The Eight Bells, Alton

Still as good as ever since our last visit some years ago and arguably one of the best pubs in Alton. The Saturday evening we were in there it was pretty busy but we still managed to find a table and seats as someone left when we got in there. There were five ales including two from Bowman. On each of our visits the landlord seemed cheeful enough (noting the comments below) so maybe we were lucky or they were unlucky. definitely a pub to visit just off the main thoroughfare in Alton.

This is a 16th century building, the pub part once being much smaller but now expanded along into former cottages and by another small extension to the rear. Black and white beamed ceiling, some exposed brickwork. The main room runs parallel to the street and is a long affair with a fireplace on the end wall. An unusual low seat has been formed inside what would once have been another fireplace. The bar runs along part of the back wall and has railway and engine plates attached. Decor includes further railway related stuff, pots and steins, a yard of ale, various old pictures including some interesting ones of the pub, which was once tied it seems to a Farnham brewery. I was looking at these when the informative landlord came over and explained some of the pub's history. I found the staff to be fine and the lady serving was very friendly and chatty indeed. Beyond the main room is a later extension with a lower ceiling. There is outdoor seating in the garden to the rear. Seating of the traditional type at round wooden or copper topped tables, the wood versions had half crowns inset. Next to the bar are a couple of shelves of reference material. There is a dartboard but one of those with seating beneath. A decent beer range, five pumps serving Bowman Swift One and Wallops Wood, Goddards Ducks Folly, Ballards Bitter and Doom Bar.