The Bakers Arms, Alton

Looks like it might be a decent bet from the outside but don’t be fooled. Down a step to get in. What greets is a long, narrow and low-ceilinged knocked-through interior with a horrendous mish-mash of random old areas with different bits of old refurbs unconvincingly making up a single whole. It smelt, as my companion bluntly put it, of ‘dilapidated council house’. Random items of note were darts, pool, live music set up and a switched-off TV. Two ales, GK IPA and a fizzy (almost certainly bright) Doom Bar. Probably was a nice pub 40 years back but ain't now, it’s a desperate mess.

Basic locals boozer,still as Old Boots descibes below, nothing special but OK,the two beers on were Doom Bar and Sharps Atlantic,the latter in drinkable condition but very average.

A traditional mix of leatherette benches with tables and chairs, the pub is basically three spaces. The area by door has tables and chairs with corner benches then down a few steps is the main bar with the counter running down one side, there's one pull at the door end which is double clipped and another two pulls at the far end with the same beers, the taps for the national keg range are in between. Further back is a bit more seating in booth-like affairs plus a pool table, darts and a big screen. A good down to earth pub, with OK beer quality and service.