The Eight Bells, Alton

Interesting old pub, located a short distance away from the High Street just opposite the churchyard. Low-key signage, and it's not immediately obvious from the front door whether the place is open or not. Two-part traditionally furnished bar at the front, with the counter opposite the entrance and a little lounge (with a dartboard) on the left-hand side. Also has a few extra tables in small, plainly decorated rear room. Black Sheep, Bowman's Lapwing and a pair from Flower Pots - Bitter and Perridge Pale (£2.10, half) - being served from four of the five handpumps.

Romsey IPA, Bowman Wallops Wood & Swift One, Ringwood Best, Ballard's Best. Carpetted bar, partly divided into front & smaller rear sections, low then very low beamed ceilngs, mix of wood & copper-topped tables, slightly ‘70s retro feel, some banquette seating & stools, dartboard at far end although corner table would need moving. Nice little paved beer garden with light pine picnic sets, some umbrellas, trees & shrubs attractively complement the scene. The stable door allows the pub to be aired in nice weather but prevents the Lancashire Heeler (Toby) from making his escape. There is the story of the local, horrific, murder of ‘Poor Fanny Adams' in 1867 & check out the photo above the real fire ‘Farnham United Breweries, Fine Ales & Stout Drawn from the Wood'. I have a note that this is local Camra poty, but a couple of others I visited on the day would be serious competition.

A decent GBG pub, quiet on my mid week visit but it is a little off the main drag.I had a pint of Bowmans Swift One reasonably priced at £3.20.Certainly worth a visit.

In 1986 this was Alton's only free house and Egon Ronay recommended. It seems to be more of an Ale House now as there is only very limited food. It's clearly very old and is a long beamed room with another area to the left of the bar. The five hand pumps had Doom Bore, Bowman's Swift One, Hogs Back Fresh Spring, Flack Manor Flack's Double Drop and Triple fff Alton's Pride. The beer choice was the one thing that put me off this one, five bitters two of which were 4% and three less than 4%. I went for the Fresh Spring (£3.30) which was pleasant enough and in excellent condition. Despite my reservations about the beer choice it's still worth a look and is only a short way off the main drag.