The Kemble Brewery, Fairview, Cheltenham

Semi-traditional backstreet alehouse; modern laminate floor, perimeter seating, army green and off-white shades. Of genuine interest are the bespoke hogshead table tops done-out with old breweries of yore toppers. Stringed guitar-family instruments hung around the perimeter – for show or play? 6 Nations on the telly. Five cask on over six pumps - 3x Wye Valley, 1x Stroud and a super pint of Hanlon's Port Stout (NBSS 4). No sign of the Kemble brewery; it’s long-defunct, apparently a long-passed landlord made cider from apples in the garden. So all pretty good bar a downer that the barman was, shall we say, standoffish and only seemed interested in chatting to his mates which he continued to do whilst serving me. It’s worth popping in for the beer quality, shame the welcome wasn’t better; a friendlier bar manner would have really elevated it. GBG’23 listed of course. 7.5

Lurking up a back street on the northern edge of the town centre initial impressions weren’t good, a bar blockers paradise, foody smell and reserved signs on a number of tables. This wasn’t helped by my beer being iffy; not off but flat and a more than slight vinegary hint, it is GBG 2022 listed and Cask Marque although that was going to expire soon. To be more positive it’s a nice looking building and the interior is cosy Victorian with bench seating and Britannia tables. Wooden but modern floor and there’s some dining seating further back. Tongue & groove to the dado then white walls above decorated with musical instruments. Six handpulls with beers from small breweries, Hanlons, Union, Ramsbury and two from Wye Valley. Four times three kegs dotted about the counter. Very much a locals pub and none the worse for that.

Tucked away in the back streets but well worth seeking out. 5 real ales and “craft keg”.

Official site of The Kemble Brewery - thekemblebrewerycheltenham.co.uk

Official site of The Kemble Brewery - thekemblebrewerycheltenham.co.uk