride, Young's Bitter

Low beamed pub, with low lighting which is bigger than it looks on the outside. Atmosphere is cosy and quiet. Choice of ales is a little bland, but the beer was okay. Nice beer garden at the back.

John 7/10 visit June 2005

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Cricketers, South Street, Dorking, Surrey. RH4 2JU

Owner -Fullers

Beers- Fullers Discovery, Chiswick Bitter, London Pride, ESB,

As befits the name the barebrick walls of this pub are fill of cricket memorabilia, including a impressive mirror on the way into the pub. While there was sport on the TV-what else but Cricket! it is on a low volume. This is a very laid back place. There a beer garden at the back of the pub.

John 8.5/10 visit June 2005

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Queen's Head, South Street, Dorking, Surrey. RH4 2JS

Owner- Fullers

Beers-Fullers Chiswick Bitter, London Pride, ESB

A Fullers pub which is close to the Cricketers. While the Cricketers is quite the Queen's Head is a lively sort of pub with two dartboards and a pool table. Ordinary décor with red carpet and plates all around the pub.. Some benches outside for the summer. Beer in good nick.

John 7.5/10 visit June 2005

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LEWES

A nice town resting in the Sussex Downs. Home of the excellent Harveys brewery. Harveys only own 3 of the 20 pubs in the town, but only 3 pubs ( 2 of them tied houses of other breweries ) do not sell their beers.

Brewers Arms, 91 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex.BN7 1XN

Owner- Free House

Beers- Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, 1648 Bitter ?, Phoenix Sticky Wicket. Leffe Blonde in bottles. Biddenden cider

Telephone-01273-479475

Web site www.brewersarmslewes.co.uk

A quiet pub, with white walls, red seating, red carpet and a ceiling fan. There is a list of bottled beers above the bar. Various photos of Lewes throughout the years. Average décor, average pub, not much going for it apart from the beer.

John 7/10 visit July 2004

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Dorset Arms, 22 Mailing Street, Lewes, East Sussex. BN7 2RD

Owner- Harveys

Beers-Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Armada, Greene King IPA

Telephone-01273-477110

Web site www.thedorsetlewes.com

Harveys pub close to the brewery. Two different bar areas; the public bar side is stripped pine and the saloon bar is white walls, carpet and old paintings. Beer served was just the right temperature on a hot summer's day. Outside drinking area.

John 7.5/10 visit July 2004

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Gardeners Arms, 46 Cliffe High Street, Lewes, East Sussex.  BN7 2AN

Owner- Free House

Beers- Archers Golden Bitter, Exe Valley Execaliber, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, Hidden Quest, Hampshire Bohemian Rhaspsody. Draught ciders Biddenden and Black Rat.

Telephone-01273-474808

Web site www.gardnersarmslewes.com

Small pub on the high street near the Harveys brewery shop, which at a guess was once a shop. The décor is just average, but the choice of micro beers and good atmosphere makes up for this. As well as the beer, there are two real ciders on with one of them Biddenden, at 8%.

John 8.5/10 visit July 2004

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John Harvey Tavarn, Bear Lane, off Cliffe High Street, Lewes, East Sussex. BN7 2AN

Owner- Haverys

Beers- Harveys Mild, Sussex Best Bitter, Armada. Budvar in bottles.

Telephone-01273-486107

Web site www.johnharveytavern.co.uk

New Harveys pub which was opened in the 1990's. It is an old building, so I wonder what was here before? The new décor seems to work, giving the pub a comfortable atmosphere. Flagstone floor, low beamed ceiling and wooden tables and chairs. The beer barrels behind the bar are not used to served the beer. Has a good lived-in feel for a new pub.

John 9/10 visit July 2004

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Lewes Arms, Mount Place, Lewes, East Sussex. BN7 1YN

Owner- Greene King

Beers- Greene King XX Mild, IPA, Abbott Ale, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter.

Telephone-01273-473152

Web site www.lewesarms.org.uk

Lovely traditional pub with lots of different rooms and drinking areas. No food, music, or mobile phones ( which are banned ). A pub with a good atmosphere, as well as some friendly locals. Ex Beard pub which is now run by Greene King. Good to see a mild on draught. Good pint.

John 9/10 visit July 2004

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Snowdrop Inn, 119 South Street, Lewes, Sussex.BN7 2BU

Owner- Free House

Beers- Adnams Broadside, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter. Budvar in bottles

Telephone-01273-471018

A pub about a five minute walk from the town centre. Nice cosy pub with a upstairs seating area. Dryed hops are hanging from the ceiling, as well as a rowing boat! there is some beer memorabilia in the non-smoking room. Outside drinking area on both sides of the pub. Nice place.

John 8/10 visit July 2004

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White Star, 36 Lansdown Place, Lewes < East Sussex. BN7 2JU

Owner-Free House

Beers- Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Harveys Sussex Best Bitter, King and Barnes Sussex Bitter. Hoegaarden on draught.

Telephone-01273-480625

Modern wood panelled pub, with a flagstone floor and wooden chairs and tables. The pub has a White Star and Titanic theme throughout the pub. Lively atmosphere at the time of visit. Pub is close to Lewes railway station; a good place to finish your pub crawl of Lewes. Good pint.

John 8/10 visit July 2004.

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OXFORD

Like Cambridge, Oxford has some lovely old colleges and historic buildings, as well as good pubs. The better pubs in Oxford are in the city centre. Sadly Oxford family independent brewers Morrells were sold off by some of the family to a pub-owning chain, eventually finishing up as Greene King pubs in 2002. London independents Fullers with 5 pubs, and Young's with 4 pubs, join other independents Arkells, Everards, Marstons and Wadworths to make drinking more interesting.

The pubs below were done on two visits in July and August 2003.

Some pubs were revisited in September 2012,February 2013 and July 2014 with some new ones added. Like Cambridge so many good pubs three visits will do it justice!

Visited 5 pubs in November 2014.

I did 4 Saturday day trips between March and May 2017. I manage to revisit most of my pervious pubs, plus there are 9 new entry’s!    

CITY CENTRE

Bear Inn, 6 Alfred Street, Oxford. OX1 4EH

Owner- Fullers

Beers- Beers- Fullers Oliver’s Island, London Pride, ESB, Gales HSB, Sprinter, Southover Prospect.

Telephone-01865-728164

Genuine old beamed back street pub, with bags of atmosphere and character. Pub claims it's been here since 1242. In both small rooms there is an impressive collection of ties, which are everywhere including the ceiling! This is a Fullers pub, but it only sells guest beers from other breweries. Well-hidden and quiet pub, it's hard to believe you are only a few minutes walk from the busy city centre!

John 9/10 visit July 2003

The oldest and smallest pub in Oxford still with bags of character and atmosphere. Best to visit mid-afternoon to avoid crowds. Photo of ex-Oxford student (and US president!) Bill Clinton on a recent visit to the pub in the back room. Now with a range of Fullers beers,London Pride was £3.60 a pint.

 

John 9.5/10 Sept 2012

 

Still the same. This small pub was busy, but most people were drinking outside. Not much room for the 2 bar staff behind the bar, but they manage to serve everyone quickly without getting in each other’s way! A pint of London Pride was £4.15.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2017

 

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Chequers, 130A High Street, Oxford. OX1 4DH

Owner- Nicholson

Beers- Beers- Nicholson Pale Ale, Timothy Taylor, Landlord, Dark Mild, Adnams Ghost Ship, Fat Sprat, Sharp’s Doombar, Purity Gold, Vermilion Red Ale.

Telephone-01865-726904

Web site - http://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/thechequersoxford/

Genuine old pub, down an alleyway off the high street. Long narrow pub with a wonderful white ceiling and walls. Etched glass windows, wood panelled walls and a slate floor makes this a pleasant place to drink in. Even has an 'Lord of the Rings' fruit machine! Good pint, good bar service.

John 9/10 visit August 2003

Walk down a courtyard to one of Oxford’s oldest pubs. Large narrow pub which goes back a fair way; busy at the time of visit with a Six Nations rugby international on the TV. Good range of beers on handpump; the Mole Catcher was £3.20 a pint and in good condition. More touristy than the Grapes.

 

John 8.5/10 visit Feb 2013

 

While the address is the High Street, this pub is down a cobbled alleyway, which leads to the pub’s beer garden. Inside is traditional, but with music and sport on the TV at a low volume. Good choice of beers, I had a pint of Timothy Taylor Dark Mild at £3.95.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2017

 

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Eagle and Child, 49 St Giles, Oxford. OX1 3LU

Owner- Young’s

Beers- Beers- Hook Norton Old Hooky, Sharp’s Atlantic, Brakspear Oxford Gold, Nicholson Pale Ale.

Telephone-01865-302925

Web site- http://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/theeagleandchildoxford/

 

Long narrow pub, with lots of wood panelling and nice alcoves. At the back of the pub is a conservatory area, which is non-smoking. Pub dates back to 1650 ( and I am not saying 4.50 PM ) with CS Lewis and Toikein connections. Nice feel of tradition here. Good bar service.

John 8.5/10 visit August 2003

A long, narrow old pub with Tolkien and CS Lewis connections, now owned by Nicholson. This is a nice pub with a good atmosphere at the time of visit, but after the Lamb and Flag across the road it feels a little corporate. There are 4 real ales on draught, had an Orkney Dark Island at £3.20 a pint.

 

John 8.5/10 visit Feb 2013 

 

Like the Lamb and Flag across the road, this pub is owned by St John’s College, but leased out to Young’s. There are no Young’s beers on the 4 handpumps. Despite its history, this pub seems more of a tourists trap, than most Oxford pubs. A pint of Hook Norton Old Hooky was £3.95.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2017

 

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Far from the Madding Crowd, Friars Entry off Magdalen Street. OX1 2BY

Owner- Free House

Beers- Buxton SPA, Marstons EPA, Brakspear Bitter, XT 13, Great Heck Porter, Mighthy Oak King of Hops.

Telephone- 01865-240900

Web site www.maddingcrowd.co.uk

New pub with some nice ideas, including modern art paintings on the wall and theatre posters. Green walls, wood panelling and dim lighting gives this place a good lived-in feel . Two regular beers, plus interesting guest beers make for good drinking. A good place for a new pub. Maybe not an aptly named pub on a crowded Friday or Saturday night!

John 8.5/10 visit July 2003

An aptly named pub, this half empty pub which is down an alleyway is a welcome relief from the Saturday afternoon shoppers. Maybe it is empty because there is no TV and there is a rugby international on! Good to chill out in this newish pub on their comfy sofas. Good range of real ales and bottled beers. Had a Buxton SPA at £3.40 a pint- nice beer.

 

John 9/10 visit Feb 2013

 

This pub is now closed.

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Four Candles, 51-53 George Street, Oxford. OX1 2BE

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Beers- Sharp’s Doombar, Greene King IPA, Titanic Cappuccino, Long Man American Pale Ale, White Horse Village Idiot, Show Pony APA, Oxford Dark, Prescott Chequered Flag, Hill Climb.

 

Telephone- 01865-263110

 

Web site  http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-four-candles

 

Is the name of the pub anything to do with the famous Two Ronnie’s sketch ‘Fork Handles’? A Wetherspoons pub which is on two levels, which is  more traditional than their other pub in Oxford, the Castle.  Upstairs area is more relaxed than the downstairs area.  This is the closest pub to Oxford railway station in this guide. Guest beers are £1.99 a pint; I had a pint of Nelsons Dragon Revenge.

 

John 8/10 visit Sept 2012

 

A Spoons pub on two floors, which can get very busy. Good to see local breweries as guest beers. Had a pint of White Horse Village Idiot at £2.59.

 

John 8.5/10 visit April 2017

 

 

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Grapes, 7 George Street, Oxford. OX1 2AT

 

Owner- Bath Ales

 

Beers- Bath Ales- Gem, SPA,Barnsey, Golden Hare, XT Pacific Red. Budvar and Brugges Zot on draught. 

 

Telephone- 01865-793380

 

Web site- http://www.bathales.com/our-pubs/pid/the-grapes/

 

A small city centre pub owned by Bath Ales, which is a welcome addition to the Oxford beer drinking scene. The pub has been refurbished to a high standard, but retains a good pubby atmosphere. Décor includes wooden panelled walls with old photos on them. There are 4 Bath Ales beers on draught, Barnsey was £3.65 a pint plus one guest beer. The pub also has Brugges Zot on draught, this is the first time I have seen it on draught outside Belgium. Not sure why this good pub is not in the 2013 Good Beer Guide? But this is why this site exists-to show you good pubs which are not in it!

 

John 9.5/10 visit Feb 2013

 

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Beerd, 7 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AT

 

Owner – Free House

 

Beers- Wild Weather Big Muddy,  Black Night, XT XPA, Dawkins Mosaic.

 

Telephone- 01865-793380

 

Web site- http://www.beerdoxford.com/

 

Last time I was here this was a Bath Ales pub called the Grapes. Now it is a free house selling a range of beers from micro-breweries on handpumps and taps. The Pint Shop has recently opened a few doors down ( see review), so it doesn’t have the biggest range of craft beers in Oxford.  The décor is the same, but the pub now does pizzas. Had a good pint of Wild Weather Big Muddy at £4.00.

 

John 8.5/10 visit March 2017

 

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Head of the River, Folly Bridge, Oxford. OX1 4LB

Owner- Fullers

Beers- Beers- Fullers Oliver’s Island, London Pride, Gales HSB, Southover Scholar.

Telephone-01865-721600

Fullers riverside pub in a great location next to Folly Bridge. Only been a pub since 1977, but has a nice olde-world feel to it, with beams and bare brick walls. Nice old rowing photos on the walls. A big outside drinking area by the river, ideal for the summer. Bungee jumping crane doesn't seem to be working on this visit!

John 8.5/10 visit July 2003

Not much has changed still my last visit, still has the unused bungee jumping crane!  A bit too cold to drink outside today. Gales HSD was £3.75 a pint.

 

John 8/10 Sept 2012

 

As the sun is out today this riverside pub is very busy. Despite there being 4 bar staff it still took me 10 minutes to be served. A pint of London Pride was £4.20.

 

John 8./10 visit April 2017

 

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St Aldgate Tavern, 108 St Aldates, Oxford. OX4 1BU.  (Was the Hobgoblin),

Owner- Free House

Beers- Beers- Siren Vermont Tea Party, Wild Weather Black Night, Serendipity, Castle Combe Bybrook Bitter.

Telephone-01865-250201

A student-designed pub in a student town. A long narrow pub with brown walls and dim lighting. Interesting prints and old photos on the wall, and the standard rowing oar. Good collection of beer mats above the bar.

John 7.5/10 visit July 2003

This pub was the Hobgoblin under my previous reviews of July 2003; not only has the name changed, but the décor as well. Modern décor with lots of wood. There are lots of screens showing sports, with the 6 Nation flags still up around the pub. Good range of real ales from nearby breweries; I had a pint of Siren Vermont Tea Party at £3.90.

John 8/10 visit April 2017   

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Jam Factory, Hollybush Row, Oxford, OX1 1HU

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- No real ale on, interesting range of overseas draught including Westmalle, Kwak and Pilsner Urquell.

 

Telephone- 01865-244613

 

Web site- http://www.thejamfactoryoxford.com/

 

A café/bar in an ex ( you guessed it) jam factory. The handpumps were disused, but the draught beer taps had a few overseas surprises which you probably wouldn’t find in any other pub in Oxford, like Kwak, Westmalle and Pilsner Urquell. Décor modern, but a little soulless. The place is understaffed for a Saturday afternoon, with one person coping with about 10 people who are waiting to be served at the bar! Had a half pint of Westmalle at £4.50.

 

John 6/10 visit March 2017

 

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Kings Arms, 40 Holywell Street, Oxford. OX1 3SP

Owner- Young's

Beers- Beers- Young’s Bitter, Special, Hummingbird, Courage Directors, Wells Bombardier, Twickenham Grandstand, St Austell Tribute.

Telephone-01865-242369

A pub of character. Wood panelled walls throughout the pub, lots of different drinking areas including a non-smoking room. Pub is big on food, but it doesn't ruin the pub atmosphere. Very atmospheric at the time of visit.

John 8.5/10 visit July 2003

This pub was very busy on a Friday night. Lots of different rooms and alcoves add to the atmosphere. Pub now has 3 non-Young’s beers, I had a Hook Norton 12 Ways at £3.65 a pint.

 

John 8.5/10 visit Sept 2012

 

Multi-room pub which is not as busy as my previous visits. Keep spilling my drink, thanks to a wobbly table! Food is ordered in a separate area; what a good idea for us drinkers! A pint of St Austell Tribute was £4.25 (expensive),  but this is the price you pay for not drinking Young’s in a Young’s pub!

 

John 8.5/10 visit April 2017

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Lamb and Flag, 12 St Giles, Oxford. OX1 3JS

Owner- Free House

Beers- Beers- Lamb and Flag Gold, Palmers IPA, Theakstons Old Peculier, Skinners Betty Stoggs, Vale Brill Gold, Prescott Spring Season Best, XTC Buzzard.

Telephone-01865-515787

Wonderful 14th century inn. As you keep going to the back of the pub, it gets better. Lots of different alcoves and drinking areas, all making for a cosy pub. Black beams, white walls and wood panelled walls with old photos all add to the charm of this pub. Good range of ales here.

John 9/10 visit August 2003

This pub is owned by St John College. The front of the pub is wood panelled and has a wooden floor; the back is low beamed with a flagstone floor. This pub has bags of character and atmosphere and is more reasonably priced than most Oxford city centre pubs, with Palmers Best Bitter at £3.00 a pint. Only cash is accepted and there is no food. Good pub.

 

John 9.5/10 visit Feb 2013

 

The last non-corporate pub in Oxford city centre? While there is a snack meal menu between 1200 to 1500 hours, the pub is mainly full of beer drinkers, and with a pint of Palmers IPA at £3.30 you can see why! Friendly bar staff add to the drinking experience. The pub is owned by St John’s College and profits go to student scholarships, so you know you are drinking for a good cause! Great pub.

 

John 9.5/10 visit April 2017

 

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Lighthouse, 1 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HH.

 

Owner- Marstons

 

Beers- Wychwood Hobgoblin, Brakspear Oxford Gold.

 

Telephone- 01865- 204060

 

Web site- https://www.thelighthouseoxford.com/

 

Pub about 5 minutes’ walk from the railway station.  A small part of the pub backs on the Castle Mill Stream. Décor is what I call Swiss chalet, so plenty of wood, with high tables and chairs. Busy with a good atmosphere. Had a pint of Oxford Gold at £4.10.

 

John 7.5/10 visit March 2017

 

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Old Tom,101 St Aldates, Oxford. OX1 1BT

Owner- Greene King

Beers- Beers- Greene King IPA, Abbott, Moreland Old Speckled Hen.

Telephone-01865-243034

Web site   www.oxfordinn.co.uk

Long narrow city centre, with a almost rural atmosphere to it. Low lighting, red carpet, mirrors and jugs hanging from the ceiling. On the shelves are full bottles of overseas beers, and some empty bottles of Morrells ( this was once a Morrells pub ) Good collection of Morrells beer bottle labels', on one of the beams. Beer garden out the back. Nice pub.

John 9/10 visit July 2003

No memories of my previous visit to this pub. This long narrow pub specialises in Thai food. There are 3 handpumps from the Greene King range, I had a pint of Greene King Abbott at £3.60, which is very reasonably priced for the city centre. Nice pleasant pub.

John 8/10 visit April 2017

 

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Pint Shop, 27/29 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AU.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers Cloudwater Red Ale, Nigaraguan Harbour Copper Stout, Adnams Broadside.

 

Telephone- 01865-251194

 

Web site-  http://pintshop.co.uk/locations/oxford/#contact

 

New pub on busy George Street; this pub has a sister pub in Cambridge. There are no brewery logos on the taps and handpumps, so you have to look up at the blackboard behind the bar; then you see the prices, and see that most of beers are over £5 a pint!( Hate to think what they’ll charge if they get a pub in London!) Décor is modern and open-planned with not many people in on a Saturday afternoon ( wonder why!). To be fair, my pint of Cloudwater Red Ale at £5.20, was in good nick. There is a downstairs dining area.

 

John 7.5/10 visit March 2017

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Royal Blenheim, 13 St Ebbes Street, Oxford.OX1 1PT

Owner- Everards/ White Horse

Beers-  Beers-  White Horse Oxfordshire Bitter, Oxford Dark, Village Idiot, Crazy Horse IPA, Wayland Smithy, Bateman Shire Horse, XXXB, Everards Tiger.

Telephone-01865-726484

A smallish pub off the high street. An Everards pub done out in a wood panelled style, with a pool table. A well throughout pub, but seems to be lacking sometime- and I am not sure what. That say it is a pleasant pub, and is worth a visit.

John 7/10 visit August 2003

 Small pub close to the Westgate shopping centre. Last time I was here it was an Everards pub, now it is leased to the White Horse Brewery 3 of their beers on draught plus 5 guest beers.  Décor is white walls, wood panelled walls with prints and old photos on them, and a chequered floor. Good cosy atmosphere with friendly and funny barman who has most of the bar prices in his head!! Beers are on a blackboard, nice touch. Good pub.

 

John 9/10 visit Sept 2012

 

A nice city centre pub showcasing White Horse beers. Sport is on the TV, but volume is turned down. Friendly bar staff and good atmosphere gives this pub a back-street feel, despite being in the city centre. Had a pint of White Horse Dark Oxford at £3.90.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2017

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Swan and Castle, Castle Street,Oxford. OX1 1AY.

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Greene King Abbot, IPA, Sharp’s Doombar, Adnams Ghost Ship, Hilden Oat Ale, Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted.

 

Telephone- 01865- 260690

 

Web site  http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-swan-castle/

 

A modern Wetherspoon pub in the Castle Street shopping centre. The Standard Wetherspoons décor here with a low ceiling and low lighting. Busy at the time of my visit, but the 4 bar staff cope well. The guest beers were £1.99 a pint; I had a pint of Hobgoblin.

 

John 7/10 visit Sept 2012

 

An open-planned Spoons, with the windows looking out to a rebuilt shopping centre at the moment! Two things which are different from most Spoons pubs are a cocktail menu and bottles of Duvel in the fridge! A pint of Hilden Oat Ale was £2.59.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2017

 

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Three Coats Heads, 3A St Michael’s Street, Oxford, OX1 2DR

 

Owner- Sam Smiths

 

Beers- Sam Smiths OBB

 

Telephone- 01865-721523

 

A two bar Sam Smiths pub in the city centre. There is an upstairs and a downstairs bar, with the upstairs bar being a bit more upmarket. Standard Sam’s  pub with 1 real ale and their own draught beers and sprits at low prices. My pint of Sam Smith’s OBB was £3.00. Friendly bar staff.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2017

 

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Turf Tavern, 4 Bath Place, off Holywell Street, Oxford. OX1 3SU

Owner- Greene King

Beers- Beers- Cottage Atlantic, Revolution, Robinsons Trooper, Greene King Yardbird.

Telephone-01865-243235

Web site www.theturftavern.co.uk

An alleyway leads you to a classic pub. Original stoned-wall building, low beams and alcoves. Still gets too crowded for its own good sometimes-visit early! Outside drinking area helps in the summer, there are heaters for the winter. If you don't like this pub, I seriously think you should give up drinking!

John 10/10 visit July 2003

 

Classic pub may be a little too popular for its own good, but the outside drinking area seems bigger than I remember. Greene King pub but the 11 real ales are mainly from other breweries. I had a Colchester Pale Ale at £3.45 a pint.

 

John 10/10 visit Sept 2012

 

Probably the most famous pub in Oxford! Despite being down a well-hidden alleyway, a lot of people seem to find this pub! Less real ales than my last visit only 4 on handpump, but the pub has gone for quality instead of quantity. My pint of Cottage Atlantic was £3.95; reasonable for central Oxford.

 

John 10/10 visit April 2017

 

FOOT NOTE

 

The pub claims that former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, when a student at Oxford, broke a world drinking record here, by downing a yard of ale ( 2 and a half pints) in 11 seconds. There are other claims that the record was set in a college dining hall. Either way, he is my sort of Prime Minister. Better than leaving your kids in the pub, Dave!  

 

 

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Wharf House, 2 Butterwyke Place, St Ebbes

Owner- Free House

Beers-Butts Bitter, Hook Norton Bitter, RCH Pitchfork plus Bitburger and Erdinger German lager, Black Pearl Stout and Belgian bottled beers

Telephone-01865-246752

Pub which is not easy to find, near the ring road. Basic décor with a capital 'B'. White walls, wooden tables and chairs and that's it! Looks like nothing has changed here for the last 40 years. Why do people come here? For the excellent beer! A good pint of Hook Norton comes from the back room, plus a good range of German lagers and Belgian bottled beers. You will either love or hate this pub!

John 8/10 visit July 2003

Pub is now closed

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White Rabbit, 21 Friars Entry, Oxford, OX1 2BY

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- West Berkshire Maggs Mild, Dr Hexler Healed, Southover Scholar, North Cotswold Hung, Drawn and Quartered.

 

Telephone- 01865- 241177

 

Web Site- http://www.whiterabbitoxford.co.uk/

 

Another pub down an alleyway, which lots of people seem to have found! This pub has re-opened recently and was once a music pub. Décor is wood panelled walls and wooden tables and chairs. The pizzas seem popular here, with one on most tables including mine! Four real ales on handpump from local breweries; I had a pint of West Berkshire Maggo Mild at £3.90.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2017

 

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White Horse, 52 Broad Street, Oxford. OX1 3BB

Owner- Free House

Beers- Beers- White Horse Wayland Smithy, Sharp’s Doombar, Brakspear Oxford Gold, Shotover Prospect.

Telephone-01865-721860

Web site www.oxfordinn.co.uk

Broad Street seems to be dominated by Blackwall book shops. Next to one of them is this classic pub. A small, low-beamed pub with wood-panelled walls. On the walls are various photos of college rowing, hockey and rugby teams. Good range of beers, and a good atmosphere in the pub. If you think you have seen this pub before, it was used the most to film Inspector Morse-solving his cases over a pint!

John 9/10 visit July 2003

My previous preview pretty much sums up this wonderful pub. Like a lot of other Oxford city centre pubs there is no TV or distractions. Sharp’s Doombar was £3.40 a pint.

 

John 9/10 visit Sept 2012.

 

Small traditional crowded pub in the heart of Oxford. It been used a lot in Morse and Lewis TV series, as the photos around the pub will testify! A pint of White Horse Wayland Smithy was £3.90.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2017

 

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Wig And Pen, 9-19 George Street, Oxford, OX1 2au.

 

Owner- Greene King

 

Beers- Greene King IPA, London Glory, Hook Norton Pride of the Cotswolds, Wadworth St George and Dragon, Loose Cannon Gunners Gold.

 

Telephone- 01865-246906

 

Web site- http://www.wigandpen-oxford.co.uk/

 

Large Greene King pub on two floors, on a busy shopping street. Despite this, the pub is comfortable and with a relaxing atmosphere.  Three non-Greene King beers are on the five handpumps. Had a pint of Wadworth St George and Dragon at £3.90.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2017

 

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NORTH OXFORD

Gardeners Arms, 8 North Parade Avenue, Oxford.OX2 6LX.

 

Owner- Greene King

 

Beers- Greene King How Green is my Valley, Thwaites Wainwright.

 

Telephone- 01865-554007

 

Pub close to the Rose and Crown; similar small pub but this pub has more carpet! Like the old prints and photos on the walls. Nice couple behind the bar creates a relaxing atmosphere. Thwaites Wainwright was £3.65 a pint. Closes mid-afternoon Sundays.

 

John 8/10 visit July 2014

 

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Gardeners Arms, 39 Plantation Road,Oxford.OX2 6JE

 

Owner- Marstons

 

Beers- Beers- Flying Monk Pioneer, Marstons EPA, Brakspear Gold, XT 666.

 

Telephone- 01865-559814

 

Web site- http://www.thegarden-oxford.co.uk/

 

Lovely back street local. Small pub with a cosy atmosphere , lots of wood, old handpump clips and vinyl  LP covers on the walls. There is also a back room and a beer garden out the back. Claims to offer Oxford’s premier vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Had a Plains Ales Inspiration at £3.40 a pint which was in good nick. Opening hours (see web site) are not straight forward, but is open all day Saturday and Sunday.

 

John 9/10 visit July 2014

 

Still Oxford’s premier vegetarian and vegan pub; most of the menu is veggie burgers and hot dogs. Nice back-street pub with a bohemian atmosphere. You will need to check the web site for opening hours. A pint of Flying Monk Pioneer was £3.60.

 

John 8.5/ visit May 2017

 

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Harcourt Arms, Cranham Terrace, Jericho, Oxford. OX2 6DG

Owner- Fullers

Beers- Fullers London Pride, ESB, Gales Seafarers Ale.

Telephone-01865-310630

Web site- http://harcourtarmsjericho.co.uk/

A nice local in the back streets of Jericho. A small Fullers pub, with a nice relaxing atmosphere. Red ceiling, white walls, and some well known prints on the walls from Renoir and Picasso all add to the pub. As well as a good pint of Pride. Closes mid-afternoon.

John 8/10 visit August 2003

A little more upmarket than I remember, but still a nice place and there is a beer garden at the back. A good pint of Pride served at the right temperature, but at £3.50 a pint this back street local almost has London prices!! Opens 1700 hours Monday to Friday and 1500 hours Saturday and Sunday.

 

John 8.5/10 visit July 2014

 

According to the pub’s web site this pub, should be open at 1200 hours on a Saturday; the hours outside the pub state opening at 1600 hours, but at 1630 hours it is not open. Not sure why as the nearby Bookbinders and Rickety Press are doing a good trade. May 2017.

 

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Jericho Tavern, 56 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6AE.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Hook Norton Old Hooky, Cotleigh Osprey.

 

Telephone- 01865-311775

 

Web site- https://www.thejerichooxford.co.uk/

 

Busy pub on the Walton Street, with lots of wood about the pub as well as paintings from local artists on the wall. The pub is well known as a music pub; the music room  is upstairs. Only 2 of the 3 handpumps are on, but the Hook Norton Old Hooky at £3.95 a pint, was good.

 

John 7.5/10 visit May 2017

 

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Jude the Obscure, 54 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6AE.

 

Owner- Greene King

 

Beers- Greene King IPA, London Glory, Hardy and Hanson Bitter, Olde Trip, Jude the Obscure Bitter ( house beer).

 

Telephone- 01865-557309

 

Web site- http://www.judetheobscure-oxford.co.uk/

 

Nice comfortable Greene King pub with various bits of memorabilia about the pub, like the large Morrells brewery mirror which shows signs of former ownership. Sky Sports is on the TV, but the volume is not on. The toilets are marked Judes and Judiths! The pub is named after a Thomas Hardy novel. A pint of Handy and Hanson Bitter was £3.40.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2017 

 

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Old Bookbinders's, 17-18 Victor Street, Jericho, Oxford. OX2 6BT

Owner- Greene King

Beers- Greene King St Edmunds Golden Ale, Bookies Best (house beer) , Moreland Old Speckled Hen, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Black Sheep Bitter, Oakham JCH.

Telephone-01865-553549

Web site www.oldbookbinders.co.uk

The last time I was here it was just the Bookbiners! The pub has change a bit-mainly for the better. Low ceiling with lots of bric-a-brac all around the pub, including lighters above the loo doors, match boxes, beer mats and a railway line upside down on the ceiling! Okay so its not genuine, but it does give the pub character and it seems to work. A back street local with a different.

John 9/10 visit August 2003

Still the same cosy pub I remember. The pub has collections of match boxes, lighters and beer mats all around the walls. Black Sheep Velo was £3.55 a pint. Closed on Monday. Opens 1600 hours on Tuesday and Wednesday.

John 8/10 visit July 2014

Nice atmospheric pub; love the bric-a-brac about the place ( see previous review). Visited when the kitchen was closed, so the pub was full of drinkers, but they seem to be losing some custom as there were a few food enquires at the bar. A pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord was £3.90. Good pub.

John 9/10 visit May 2017

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Rickety Press, 67 Cranham Street, Oxford. OX2 6JE.

 

Owner- Arkell’s

 

Beers- Beers- Arkells Wiltshire Gold, 3B, Moonlight.

 

Telephone- 01865-424581

 

Web site- http://www.thericketypress.com/

 

Arkell’s back street local. Whilst it is good to see Arkell’s in Oxford, there are only 2 handpumps and the beer is served too warm, despite the Cask Marque signs. The décor is upmarket, there is maybe too much room taken up by food! But then there were not too many people in the pub at all, at the time of my visit.  Arkell’s 3B was £3.40 a pint. Disappointing.

 

John 5/10 visit July 2014

 

Last time I was here the beer was below average; this time it is just average. I am not sure if it is the pub, or Arkells is not a good beer? Cosy atmosphere with a friendly barman. Part of the pub is for dining, but is sitting there! A pint of Arkells 3B was £3.80.

 

John 7/10 visit May 2017

 

 

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Rose And Crown, 14 North Parade Avenue, Oxford. OX2 6LX

Owner- Free House

Beers- Hook Norton Old Hooky, Southover Scholar, Prospect, XT Olicana.

Telephone-01865-510551

Web site www.rose-n-crown.com

Wonderful pub, outside are village like shops, inside this pub is a village like atmosphere. Two cosy rooms and a corridor makes for a relaxed feel. Wood panelled walls, dry hops on the low ceiling and a beer garden at the back. Good selection of malt whiskeys. Seems to be big on food for a small pub. Cigar vendoring machine is different.

John 9/10 visit August 2003

.Still the same traditional pub that I remember. Nice beer garden at the back for a sunny day. Road closed outside for a street market today (Saturday). Adnams bitter was £3.30 a pint, 20p off for Camra members.

 

John 9.5/10 visit July 2014

 

Lovely traditional unchanged pub; this time I am in the smaller front bar which has the décor as the back bar. Printed paintings of the pub are for sale. A pint of Southover Scholar was £4.00.

 

John 9/10 visit May 2017

 

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Victoria, 90 Walton Street, Oxford. OX2 6EB

 

Owner- Marstons

 

Beers- Marstons Sunbeam, Pedigree, Ringwood Old Thumper.

 

Telephone- 01865-511516

 

Web site- http://www.victorianpub.co.uk/

Pub on a main road, entrance is on the side. Wolvehampton brewery Banks's have a few pubs in Oxford, this is one of them. Different drinking areas including a upstairs gallery area and a small pool room at the rear. Lots of wood panelling and prints on the wall. Manic Mondays have special prices with Banks's bitter at £1.49. At other times its £1.95, not bad value.

John 7.5/10 visit August 2003

 

This pub is pretty much as I remember it; but I didn’t notice the upstairs drinking area , the front drinking terrace or the beer garden! A large pub with a laid back atmosphere at the time of my visit. Only 2 handpumps, but some interesting beers on draught. Pub specialises in hot pies. Marstons Pedigree was £3.40 a pint.

 

John 8/10 visit July 2014

 

Large comfortable pub on two floors, with a good atmosphere and which specialises in homemade pies. A pint of Marstons Pedigree  was £3.90.

 

John 8/10 visit May 2017

 

 

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WEST OXFORD

 

Punter, 7 South Street, Oxford, OX2 0BE.

 

Owner- Greene King

 

Beers- Moreland Bitter, Old Speckled Hen, Wadworth St George and Dragon.

 

Telephone- 01865-248832

 

Web site- http://www.thepunteroxford.co.uk/

 

This pub is to the West of the city centre and railway station (about a 10 minute walk, tops). It is in a great location next to the River Thames alongside some moored house boats, and is part of some nice old terraced housing.  Décor is gastro pub, but the pub has a good atmosphere.  I like the old black and white photos of Oxford by the Thames. A pint of Wadworth St George and Dragon was £4.30. Nice find.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2017

 

 

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ISLE OF MAN

The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea. Whilst part of the UK, the island has its own parliament and laws. The island is very scenic and must be one of the most under-rated tourist attractions in the UK. The south of the island is like the West Country, the north of the island is like Scotland and the Lake District. Outside of the main commercial town Douglas, everything is like going back in time.

The island is most famous for TT fortnight, where bikers from all over the UK and the world come to watch and ride on the course.

Beer Scene

Okells dominated the Isle of Man pub scene; their monopoly is especially bad in Douglas. They seem to think that there is only one beer worth selling to the real ale drinking public-Okells Bitter. While not the most boring beer in the world, it's not the most exciting either!.

London Pride is my favourite beer but even I would not like it, if it was the only real ale to be sold in every London Pub. Everybody likes choice.

Most pubs on the island are owned by Heron and Brearley, I am not sure if Heron and Brearley own Okells or Okells own Heron and Brearley. Either way they seen to go hand in hand. There are two other breweries on the island- Bushys and the Shore Hotel home brew pub ( see below ).

Isle of Man Breweries

Okells

Beers- Mild ( OG 1034 ), Bitter ( OG 1035 ), seasonal beers.

Took over rival brewery Castletown in 1986, giving it a monoploy on the island. Closed down both breweries and moved to a purpose-built site at Kewaigue.

Web site http://www.okells.co.uk/

Bushys

Beers- Ruby Red( OG 1035 ), Manx Bitter ( OG 1038 ), Piston Brew ( OG 1044 ), Old Bushy Tail ( OG 1044 )

Started has a brew pub ( which is now closed ) in 1986. Now brewing at Mount Murray. It owns three pubs which serves guest beers, as well as their own beers, adding some much needed variety to the island.

Web site http://www.bushys.com/

Shore Hotel

Pub brewery at the Shore Hotel, Old Laxey.

Beers- Bosun Bitter ( OG 1038 )

web site www.welcometo/shorehotel

Pubs below were visited in April 2004. Beer prices were between £1.80 and £1.95 a pint for real ale. This is not a best pub guide, but reviews of all the pubs we have visited on the island. We didn't manage to do everywhere in the Isle of Man. There are some recommendations of pubs in areas we didn't manage to visit at the end of the page.

CASTLETOWN

Nice town, with an attractive castle and harbour.

Castle Arms, The Quay, Castletown. IM9 1LD

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells Bitter, Spring Ram

Telephone-01624-824673

A pub at the foot of the castle and by the quay. A front and rear bar plus an upstairs bar and restaurant. Okells Bitter plus Spring Ram. A locals pub and not bad. Wooden walls with a nautical theme.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

A pub in a good location with views to the harbour on one side, and views to the castle on the other. Low ceiling pub which is done out in a nautical theme, with model ships, sea prints and a ships wheel. Good atmosphere in this pub. There are a few malt whiskies at the bar, but they are well hidden!

John 8/10 visit April 2004

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Siding, Victoria Road, Castletown. IM9 1EF

Owner- Free House

Beers- Boddingtons Bitter, Black Sheep Bitter, Castledown Bitter, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, Marstons Pedigree, John Smiths Bitter, Magnet

Telephone-01624-823282

This free house serves around 8 real ales. Busy and friendly. Two bars and football screens on the wall. At least you can get more than Okells here. Live music on Saturday. The bus stop back to Douglas is nearby.

Stuart 8.5/10 visit April 2004

Must be the best pub for choice of beer on the island with 7 handpumps on the bar, even if some are standard beers. Pub busy at the time of visit, must be beer drinkers escaping Okells Bitter! Pub is next door to Castledown steam rail station. Décor is okay, with various football scarves around the pub, but who cares when you have a choice of beers?

John 8.5/10 visit April 2004

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Union Arms, Arbory Street, Castletown.IM9 1LH

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells Mild, Bitter

Telephone-01624-825286

Basic hotel with 3 bars serving.-.guess what - Okells ! At least there is the mild as well as the bitter. It's a bit basic and very much a locals' pub. Full of ciggy smoke, stained pine clad walls and a dart board.

Stuart 7/10 visit April 2004

Pub near to Castletown Square, very much a drinkers' pub. Décor is not basic, with slate walls, wood panelled walls and red carpet. A pub with not much going for it. Blinds to stop you looking at the outside world, or is it the other way round?

John 5/10 visit April 2004

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DOUGLAS

Capital of the Isle of Man. Victorian front reminds me a little of Eastbourne.

Albert Hotel, 3 Chapel Row, Douglas.IM1 2BJ

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells Bitter, Jough Bitter

Telephone-01624-673632

By the main bus station, note that the buses are reliable and cheap. A lively two-bar pub selling Okells bitter and Manx Jough (Okells). A pool room to the right and a lounge to the left. Wooden floors and walls. Handy place for waiting for buses. PS. An all day rover ticket (bus and railway) are a bit expensive, so check you journey options at the bus station office first.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

Basic pub by the bus station, you can't miss it! Pub reminds me of a traditional Northern local with people playing cards, pool or chatting away. Décor not much to write home around, but does have a lively atmosphere. Not for those who like their pubs plush.

John 7/10 visit April 2004

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Brendan O' Donnell's, 16 Castle Road, Douglas IM1 2EU

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers- No real ales. Guinness and Irish Malt Whiskey

Telephone-01624-621566

In the main shopping pedestrianised area. Although a fake Irish pub it was a break from the bland Okells beer! Draught Guinness and Bush Mills Single malt the best bet. Lively on a Friday night. Sports screens and a great non-smoking snug.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

Yes we know it’s a fake Irish pub but we are in here for two reasons; one, we ran out of pubs to do, and, two we are getting fed up with finding only Okells Bitter in every pub in Douglas! Usual décor for a fake Irish pub; wood panelling and various bric-a-brac to do with Ireland. Staff didn't know if the Guinness comes from Dublin or London! Mind you with Park Royal Brewery closing in June 2005, it won't matter soon. Unlike fake Irish pubs in London, this has Irish people in it!

John 6/10 visit April 2004

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Bridge Inn, North Quay, Douglas. IM1 4LQ

Owner-Heron & Brearley

Beers- Okells Bitter

Telephone-01624-675268

Keep going up riverside after the Saddler Inn. Modern interior. A pool area to the right, a central bar and a food/music section. Joey D on the walls again. Comfy enough but lacks character.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

Harbour side pub, but the windows do not look out on the harbour! Low beamed pub with black beams and red carpet. Décor is modern and bland. Pool table on one side of the pub, TV screen on other. Various old prints, photos and bike riding memorabilia on the wall.

John 6.5/10 visit April 2004

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British Hotel, North Quay, Douglas.IM1 4LB

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells Bitter

Telephone-01624-616663

Corner pub by the sea terminal up along the riverside. Large peninsular bar and raised seating area to the right. Wooden walls and shelves, full of porcelain artefacts.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

Large pub on the North Quay. Pleasant décor with wood panelled walls, white ceiling and red carpet. Various bric-a-brac above the bar. Karaoke or live music on a Thursday night.

John 7/10 visit April 2004

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Cat with no Tail, Hailwood Court, Hailwood Road, Douglas.IM2 7EA

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells

Telephone-01624-616364

At the back of Douglas town, to the North of the TT start/finish line. A large modern pub with plenty of parking. One large room with a TV and another large room which is a lounge and eating area. Raised central seating area. Okells on tap. There is a good selection of food including pizzas but only served from 12.00 to 2.00 and again in the evenings.
Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

This is a non tourist pub on the edge of Douglas, 2 miles from the centre, mainly uphill. Modern pub with two bars, one with a pool table and sport screen, the other is quieter with a food menu. Old photos of hunting on the wall, coloured stained glass ceiling. Good name for a Manx Pub!

John 6/10 visit April 2004

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Cornerhouse, Ridgeway Street, Douglas.IM1 1EW

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers- Okells Bitter

Telephone-01624-673144

Lively karaoke pub by the bus station. Single bar with various levels. Serves Okells bitter. Don't come here for a quiet evening! Various video screens around the place.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

Large pub on a road junction. Traditional pub with different drinking areas. Tonight is Karaoke night with the usual set of hit or miss singers! The DJ called last orders early for a joke. ( ha ha ). Lively atmosphere, okay pub.

John 6/10 visit April 2004

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Forester Arms, St George Street, Douglas.IM1 1AJ

Owner-Heron and Brearley

Beers-Okells Mild, Bitter

Telephone-01624-676509

A Good Beer Guide pub. Basic but friendly. Rolls and crisps are the only food. Okells bitter and mild on tap. TV screens for the football. Three bar areas and very much a locals pub but definitely worth a visit.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

A basic pub which is in the business area. There was no housing around, but the pub was well packed with locals who were friendly. Away from the island bar is a lounge area, which is much quieter.

John 7/10 visit April 2004

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Old Market Inn, 2 Chapel Row, Douglas. IM1 2BJ

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers- Okells Bitter

Telephone-01624-673632

A basic boozer with a front and back room which are both small. A small bar is sandwiched between them. Loud rock music was playing and the bar man was rather vacant! The wood panelling was tatty, so were some of the customers, who had yet to master the English Language as they only reached 'F'. Beer was equivalent to club prices on the mainland.

Stuart 6/10 visit April 2004.
Small basic town centre pub, with two bars', there's a divide down the middle but you can see the other bar! Wood panelled walls and old prints. A pub with nothing going for it. The old boys at the bar seem the have a problem of saying a sentence without a swear word in it!

John 5/10 visit April 2004

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Prospect Hotel, Prospect Hill, Douglas.IM1 1ET

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells Bitter, Guest beer?

Telephone-01624-616773

Quite a posh pub for the island. Okells plus a guest beer. The gents are quite interesting, with fancy work arches over the wash basins. At the rear is a nice raised seating area. The front and side bars are large. Food only served from 12.00 to 2.00.

Stuart 8/10 visit April 2004

Plush pub in the business district. Impressive décor, with some nice touches, including wood carved ceiling and old prints. Good atmosphere, but not easy to get to the bar through the suits. Pub said it did a guest beer outside, but there was none on the bar. Despite what I said about the décor, the pub is getting re-decorated next week! Wonder what they are going to do with it?

John 8/10 visit April 2004

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Quarter Bridge Hotel, Quarter Bridge Roundabout, Douglas.IM1 1HB

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells Bitter

Telephone-01624-671008

The TT course turns a sharp right here and heads for Peel. A large corner pub on a roundabout and river. One large smoking bar and one smaller non-smoking room. A favourite during TT. We asked the barmaid if the Guinness came from Park Royal or Dublin. She said it came from a brewery !?! How well she knows her product!

Stuart 8/10 visit April 2004

Pub on Quarter Bridge roundabout, a famous TT course landmark. The right hand bar is non-smoking, the left hand side is smoky and full of locals. Standard décor with white ceiling and red carpet. The pool room area has some interesting TT photos.

John 7/10 visit April 2004

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Queens Hotel, Queens Promenade, Douglas. IM1 4NR

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells Bitter

Telephone-01624-674438

Head south from the terminus; along the promenade. This old hotel overlooks the bay. Food is served lunch time and evenings. Wood panelling and a nice hotel bar. Old seaside prints adorn the walls.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

Pub across the road from the promenade. One bar pub with two different drinking areas. Both are well decorated and have a pleasant atmosphere. Impressive wood panelled walls and wooden bar. Old prints on the wall. Evening meals from 18.30.

John 8/10 visit April 2004

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Railway, North Quay, Bank Circus, Douglas. IM1 5AB

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells Bitter

Telephone-01624-673157

Yuppie pub by bridge road. Served the worst pint in Douglas and the most expensive. Over £2.00 pint for sulphurous smelling beer ! Hence the popularity of alco-pops here. Stainless steel bar, wood floors and modern furniture. Must try harder.

Stuart 4/10 visit April 2004

Modern style bar with lots of sofas , very bright colours and paintings on the wall. Views out to the harbour, if you get the right seat! Expensive beer for the island ( £2.10 a pint), but not if you come from London! The beer was easily the worse we had on our trip. Highest prices, worst beer.

John 3/10 visit April 2004

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Rovers Return, 11 Church Street, Douglas. IM1 2AG

Owner- Bushys

Beers-Archers Chocolate, Bushys Ruby Red, Manx Bitter. Budvar on draught.

Telephone-01624-676459

One of the small brewers, Bushys, three pubs on the Island. Many different rooms to try including a snug. More upmarket than the Old Market Inn!. This pub gets the best reviews in the few guides to Manx pubs. Wooden floors, orange walls. Food available at northern prices.

Stuart 8/10 visit April 2004

One of three Bushys pubs on the island. Well throughout out pub with lots of different rooms and alcoves, including one for Blackburn Rovers and one for fire engines. Low lighting, wooden floorboards and orange walls add to the attractiveness of this place. Good atmosphere in this pub, to match the beer.

John 8.5/10 visit April 2004

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Saddle Inn, 2 Queens Street, junction of North Quay, Douglas.IM1 1LQ

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers- Okells Mild, Bitter

Telephone-01624-673161

Up the road from the British. A small exterior which looks a bit rough. Friendly enough inside. Tribute is paid to Joey Dunlop, the great TT racer, who sadly died in an accident whilst riding abroad in 2000. He won many TT races and is missed. The bar has two bars serving Okells and a guest beer.

Stuart 8/10 visit April 2004

Small low beamed pub with lots of wood around the pub. The pub has a locals' feel to it, if a little basic. Lively atmosphere at the time of visit. The pub has photos of TT Rider Joey Dunlop.

John 7/10 visit April 2004

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Terminus Tavern, Strathallan Cres, Douglas.IM1 4NR

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells Mild, Bitter

Telephone-01624-616254

By the electric railway terminus in Douglas. Seating outside overlooking Douglas bay. Inside quite comfy. Beers were Okells bitter and mild. Photos of old Douglas inside. Particularly the Summerlands complex which had a massive fire in the 1970's in which many people died.

Stuart 8/10 visit April 2004

Pub at the start of the Manx Electric Railway. Nice views of the harbour from the benches outside. Nice décor inside this traditional pub with a comfortable atmosphere. Plush seats, red wallpaper, white ceiling and old photos of Douglas Promenade.

John 8/10 visit April 2004

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- Waterloo Hotel, 77 Strand Street, Douglas.IM1 2ER

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells Bitter

Telephone-01624-670468

On the main pedestrianised road and busy on a Friday night. Okells bitter. One bar pub with a pool room at the back. One overworked barmaid! TV screens showing Gardeners World ?

Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

Pub in the main shopping street in Douglas. Visited on a Friday night, which made for a lively atmosphere. Low green ceiling, slate floor, loud music and TV screens all around the pub. The pub is more peaceful during the day

John 6/10 visit April 2004

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LAXEY

Laxey is at the top of the hill, with a water wheel and the electric tram station to the top of Snaefell, the highest point on the island.

Queens Hotel, New Inn, Laxey. IM4 7BP

Owner- Free House

Beers-Bushys Ruby Red, Manx Bitter, Castletown Bitter, Fullers London Pride, Greene King IPA

Telephone-01624-861196

On the main road from Douglas to Ramsey; full of motorcycle photos, particularly Joey Dunlop. 5 real ales including London Pride. Busy on a Sunday afternoon, with British superbikes on TV. A very atmospheric pub. Met a great biker who wanted a photo of me on his Kawasaki! The landlord was really friendly as well.

Stuart 9/10 visit April 2004

Excellent bike-friendly pub. Interesting real photos of the pub in TT forthnight, including Joey Dunlop, even for people who are not into bikes. Lively atmosphere with motorbike riding on TV. Good choice of well-kept beers. Why is London Pride only £1.95 here and not in London? Beer mats and clips above the bar. Friendly landlord, staff, and locals made for a memorable visit. Favourite pub on the island during our visit.

John 9.5/10 visit April 2004

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OLD LAXEY

At the bottom of the hill, with a harbour and beach.

Shore Hotel, Old Laxey Hill, Old Laxey. IM4 7DA

Owner- Free House

Beers-Bosuns Bitter ( home brew )

Telephone-01624-861509

A brew pub, which is rare for the Isle of Man.. Enter the pub by the side door. Bosuns Bitter is nice but only 1038. Large single bar pub with a TV screen. Green carpet and yellow wallpaper. The pub has a fishing theme.

Stuart 8.5/10 visit April 2004

Home brew pub close to the harbour in Old Laxey. Only one beer, but it was nice. Pub is done out in a nautical theme with various things to do with seafaring. Low lighting and cosy atmosphere make for a good pub. Front door is closed: use the one on the side.

John 8/10 visit April 2004

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PORT ERIN

Lovely place with a great beach and cliff views.

Bay Hotel, Shore Road, Port Erin.IM9 6 HL

Owner- Bushys

Beers- Busheys Manx Bitter, Ruby Red, Old Bushy Tail, Archers Bouncing Bunnies, Combine. Budvar on draught.

Telephone-01624-832084

Down by the beach at its south end, with a nice view over the sea. A more basic hotel bar selling 3 real ales. Wooden floors and yellow walls. Pump clips around the ceiling. Two bars, one with a dart board.

Stuart 8/10 visit April 2004

A Bushys pub on the sea front, with a nice Victorian exterior. Inside the décor reminds a little of a Cornish surfers' pub. Bare floorboards, lots of mirrors and various beer memorabilia around including beer pump clips on the ceiling. Light and airy with a summer feel to it. Good pub.

John 9/10 visit April 2004

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Falcons Nest, Station Road, Port Erin. IM9 6AF

Owner- Free House

Beers-Bushys Manx Bitter, Okells Bitter. Guest beers Fullers London Pride, Jennings Bitter

Telephone-01624-834077

Web site www.falconsnesthotel.co.uk

Get the no 1 or no 2 bus from Douglas. The hotel is near the bus stop. The bar has a wonderful view of the Irish Sea and town. Great selection of food and real ales. Okells, London Pride (Fullers) and Jennings. There are also malt whiskies behind the bar, and Manx Spirit. The red carpet, white walls and ceiling fans give it a nice and comfortable atmosphere. Interesting urinal - the concrete surround is being eaten away !

Stuart 9/10 visit April 2004

Excellent pub with a nice traditional décor, good sea views and a choice of beers. Go into the right side bar as you enter the pub. A nice cosy relaxed atmosphere, in this well looked-after pub. Ceiling fans, wood panelled bar, fireplace and mirrors all add to the charm of this place. Guest beers are more expensive than Manx beers. A good collection of malt whiskies and Manx Spirit. Enjoyable visit.

John 9/10 visit April 2004

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PORT ST MARY

Nice harbour-the walk from Port Erin to the harbour reminds us of Cornwall.


Bay View Hotel, Shore Road, Port St Mary. IM9 5AP

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers- Okells Bitter.

Telephone-01624-832234

From the station hotel walk into town and down towards the harbour. Two-bar hotel serving Okells. Good views over the harbour. The lounge has a TV and loads of rugby and football programmes. The public bar is busier.

Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

If you are on the lounge side the pub lives up to its name, with views out to the harbour and bay. No beer pumps on our side, so you have to ask what they have got, and you can guess what it's going to be! Good collection of football and rugby programmes around the pub.

John 7/10 visit April 2004

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Station Hotel, Station Road, Port St Mary. IM9 5LF

Owner-Heron & Brearley

Beers- Okells Bitter

Telephone-01624-832236

Right beside the railway station in Port St Mary. Sells the ubiquitous Okells Bitter. The side bar has a TV screen and pool table. A mixture of styles inside. Port St Mary makes a good walk from Port Erin. The landscape reminds me of Cornwall.

Stuart 7/10 visit April 2004

Pub which is next to Port St Mary steam railway station, but just outside the town. Says it's a free house, but the pub is just selling Okells Bitter. Pub looks like it's been refurbished recently. Décor is not unpleasant, but a little bland.

John 7/10 visit April 2004

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RAMSEY

A town with a pier, harbour and beach. Take the Manx electric railway from Douglas ( 75 minutes one way ) to get here, for the great cliff top views.

Ellan Vannin, West Quay/ Market Square, Ramsey. IM8 1JU

Owner- Bushys

Beers- Bushys Manx Bitter, Castletown Bitter, Harts Golden Best. Budvar and a few Belgian beers in bottles.

Telephone-01624-812131

This Bushys house serves 3 real ales. It's down by the harbour. Single bar with two sections. Wooden floor. Its been modernised recently inside, so the character is a bit missing. Otherwise a decent pub.

Stuart 8/10 visit April 2004

Bushys pub overlooking the harbour. Décor is modern and airy with a lot of bar stools and tables, also some strange blue wallpaper! Pub has a bit of a Irish theme but it's not over-done! Good to see a few Belgian bottled beers. Ellan Vannin is Manx for the Isle of Man.

John 8/10 visit April 2004

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Mitre Hotel, Parliament Street, Ramsey.IM8 1AP

Owner- Heron & Brearley

Beers-Okells Mild, Bitter, IPA

Telephone-01624-813257

Serves 4 real ales including Okells IPA. Situated right by the harbour near the Trafalgar. Really friendly service; serves a great Sunday lunch. It has a panoramic view of the harbour from the long bar windows. TV showing F1 and a raised non-smoking area. We could not understand why the other Okells pubs did not serve the IPA, which was really good!

Stuart 9/10 visit April 2004

While the entrance is in Parliament Street the bar backs on to the quay one floor up, so you are rewarded with nice views of the harbour. Light green décor is different from most pubs. The pub makes the most of the views by having seating all along the windows. Nice paintings on the walls. Good to see a pub offering an Okells beer which is not Okells bitter! The IPA was good so why is it not sold more often? Friendly bar service.

John 8.5/10 visit April 2004

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Swan Hotel, Parliament Square, Ramsey. IM8 2LN

Owner- Heron & Brealey

Beers-Okells Bitter

Telephone-01624-814236

On the TT course at the square, a mile before the famous Ramsey hairpin. A tight 2nd gear left hander which marks the start of the mountain course. Bikes park opposite the pub. The pub serves 2 Okells beers - mild and bitter. A public bar with TV screen and a lounge with a view of the bikes in the square

Stuart 7.5/10 visit April 2004

Modern pub in the centre of Ramsay. Low white ceiling, white wallpaper and red carpet. Windows look out on the TT course. Lounge was quiet at the time of visit, not much happening here.

John 6/10 visit April 2004

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Trafalgar, West Quay, Ramsey. IM8 1DW

Owner- Free House

Beers-Cains Mild, Bitter, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, Okells Bitter

Telephone-01624-814601

Get the lovely electric railway from Douglas to Ramsey and see great views on the way via Laxey. A free house at West Quay. Serves 4 real ales. Comfy interior green walls and carpet. A variety of pictures adorn the walls including motorcycling, Ramsey town and sailing. Busy on a Sunday lunch time. There is a single bar.

Stuart 8.5/10 visit April 2004

Friendly quayside pub. Low ceiling, low lighting, white ceiling, green walls, and relaxing atmosphere. Interesting photos with no real theme, including bikes and the Berlin wall! Camra pub of year for 2004.

John 8.5/10 visit April 2004

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SULBY

Village on the A3. On the TT course.

Sulby Glen Hotel, Main Road, Sulby. IM7 2HR

Owner- Free House

Beers-Archers Best Bitter, Bushys Manx Bitter, Okells Bitter. Warsteiner and Ceres Red Erik on draught.

Telephone-01624-897240.

Nice old hotel right by the A3 and parking is out the back. A pool room and bar to the left and two small lounge bars to the right. Photos of the TT adorn the walls. Wood panelling in some parts. The hotel has sponsored some bikes in previous years. Bushy Manx bitter and Okells on tap. This was Camra pub of the year in 1999 and 2000. There is a bistro serving reasonably priced food.

Stuart 8/10 visit April 2004

Awarding-winning roadside pub on the TT course. Collection of TT photos and paintings everywhere around the pub. Wood panelled walls, pool table and various bric-a-brac are some of the features of this pub. Good choice of real lagers and malt whiskies. I had a very rare malt from Islay which I have not seen before ( or tasted! ).

John 8.5/10 visit April 2004

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Recommended pubs we did not visit;

Crosby Hotel, Peel Road, Crosby. ( on A1 ) IM4 2DQ

White Horse, Tynwald Road, Peel. IM5 1JP

Waterfall Hotel, Glen Maye.IM5 3AZ

Railway Inn, Main Road, Union Mills. ( on A1 ) IM4 4NE

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READING

A commuter town to the West of London in the Thames Valley. If you get the right train it's only 30 minutes from Paddington. Reading used to be known for the 3 B's. Beer, bulbs and biscuits. Most of the pubs in this guide are in the inner town ring or just outside. Whilst having it's share of chain pubs, Reading also has some good pubs which are either owned by independent breweries or are individual free houses, which makes this a good drinking town. Pubs were visited on two trips in September and October 2005.

3 B's Bar, Old Town Hall, Blagrave Road, Reading, Berks. RG1 1QH

Owner- Free House

Beers-Marstons Pedigree, Vale Hadda's Autumn Ale, Best Bitter, Black Beauty Porter.

Telephone-0118-9399803

A bar/café in the old town hall which does manage to combined both. Comfortable sofas, wooden tables and chairs, low lighting and background music all make for a comfortable atmosphere. Outside drinking area well used in October. Good to see 3 of the 4 ales are from local micro Vale. Forthcoming ales are on a blackboard on the bar. Good place.

John8.5/10 visit Oct 2005

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Allied Arms, 57 St Mary's Butt, Reading, Berks. RG1 2LG

Owner- Free House

Beers- Fullers London Pride, Loddon Hullabaloo

Telephone- 0118-9590865

Web site www.allied-arms.co.uk

Two bar pub in the centre of town, with one bar smoking and the other non-smoking. Small low beamed pub with a nice atmosphere. Flowerpots out the front of the pub, as well as a beer patio out the back. Good to see a traditional town centre pub in a town full of chain pubs. Good pub.

John 8.5/10 visit Sept 2005

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Back of Beyond, 104-108 Kings Road, Reading, Berks. RG1 3BY

Owner- Wetherspoons

Beers-Marston Pedigree, Burton Bitter, Greene King Abbot Ale, Courage Directors. Guest beers Wychwood Dog Bollocks, Oakham Bishop Festival, Phoenix Arizona, Tornado. International bottled beers.

Telephone-0118-9595906

A Wetherspoons with a difference it's non-smoking-or is it? The pub has a beer patio which overlooks the Kennet Avon canal, which isn’t non-smoking. The pub is crowded, but many people are going out for a smoke? When I visited there were a lot of people waiting to be served at the bar, whilst the bar staff did a good job there were not enough off them.

John 7.5/10 visit Oct 2005

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Brewery Tap, 27 Castle Street, Reading, Berks. RG1 7SB

Owner- Free House

Beers- Fullers London Pride, Greene King IPA. Hoegaarden and Leffe Blonde on draught. Budvar in bottles

Telephone-0118-9576280

Large pub with modern pub with white walls, floorboards and wooden chairs and tables.. A well thought out pub with different drinking areas including a games room and a gallery lounge. London Irish rugby shirts on display. Nice pub, shame about the beer, which was the worst on my travels!

John 6/10 visit Oct 2005

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Butler,89-91 Chatham Street, Reading, Berks. RG1 7DS

Owner- Fullers

Beers- Fullers Harvest Pale Ale, London Pride, ESB

Telephone-0118-9391635

Around 30 years ago this was one of the few Fullers pubs outside London. Now Fullers have pubs all over Berkshire. Unchanged over the years, this cosy pub is just outside the town centre ring road. Good locals feel to the pub, with lots of wood panelling and old photos on the walls. Good pint.

John 9/10 visit Oct 2005

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Corn Exchange, Forbury Road, Reading, Berks RG1 1SB

Owner- Fullers

Beers- Fullers Discovery, Harvest Pale Ale, London Pride, ESB

Telephone-0118-9512340

Fullers pub close to the railway station. Last time I was here both floors were for drinking, now there is a Italian restaurant upstairs. Modern décor with a few sofas to relax on. Good pint and good bar service, even if there is less drinking space.

John8.5/10 visit Oct 2005

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Eldon Arms, 19 Eldon Terrace, Reading, Berks. RG1 4DX

Owner-Wadworths

Beers- Pint size Mild, Wadworth Henry's IPA, 6X

Telephone- 0118-9573857

The original back-street local! A lot of people are here for a Monday lunch time who only seem to be here for the food and beer!. Low beamed pub with two bars, but there's not too much difference between them apart from the carpet. Small beer patio around the back. Long serving landlord and landlady offering good service and beer in this Wadworth tied house. Only a independent family brewer would run a pub like this, a national pub chain would ruin this pub if they ran it. Traditional opening hours.

John 9.5/10 visit Sept 2005

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Fisherman's Cottage, 224 Kennetside, Reading, Berks. RG1 3DW

Owner- Fullers

Beers- Fullers Discovery, London Pride, ESB. Budvar in bottles

Telephone-0118- 9571553

Good canalside pub beside a lock on the Kennet Avon canal, with an outside drinking area. The pub has conservatory style décor with marble tables. The ice cream freezer and kids menu, means the pub is very much aimed at children. The pub is about a 15 minute walk from the town centre.

John 8/10 visit Sept 2005

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Hobgoblin, 2 Broad Street, Reading, Berks. RG1 2BH

Owner- Wychwood

Beers- Grand Union Honey Porter, Burton Bridge Mild, West Berkshire Full Circle, Dr Hexter's wedding Ale. Budvar on draught.

Telephone-0118-9508119

A small Hobgoblin town centre pub with a lot of character. Claims to have served over 4,000 real ales; judging by the amount of handpump beer clips all over the place including the ceiling, I think they might be right! Good choice of micros beer on draught. Student-type atmosphere including some interesting graffiti!

John 8.5/10 visit Sept 2005

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Hop Leaf, 163 Southampton Street, Reading, Berks. RG1 2QZ

Owner- Hop Back

Beers Hop Back Summer Lightning, Entire Stout, Crop Circle, Best Bitter, GFB, Guest beers Everards Sunchaser, Tiger Ale. Erdinger German wheat beer on draught.

Telephone-0118-9314700

This pub is a fair walk from the town centre- about 15 minutes. On a one way road coming into town. Small cosy low beamed pub with a good atmosphere. Bar billiards table on the side and a conservatory area at the back. A Hop Back brewery pub which not only serves a good pint, but has a better choice of beers than their London pub. Locals around the bar remind me of a Cornish pub. Reasonable prices as away from the centre. Opens from 16.00 hours Monday to Thursdays.

John 9/10 visit Oct 2005

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Outlook (Hogshead), 76-78 Kings Road, Reading, Berks. RG1 3BJ

Owner- Free House

Beers- Greene King IPA, Al Fresco, Wadworth 6X.

Telephone-0118-9586549

Modern pub on two floors with views of the Kennet Avon canal. Bare brick walls, wooden floorboards, beams and low lighting. A little empty at the time of visit but a pleasant sort of place.

John 7/10 visit Sept 2005

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Hope Tap, 99-101 Friars Street, Reading, Berks. RG1 1EP

Owner- Wetherspoons

Beers-Greene King Abbot, Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted, Loddon Flight of Fancy, Marstons Burton Bitter, Pedigree, Shepherd Neame Spitfire plus international bottled beers.

Telephone-0118-9582266

One of three Wetherspoons pubs in Reading town centre. Standard Wetherspoons things including reasonably priced food and drink. Large open plan pub. Pub had a interesting range of international bottled beers.

John visit 7.5/10 visit Sept 2005

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Monk's Retreat, 163 Friars Street, Reading, Berks. RG1 1HE

Owner- Wetherspoons

Beers-Archers George, Golden, Lodden Hullabaloo, Bamboozle. Marstons Burton Bitter, Pedigree. International bottled beers,

Telephone-01189507592

Usual Wetherspoons décor, but with a bell ringing monk hanging from the ceiling! Paintings on the wall have a musician theme. Visited this pub at 10.50 AM on a Monday, thinking it was open for coffee and expecting a few people to be in it. Instead we find a pub full of people all drinking beer! What this says about the people of Reading, I don't know!

John 8/10 visit Sept 2005

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Retreat, 8 St Johns Street, Reading, Berks. RG1 4EH

Owner- Free House

Beers-Four Mark, Hereford Pale Ale, Ringwood 49er Ballard Best Bitter, Loddon Ferryman gold. Belgian bottled beers.

Telephone-0118-9571593

Web site www.retreatpub.co.uk

A quiet back-street local about 50 yards away from a busy ring road- so an aptly named pub. A good choice of real ales from micro breweries, as well as some Belgian bottled beers. Small pub but it does manage to fit in a dartboard and a pool table. As well as a pinball machine, which you don't often see. Opens late afternoon weekdays.

John 8.5/10 visit Oct 2005

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Sweeney and Todd, 10 Castle Street, Reading, Berks RG1 7RD

Owner- Free House

Beers-Adnams Bitter, Wadworth 6X,plus guest beer

Telephone- 0118-9586466

Is it a pie shop or a pub? The front of this place looks like a pie shop, but carry on up the steps and you will find the pub part. The beer is good and is real ale, but not as good as the home made pies which are excellent and well worth a try. The pub décor is mock Tudor. An unique place.

John 8.5/10 visit Oct 2005  

 

BIRMINGHAM   

Birmingham is the second biggest city in the UK. The Birmingham beer scene is a lot better than the days when it was dominated by two breweries: Ansells and Mitchell’s and Butlers. Most of pubs are within the city centre and there are a few gems. Pubs visited May and July 2007.See below for recently visit to the city centre in November 2017.

 

FIRST VISIT MAY AND JULY 2007

 

 

Bull, 1 Price Street, Birmingham, B4 6JU

 

Owner – Free House

 

Beers- Adnams Broadside, Oakham JHB

 

Telephone-0121- 333-6757

 

At the time of my visit, half off the pub was being redecorated, but you can see a pub of great character here. Nice intimate feel to the pub with friendly landlady and locals. Décor includes Ansells etched glass windows, water jugs hanging from the bar, cup and plates on the wall and photos of old Irish authors. Outside sign explains the history of pubs in the gun quarter. Yards away from a busy road, but in a world of it’s own. Nice pub.

 

John 8/10 visit July 2007 

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Corner House, 29a Newhill Street, Birmingham. B3 3PU

 

Owner- Greene King

 

Beers-‘Green King IPA, Abbot, Al Fresco, Moreland Old Speckled Hen, Enville White

 

Telephone-0121-200-2423

 

Greene King pub that looks like it might have been a bank once.  The outside makes the pub stand out. Rooms off to the side make it a kind of multi-room pub. Bare floorboards, bar stools and lots of space. Not too busy with weekend drinkers at the moment. Guest beer alongside the Greene King range.

 

John 7/10 visit May 2007

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Old Fox, 54 Hurst Street, Birmingham. B5 4TD

 

Owner – Free House

 

Beers-Everards Tiger, Moreland Old Speckled Hen, Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Theakson Old Peculiar

 

Telephone- 0121-622-5080

 

Pub in the theatre area. Lots of theatre posters up along the walls. Wooden floorboards, white ceiling and etched glass windows make up the décor. Average pub with good beer, the barman pours lots of beer through the lines before serving a new barrel; always a good sign. Calls itself the Old Fox Theatre Bar, which sums up the audience they are aiming for.

 

John 7/10 visit May 2007

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Old Joint Stock, 4 Temple Row, Birmingham, B2 5NY.

 

Owner- Fullers

 

Beers-Fullers Discovery, Chiswick Bitter, London Pride, ESB. Guest beer Thwaites Bomber

 

Telephone-0121- 100-1892

 

A Fullers pub in the centre of Birmingham. This is a Fullers Ale and Pie pub, so if you have been to one in London you know the décor.  This pub and one in Bristol are the only pubs outside Fullers trading area in the South East.  The beers are spot on as they should be in a flagship pub. The atmosphere is relaxing for a city centre pub. Good to see a guest beer being offered. Good pub.

 

John 9/10 visit May 2007

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Old Royal, 53 Church Street, Birmingham. B3 2DP

 

Owner – Free House

 

Beers- Fullers London Pride, Marstons Pedigree, Timothy Taylor Landlord

 

Telephone –0121-200-3841

 

City centre pub with an impressive gothic exterior; inside it tries to be church-like. The sport screens are split between the cricket and horse racing. Nice white ceiling and walls plus wood carvings. Three good beers from known regional breweries are on, but no local beers. Good bar service from Pat, who has a more mature clientele. The food menu is until 2100 hours and no meal is over £6.25, not bad for a city centre pub. Enjoyable visit.

 

John 8/10 visit July 2007

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Prince of Wales, 84 Cambridge Street, Birmingham.B1 2NP

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Adnams Broadside, Grene King Abbot, Wells Bombardier, Deuchars IPA, Brains Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Ansells Mild, Bitter

 

Telephone-0121-643-9460

 

A pub behind the National Indoor Arena, plus some block of flats. Walking to it you wonder if you are going to find a pub, but you do! And what a nice pub. Looks like it has been recently built. Inside has an olde world look, with lots of wood. Various drinking quotes are on the walls. Big choice of real ales but mainly from well-known breweries.

 

John 7.5/10 visit July 2007

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Sack of Potatoes, 10 Costa Green, Birmingham.  B4 7ER

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers-Deuchars IPA, Black Sheep Bitter

 

Telephone-0121-503-5811

 

Unusual pub on the campus of Aston University which is not easy to find. Look at the campus map. At the time of my visit it is out of term, so the pub is quiet. Not like a student bar, but this multi-room pub is a little like a Wetherspoons. Live Rugby League on the TV at the time of my visit. Reasonably priced food and beer. Deuchars IPA was £2.25. Drinking allowed on the outside green.

 

John 7/10 visit July 2007

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Shakespeare, 31 Summer Row, Birmingham. B3 1JJ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Deuchars IPA, Timothy Taylor Landlord, M&B Brew XI

 

Telephone-0121-214-5081

 

Small pub close to a road junction. High white ceiling, wood panelling, red leather seating around the sides plus an interesting old Bass beer mirror shows this pub has been refurbished recently. Beer garden is around the back and there is outside seating at the front. Beer range average, I am not sure who brews the Brew XI now, I thought it was no longer brewed. Not as cosy as the Bull, but a nice pub.

 

John 7/10 visit July 2007

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Square Peg, Temple Court, 115 Corporation Street, Birmingham. B4 6PH

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Marstons pedgree, Burton Bitter, Greene King Abbott, Springhead Bitter, Enville Ale, Handy Golden Honey. Various overseas bottled beers

 

Telephone-0121-236-6530

 

Standard Wetherspoon’s pub in the city centre. Busy at the time of visit but with only 3 bar staff on. Not surprising it took a while to get served! Usual Wetherspons pub with the usual Wetherspoons decor.  While not unfriendly, there seems to be something lacking here.

 

John 6/10 visit May 2007

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Tap and Spile, Regency Wharf, Gas Street, B1 2JT

 

Owner-Free House

 

Beers- Adnams Broadside, Greene King IPA

 

Telephone-0121-632-5602

 

Pub which is by the canal side in the Gas Street regeneration area. There is something about water, even a canal, which makes people want to build things by them! so you can look out to the water. The pub is on two levels with views out to the canal on both levels. Nice walk along the towpath, but how many people fall in late at night?

 

John 6/10 visit July 2007

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Wellington, 37 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham. B2 5SN

 

Owner- Black Country Ales

 

Beers-Ever changing range of 15 real ales. Bitburger on draught plus overseas bottled beers

 

Telephone- 021-200-3115

 

Web site www.thewellingtonrealale.co.uk

 

The sign outside the pub says real ale pub; maybe it should say Birmingham’s premier real ale pub. A choice of 15 beers on handpump mainly from local micros, so if you are feeling adventurous in your drinking this is the place to go!  There is a screen and not a blackboard with the beers and wether they are dark or light. Also as a number for a handpump if you can’t say the name to the bar staff! Décor is neat and tidy. Tables full of men with their pint of real ale reading their newspapers. No food but you are welcome to bring your own food in. Open until midnight.

 

John 10/10 visit May 2007

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Woodman, 106 Albert Street, Birmingham. B5 5LG

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Everards tiger,  Moorhouse Black Cat Mild, plus guest beer

 

Telephone-0121-643-1959

 

Multi bar Victorian pub not far from the city centre, but a little isolated on a fake green. Décor including white tiled room, red ceiling and wooden carved bar. Whilst a nice pub, it looks like it needs some TLC and looks a little run-down. Live music at the weekend. Black Cat Mild was £2.50.

 

John 6/10 visit May 2006

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DIGBETH

Digbeth is within easy walking distance from the city centre. Worth seeing both traditional Victorian pubs.

 

Anchor, 308 Bradford Street, Digbeth. B5 6ET

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Various micro beers on handpump. Plus Belgian bottled beers.

 

Telephone-0121-622-4516

 

Like the White Swan down the road, this is a Victorian multi-room pub. Unlike the White Swan, the Anchor is a free house with an interesting range of micro beers. Good to see this pub still unspoilt so close to the city centre. Not so traditional is the pool table and sport screens, but it is only in certain rooms and does not ruin the pub. Happy hour is 1530 to 2100 hours Monday to Wednesdays. The pub also holds beer festivals.

 

John 9/10 visit May 2007

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White Swan, 276 Bradford Street, Digbeth. B12 0QT

 

Owner- Marstons

 

Beers-Jennings Cumberland Ale, Cocker Hoop. Banks’s Mild, Bitter

 

Telephone –0121-622-2586

 

Traditional pub with etched glass windows, wooden carved bar and white tiled ceiling. Wonderful multi-room pub with original Victorian fittings.  The pub has sport screens but none of the regulars seem to be watching. A Banks’s pub with beers from Jennings, who they took over recently. Banks’s in turn are now known as Marstons. Confusing!

 

John 8/10 visit May 2007

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HIGHGATE

 

Lamp, 257 Barford Street, Highgate, B5 6AN

 

Owner- free House

 

Beers-Bank Top Trotters Triple, Everards Tiger, Church End Gravediggers, Stanway Stanney, Uley Bitter, plus Bitburger on draught

 

Telephone- 0121-622-2599

 

A small pub near an industrial estate. Outside of the pub is ugly, but inside is warm and cosy. Red seating along the side of the pub. Various old photos and Camra awards are on the wall.  A choice of 5 real ales, from some interesting breweries. Friendly landlord and locals. Back lounge bar makes the pub even bigger. Open until five in the morning!

 

John 8/10 visit May 2007

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NEWTON

 

Barton Arms, 144 High Street, Newton, B6 4UP

 

Owner- Oakham

 

Beers- Oakham JHB, White Dwarf, Bishops Farewell. Guest beers Greenjack Summer Dream, Titanic Lifeboat, Dark Star Mild. Beer menu of mainly Belgian bottled beers.

 

Telephone-0121-333-5988

 

Web site www.barton-arms.co.uk

 

This is the only pub in this guide which is a long way from the city centre. It is worth the trip to see this wonderful Victorian gin palace with its original fittings including etched glass windows, white tiles and ceiling, wood carved door and bar. As befits an excellent pub it has an great range of beers including some Belgian bottled beers. There are 7 real ales on, with prices ranging from £2.00 to £2.30. The food is Thai.  Pub is at busy road junction and stands out from the modern housing. Well done to the Oakham Brewery for doing a good job on the pub.

 

John 9/10 visit July 2007

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SECOND VISIT IN NOVEMBER 2016

 

Much has changed in the Birmingham beer scene since my last visit in 2007. Managed to do some good new pubs, as well  as 2 old favourites from my previous visit.

 

Brair Rose, 25 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, B2 5RE.

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Sharp’s Doombar, Greene king Abbot, Ruddles Bitter, RCH Stugg Porter plus 3 other guest beers.

 

Telephone- 0121-634-8100

 

Web site- https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/west-midlands/the-briar-rose-birmingham

 

City centre Wetherspoons; the décor is a little different probably what I would call art deco. Standard Spoons, with the standard Spoons things! Always good to compare the prices on the menu with other Spoons and pubs nearby. Had a pint of RCH Stugg Porter at £2.65.

 

John 7.5/10 visit November 2016

 

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Cherry Tops, 88-90 John Bright Street, Birmingham, B1 1BN.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Grey Trees Diggers Gold, Green Duck Duck and Cover, Ashover Rainbows End plus 11 non-mainstream keg and lagers including some from Belgium and Germany.

 

Telephone- 0121-643-5716

 

Web site- http://www.cherryreds.com/uploads/jbs_drinks_list_winter_15.pdf

 

A place which is half café and half bar with an interesting beer range. The 3 real ales are from hard-to- find micros, the draught kegs include beers from Belgium and Germany plus interesting Belgian bottled beers. While the place doesn’t have a web site, it does have a link to their beer menu ( see above), so you can get a good idea about the beer choice here. Small place, but there is seating upstairs. A pint of Grey Trees Diggers Gold was £4.00.

 

John 8.5/10 visit November 2016

 

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Craven Arms, 47 Upper Gough Street, Birmingham, B1 1JG

 

Owner- Black Country Ales

 

Beers- Black Country Ales Pig on the Wall, Fireside, BFG, North Riding Pineapple Cascade, Belma, Porter, Shiny New World, Siren Vintage IPA, Hawkshead Red.

 

Telephone- 0121-643-2852

 

Web site- http://www.blackcountryales.co.uk/the-pubs/the-craven-arms/

 

Wonderful traditional pub, which is up a hill from the Mailbox shopping complex. Great tiled frontage which shows signs of former ownership by Holder and Co, as well as some nice etched-glass windows with the pub’s name. Inside is cosy and traditional, with carpet and old photos on the wall. The pub sign says real ale pub and with 10 handpumps from smaller breweries it certainly is! Three of the real ales are from Black Country Ales who own this pub as well as Birmingham’s other premier real ale pub the Wellington ( see review below). Great pub. Hawkshead Red was £4.00 a pint.

 

John 10/10 visit November 2016

 

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Edmunds Brewhouse, 106 Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3 2ES.

 

Owner- Free House Brew Pub

 

Beers- Edmunds Brewhouse Pale Ale, American IPA, Xmas Ale plus 2 guest beers.

 

Telephone- 0121-200-2423

 

Web site- http://edmundsbrewhouse.co.uk/index.html

 

Brew pub with a traditional exterior and a modern interior, the low lighting makes the place cosy. Busy at the time of my visit, but the pub had a good atmosphere. There are three beers on from the pubs brewery; I had a pint of  house Pale Ale at £3.65, which was in good nick. The pub is closed on Sundays.

 

John 8.5/10 visit November 2016

 

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Old Comtemptibles, 172 Edmund Street, Birmingham. B3 2HB.

 

Owner – Nicholson’s

 

Beers-  Nicholsons Pale Ale, Adnams Gost Ship,Sharp’s Doombar, Purity UBU plus 5 other real ales.

 

Telephone-0121-200-3310

 

Web site-  http://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/eastandwestmidlands/theoldcontemptiblesedmundstreetbirmingham

 

Traditional Nicholson’s pub, close to Snow Hill station. Seems to be popular with the local suits, probably waiting for their trains. Décor is upmarket, with some nice wood panelling and a snug. Whilst busy, the bar staff were efficient. A pint of Adnams Ghost Ship was £3.90.

 

John 8/10 visit November 2016

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Old Joint Stock, 4 Temple Row, Birmingham, B2 5NY.

 

Owner- Fulers

 

Beers- Fullers London Pride, ESB, Oliver’s Island, Red Fox Gales Seafarers.

 

Telephone-0121- 100-1892

 

Web site- http://www.oldjointstock.co.uk/

 

A chance for Brummies’ to try Fullers beers without the trip to London, but at £4.00 a pint for London Pride there is not too much price difference! Still a nice cosy pub. London Pride was spot on.

 

John 9/10 visit November 2016

 

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Post Office Vaults, 84 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4BA.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Kinver First Class Stamp, Navigation Apus, Hammerton Pentonville,  Mallinson Azacca, Great Orme Merlyn Ale, Hobsons championship Mild plus 6 real ciders. Large range of world bottled beers.

 

Telephone- 0121-643-7354

 

Web site- http://postofficevaults.co.uk/

 

Nice basement pub, with a good beer commitment. Claims to have Birmingham’s best range of overseas bottled beers, but there are no beer menus on the tables. Lots of beer memorabilia on the wall, plus old photos of Birmingham and a bar billiard table. Likeable sort of place. A pint of Kinver First Class Stamp was £3.50.

 

John 8.5/10 visit November 2016

 

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Pure Craft Bar and Kitchen, 28-30 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5TJ.

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Purity Mad Goose, UBU, Gold, Tiny Rebel Cwtch, Rooster Baby Faced Assassin.

 

Telephone- 0121-237-5666

 

Web site-  http://www.purecraftbars.com/bars/birmingham/

 

A place which lives up to its name. Modern place with a good beer choice and an open kitchen. The low lighting creates a good atmosphere, even in the afternoon! There  is also a cellar bar downstairs. There are 3 real ales from Purity, I had a pint of Mad Goose at £3.90, not sure if there is a connection to the bar.

 

John 9/10 visit November 2016

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Queens Arms, 150 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 1RY

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- 5 real ales, with 2 ales from Cottage

 

Telephone- 0121-236-3710

 

Web Site- http://www.queensarmsbar.co.uk/index.html

 

A pub a little North of the city centre, with a nice exterior showing former ownership by Mitchells and Butler. A nice cosy pub with 5 real ales and a good atmosphere. Friendly bar staff are willing to give samples. My pint of Hereford WPA was £3.95.

 

John 8/10 visit November 2016

 

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Victoria, 48 John Bright Street, Birmingham, B1 1BN

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Marstons EPA, Salders Red IPA, Thornbridge Lord Marples.

 

Telephone- 0121-633-9439

 

Web Site- http://www.thevictoriabirmingham.co.uk/

 

Nice Victorian  city centre pub, whilst open-plan it does have a cosy feel to it. Like the etched glass windows. A little bit empty at the moment, which is just as well as the staff are putting up the Xmas decorations. Only 3 real ales are on: had a pint of Salders Red IPA at £4.00.

 

John 8/10 visit November 2016

 

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Wellington, 37 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham. B2 5SN

 

Owner- Black Country Ales

 

Beers-Ever changing range of 15 real ales.

 

Telephone- 021-200-3115

 

Web site www.thewellingtonrealale.co.uk

 

 

Still up to the same high standards of my last visit, with 15 real ales, mainly from micro-breweries. All the beers are up on the screen near the bar.  While the place does not do food, it is not a basic pub. My pint of Hook Norton Greedy Hose was £3.60 and was the best kept pint of the day. Pub is own by Black Country Ales. Classic pub.

 

John 10/10 visit November 2016

 

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AYLESBURY

 

Aylesbury is the county town of Buckinghamshire. It is under an hour to get here by Train from Marylebone station. There are a few worthwhile pubs to make this a god pub crawl, but it needs a few more. Visited April 2007.

 

Aristocrat, 1 Wendover Road, Aylesbury. HP21 7SZ

Owner- Fullers

Beers- London Pride

Telephone –01296- 415366

 

A Fullers pub just outside the town centre, on a busy road junction. A pub of two halves. One half is for live music, with a dance floor and no chairs; the other half is smaller with low beams and comfy if worn-out sofa. Pride is the only real ale, but in good nick.

 

John 6/10 visit April 2007

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Bricklayers Arms, 19 Walton Terrace, Aylesbury. HP21 7QY

Owner- Free House

Beers- Adnams Bitter, Fullers London pride, Wadworth 6X

Telephone-01296- 482930

 

Pub almost opposite the Aristocrat. Narrow pub located at the end of some terraced housing. The pub goes a fair way back, into a beer garden. While on a main road, the atmosphere and décor gives this pub a back-street local feel. Décor is red carpet, low black beams and white walls. Interesting old photos are on the wall. Cosy atmosphere.

 

John 8/10 visit April 2007

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Hobgoblin, 14 Kingsbury Square, Aylesbury. HP20 2HT

Owner- Wychwood

Beers-Arkells 3B, Everards Tiger, Sharp’s Doombar

Telephone-01296-415100

Town centre pub. While traditional on the outside, inside it has two pool tables and a large sport screen. The lighting is low even in the daylight. The pub has a few alcoves.. Two real ales are in barrels on the bar. While I like this, today is a warm day and there are no temperature jackets on the barrels. Whilst not warm, the beer should have been colder and better.

 

John 6/10 visit April 2007

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Hop Pole, 83 Bicester Road, Aylesbury. HP19 9AZ

Owner- Vale

Beers-10 real ales on handpumps ( 5 from  Vale and the rest from micros ). Leffe Blonde and Budvar on draught plus overseas bottled beers

Telephone-01296-482129

 

This Vale Brewery pub is a walk outside the town centre, but a must if you like good beer. The pub claims to be Aylesbury’s permanent beer festival; a claim it lives to up. The décor is modern with hops and beer clips around the bar. All of the 10 beers on the handpumps I have never tryed before. Usually I have had one or two beers, which shows how adventurous the beer range is; also there are no mainstream lagers. Small outside drinking area at the front of the pub. A great pub to drink great beer in. Well done to Vale Brewery.

 

John 10/10 visit April 2007

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Kings Head, Kings Head Passage, Market Square, Aylesbury.HP20 2QA

Owner- Chiltern

Beers- Chiltern Ale, Beechwood, 300. Freedom lager and Irish porter and Oyster Stout.

Telephone-01296-718812

 

Old National Trust building, with the beer lease given to the Chiltern Brewery. A nice walk into the cobbled courtyard. While the pub has low beams and white walls, the décor is modern with wooden floorboards and sofas. It creates a cosy atmosphere. The whole pub was non-smoking before the smoking ban on 1st July 2007. There is a courtyard out with a  smoking area. Beers from the Chiltern Brewery are excellent. This is the brewery first pub in 27 years. No mainstream beers here; including the lager and the stout. Good bar service. Maybe a little to foodie, but a lovely pub to drink good beer in.

 

John 9/10 visit April 2007

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Queens Head, 1 Temple Square, Aylesbury. HP20 2RW

Owner – Free House

Beers-Greene King IPA, Hobgoblin Dark Ale, Moreland Old Speckled Hen, Shepherd Neame Spitfire.

Telephone –01296-415484

 

Town centre pub with low beams and different drinking areas, including a non-smoking area and one area to watch Sky Sports. Strange colouring with white beams and red walls! While not cosy the pub does have a locals’ feel to it.

 

John 6/10 visit April 2007

 

SHREWSBURY

 

Shrewsbury must be a modern town planner’s nightmare! None of their buildings are here! This is good

news for the rest of us! Shrewsbury is a typically unspoilt middle England town. Beer-wise it is a good

drinking town. There are a few Banks’s/Marstons tied houses which provided various beers from their

empire such as Jennings, Brakspear, Wychwood and Ringwood. Also a few pubs have the old Bass triangle,

a reminder from the bygone days that it was once a good beer!  There are some good free houses

offering a large range of local ales and other micros around the country to a happy drinking public.

 

 

Admiral Benbow, 24 Swan Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1NF

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Greene King IPA, Six Bells 1859, Salopian Darwin Origin, Ludlow Gold, Hanby Scorpio Porter.

Erdinger on draught and 12 overseas bottled beers. 3 farmhouse ciders

 

Telephone- 01743-244423

 

Another small pub in the town centre which not only has 5 local ales, but is the place to go for overseas bottled beers from Belgium, USA and Germany. It also has Erdinger on draught. Low lighting and candles on the tables makes for a relaxing atmosphere. Sign on the door says over 30’s only!  There are blackboards around the pub promoting the ales and the overseas bottled beers.  There is small patio area out the back for smokers. The pub opens 1700 hours Monday to Friday and 1900 hours Sunday.  The Scorpio porter was £2.50 a pint.

 

John 8.5/10 visit March 2009

 

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 Armoury, Victoria Avenue, Shrewsbury, SY3 8LH

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Worfield Redwood, Wye Valley HPA, Westwood Cheshire Cat, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Three Tuns 1642 Bitter, Goffs Jousters, Cottage E Type, Thwaites Bitter.

 

Telephone-01743-340525

 

Web site-  www.armoury-shrewsbury.co.uk

 

This is an impressive new pub near Welsh Bridge on Victoria Quay by the River Severn. The river is across the road,

so no outside drinking! No prizes for guessing it was once an armoury! A big pub, but it is reasonable busy for a Monday afternoon. Décor is a little hard

to describe but it is upmarket and comfortable, with books on sheleves and old medals, posters and  black and white photos of everything from football

teams, factory girls and Hollywood movie stars. There is a good choice of 8 real ales mainly from micros which is great, but expensive at £ 2.70 a pint

(for Shrewsbury). No TV Or fruit machines, just a good drinking pub.

 

John 10/10 visit March 2009

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Coach and Horses, Swan Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1NF

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Wye Valley HPA, Spinning Dog Hereford Bitter, Salopian Shropshire Gold plus real cider.

 

Telephone-01743-365661]

 

The bar at the front area leads down to a lounge/dining area, which makes the pub bigger than it looks from the outside. 

It is nicely done out with a little alcove area at the front with a Bass mirror. Does have the relaxed atmosphere of the

Admiral Benbow down the road.  There are only 3 real ales on, but all local beers. Spinning Dog was £2.50 a pint.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2009

 

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Hope and Friar, 5-6 St Julians Friars, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1XL

 

Owner- Marstons

 

Beers- Banks’s Bitter, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Wychwood Paddy’s Stout.

 

Telephone-01743-344339

 

A modern pub which has red carpeting and light green walls with old photos of Shrewsbury.  There is an outside patio

drinking area next to the car park. Down a road off the main road which leads down to Victoria Quay Walk. Beers from

the Marstons range. Each Marstons pub does seem to have different real ales in it. This is good news for us drinkers!

 

John 7/10 visit March 2009

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Loggerheads, 1 Church Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1UG

 

Owner- Marstons

 

Beers- Bass, Banks’s Bitter, Brakspears Oxford Gold, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Wychwood Hobgoblin.

 

Telephone-01743-355457

 

What a wonderful pub. This pub has been unchanged for years and well worth its entry in Camra inventory pub list. Four

different drinking alcoves; the one I sat in had a low beamed ceiling, white walls, wooden tables and benches, slate floor

and a fireplace. Only one of the alcoves has access to the bar, the other alcoves have a serving hatch, with the beers on a

blackboard.  A Banks’s pub with beers from the Marstons range (see above) plus Bass.  Prices are Banks’s bitter for

£2.20 a pint and Bass for £2.50 a pint. Banks’s slogan is ‘unspoilt by progress’ this pub lives up to that! A gem of a pub.

 

John 10/10 visit March 2009

 

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Nags Head, 22, Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1XB

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Deuchars IPA, Greene King IPA, Courage Directors, Timothy Taylor Landlord.

 

Telephone-01743-362455

 

A traditional pub in the middle of the high street. Nice décor with floorboards, genuine old ceiling with beams. Nice old

paintings and old posters add to the atmosphere. Friendly relaxed atmosphere as befits the pub.  There are mainly

regional mainstream ales on offer here. Landlord was £2.30 a pint. Nice pub.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2009

 

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Old Post Office, 1 Milk Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1SZ

 

Owner- Marstons

 

Beers-  Jennings Lakeland Stunner, Cocker Hoop, Wynchwood Hobgoblin.

 

Telephone- 01743-236019

 

Web site- www.oldpostofficepub.co.uk

 

The walk into the pub’s cobbled courtyard is very picturesque. The pub decor is okay but nothing outstanding. The pub

does some kind of live music most nights. A Marstons pub which does 2 Jennings and 1 Wychwood beer. The pub also

does good reasonably priced accommodation- I know because I stayed here! See pub’s web site.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2009

 

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Salopian Bar, Smithfield Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1PW

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Old Evertonian, Stonehouse Station Bitter,  Goffs White Knight, plus Belgian bottled beers

 

Telephone-01743- 351505

 

Camra pub of the year for Shrewsbury in 2008. Not you’re standard traditional pub, but a modern pub with low lights,

 red walls and sofa seating.  There are photos of various Hollywood icons on the walls. Good to see a place which is a

little different promoting real ale. The River Severn is across the road.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2009

 

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Shrewsbury Hotel, Bridge Place, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1PU

 

Owner- Wetherspoons

 

Beers- Greene King Abbot, Marstons Pedigree. Guest beers Titanic Iron Curtain, Butlers Revenge

 

Telephone-01743-340382

 

Web site- www.jdwetherspoonlodges.co.uk

 

Well I suppose you might not be considered a proper town if you do not have a Wetherspoons pub. The pub also does

rooms for £60 a room.  There is the standard Spoons décor but not as large as some in the chain, with a pleasant

atmosphere. There are five beers on including three guest beers for £1.99. Will this keep prices reasonable in

Shrewsbury pubs?  Pub is close to Welsh Bridge on the River Severn.

 

John 7.5/10 visit March 2009

 

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Three Fishes, 4 Fish Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1UR

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Sharps Doombar, Woods Wonderful, Titanic Stout, Timothy Taylor  Landlord, Dark Star Hophead,

Oakham Farewall plus real cider.

 

Telephone-01743-344793

 

This is a lovely pub down a cobbled street. The décor is a cross between old and new. The beams get lower as you walk

into the pub. Half the pub is carpeted and the other half is slate floor with various paintings and old photos on the wall.

Pub does 6 real ales; mainly non-local and non-mainstream ales like Sharps’s from Cornwall (£2.50 a pint) and Dark

Star from Sussex. Nice relaxing atmosphere with no TV or fruit machines. Friendly staff and locals made for an

enjoyable visit. Opening hours are closed 1500 to 1700 hours Monday to Thursday; open all day Friday and Saturday,

closed 1600 to 1900 hours on Sunday. This is an excellent pub.

 

John 10/10 visit March 2009

 

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Wheatsheaf, 50 High St, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 1ST

 

Owner- Marstons

 

Beers- Banks’s Bitter, Brakspears Pride of the River, Jennings Cocker Hoop,  Ringwood Old Trumper,

Woods XXX

 

Telephone-01743-272702

 

This is a small pub on the High Street. At the time of my visit (1500 hours Monday) it had a good relaxing atmosphere

with some good banter between the locals. Low beamed pub with red wallpaper and red curtains and old photos of

Shrewsbury on the wall. A Banks’s pub with various beers from their empire on handpump, with a guest beer from

Woods, a local brewery. Pride of the River was £2.60 a pint.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2009

 

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EAST OF TOWN CENTRE

 

Anchor Inn, 137 Frankwell, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 8JX

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Titantic Iceberg, Shepherd Neame Spitfire. Westons Old Rosie cider.

 

Telephone 01743-355236

 

Walk across Welsh bridge and this pub is on your right hand side, opposite the Severn Theatre. This is a low beamed

pub especially by the bar area!  There are old photos of rugby along one side of the wall and old photos of Shrewsbury

along the other wall. Bare brick walls around the pub. Only 2 real ales on plus a real cider, but are well kept. Good

cosy atmosphere.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2009

 

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Boat House, New Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 8JQ

 

Beers- Archers Golden, Salopian Abbey Gates, Three Tuns 1642 Bitter, Woods Shropshire Lad.

 

Telephone-01743-231658

 

Web site- www.theboathouse-shrewsbury.co.uk/

 

 

This is a pub in an excellent riverside location by the footbridge at Victoria Quay. Lovely Tudor timber-framed exterior

gives the pub more plus points. The décor inside is nice as well, but not as good as the outside. Strangely, the bar is

tucked away in the corner.  There is plenty of room for outside drinking, with 2 rows of decking over-looking the river.

As the sun is shining it is the perfect day to do just that! Good to see the pub supporting local ales.

 

 

John 9/10 visit March 2009

 

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NORTH OF TOWN CENTRE, CASTLEFIELDS

 

Dog and Pheasant, 20 Severn St, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 2JA

 

Owner- Marstons

 

Beers- Brakspears Oxford Gold, Marstons Pedigree, Jennings Cocker Hoop

 

Telephone-01743-35283

 

This is a small back-street local, which still has two bars. I am in the lounge but no one is in here. Wrong choice!

Nice décor with wood panelled walls and leather seating along the wall. Dartboard in the middle of the pub not in

use. Various beers from the Marstons range, but the pub sign says Jennings.

 

John 7/10 visit March 2009

 

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Dolphin Inn, 48 St Michaels St, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 2EZ

 

Owner- Free House/ Brew pub?

 

Beers- Hilden Hildens Quest, Robinson Unicorn, Cottage Bitter, Rowton Bitter

 

Telephone- 01743-350419

 

Web site-  www.dolphin-shrewsbury.co.uk

 

Shrewsbury’s only brew pub which was not brewing at the time of my visit. It does make up for this by having 4 hard

to find real ales!  A small, cosy pub with outside decking, with a view off the town and the railway line! Was the only

person in the pub, but a few more people were in there before I left.  Pub is on the main road to the North of the town.

Friendly bar staff.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2009

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Woodman, 32 Coton Hill, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 2DZ

 

Owner- Free house

 

Beers- Wye Valley HPA, Butty Back, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Hop Twister, Stonehouse Cambrian Gold,

Hobson Twister Spire.

 

Telephone- 01743-351007

 

A pub which is to the north of the town centre. It is the last of 4 pubs which are all close together on this road. Two

bar pub with the lounge a little like an old Courage pub with wood panelled walls, carpet and red seating along the

walls. Friendly landlord has 6 local beers on tap, which are in fine form! Cheese and ham rolls on the bar.  Pub

opens at 1600 hours.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2009

 

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SOUTH OF TOWN CENTRE, BELLE VUE

 

Prince of Wales, 30 Bynner Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 7NZ

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers-  Hobsons Bitter, Greene King IPA, St Austell Tribitue, Salopian Golden Tread,

 

Telephone-01743 343301

 

Web site- www.princeofwaleshotel.co.uk

 

This is a excellent lively back-street local. While the pub is small, it does have two bars with sport on in the public bar

side and food and drink in the lounge. Pub was crowded at the time of visit, with even more people on the outside

decking at the back of the pub which leads on to a bowling green.  The pub has friendly bar staff and locals. Pub has

beer glasses with its own name on! An interesting range of real ales, minus Greene King IPA!

 

John 9/10 visit March 2009

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Masonic Arms, 55 Belle Vue Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 7LN

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- NO real ale

 

Telephone-01743-365149

 

 A pub which about 15 minutes out of town, it is on a main road but has a back- street local feel to it.  A one bar pub with

different alcove areas. Only person in the pub at the time of visit (Sunday 1500 hours), but the landlord was friendly

enough.  There are two handpumps on the bar, but no real ale on at the time of my visit.

 

John 5/10 visit March 2009  

 

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WEST OF TOWN CENTRE, MONKMOOR

 

Abbey, 83 Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 5AZ

 

Owner- Ember Inns

 

Beers- M&B Brew IX, Holdens Mild, Fullers London Pride. Guest beers Wooden Hand Pirates Gold,

Adnams Broadside, Skinners Splendid Tackle, Old External Spring, Cottage Biscuit,

 

Telephone-01743-236788

 

This is worth the trip from outside the town centre.  This pub is an Ember Inn with a standard food menu, but not a

standard beer list. There are 8 real ales on, with 5 guest beers (including some from Cornwall) makes this place

worth drinking it!  This is a big pub with a beer garden to the side. Standard Ember Inns décor, if you have been in one

before you know what it is like! There is a blackboard on the bar, with the guest beers and their prices (all £2.35 a pint),

which is a nice touch.

 

John 9/10 visit March 2009

 

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Old Bell, 115 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6BA

 

 

Owner- Free House

 

Beers- Stonehouse Station Bitter, Highgate Old Ale, Wells Bombardier

 

Telephone-01743-357547

 

This pub is on a main road east of the town centre. The décor of this pub reminds a little of a Swiss chalet. With lots of

wood, red walls and blinds! Locals are mainly watching the 6 nations rugby on the TV screens, which is creating a

lively atmosphere. There are old sporting photos on the walls including England’s 1966 World cup win.  Only 3 real

ales, but each beer is different from each other. Good pub.

 

John 8/10 visit March 2009