The Air Balloon, Gloucester

The infamous Air Balloon (infamous to drivers unfortunate enough to have to do battle with the ridiculous junction it occupies) ended up being an emergency stop after Desmond’s Mini Cooper conked-out after conquering the preceding hill. So a quick stop here to grab a few litres of water for the parched radiator (the friendly licensee offered to fill the vessel himself). Aimed at the (slowly) passing food trade, the exterior is pretty and well-described below. Three GK ales on; OSH, IPA Gold and a pretty decent Abbot. Didn’t stay long enough to make much note about the interior bar some low ceilings and undressed Cotswold Stone, but it was certainly pretty busy.

An undressed stone Old English Inns chain pub and eatery, with a couple of beer gardens, patio and a kid's play area. It looks like a former farmouse, now at a major traffic island. Underwent a refurbishment in May 2010. The interior is open plan and on a couple of levels. It is turned over mainly to dining, though there is a sofa area where there is a nice stone fireplace. The decor is a mix of undressed Cotswold stone, white, a bit of green and purple, along with ceiling and support beams. The walls mainly have arty pictures, though there are a few bits of fun ephemera, like the balloon light fixture - and the tables have candles. The place is very popular with families and a general mixed clientele, due to its location and one has to assume, its food - it didn't eat, so i can't comment on that. The service was fine, when you got it - as i say, it was actually too busy, so i just wanted to get out to be honest (not that the pub would be complaining!) Beer; tap stuff with GK IPA, Abbots, Spekky Hen and GK LBW on handpull. The Spekky was fine. I would be happy to stop here to eat, which really is its main target audience. Not really my kind of place just for a drink unless in the beer garden. I am not really a Greene King fan either.

Known this place for years and not a lot has changed.Its position makes it a stopping place for motorists and I feel its like an upmarket service area.The red wine is way over priced charging £12.99 for Santa Carolina Merlot,£5 to £6 at most GK pubs. Its cheap wine for goodness sake. The garden overlooking the traffic island can be entertaining if you can put up with the fumes.

Great pub with quick and friendly service. Plenty of choice on the Sunday lunch menu. Food was good, although prices slightly on the high side. Portions adequate but not huge. Good range of beers and wines. Lovely atmosphere, kids were very welcome. No kids menu but a number of menu items are available in smaller portion sizes. Great outdoor area including decent play area. Very convenient for M5.