The Railway Arms, Alton

Very handy for Alton station but dont get mixed up with the other pub of similar name almost opposite. The pub is entered through the raised outside seating area. Although a reasonably sized pub, the thoroughfare through the drinking areas does mean that sitting at some tables is a bit tight when busy such as our visit on a a sunny Saturday afternoon. However the excellent range of ales makes this place well worth visiting and always had a good pint of one of the numerous Triple f brewery ales when in here.

Seven handpumps face you on entering, mainly showcasing the local fff brewery beers. On my visit four of the brewery's beers were on, Alton's Pride, Moondance, Stairway and Witches Promise. A further pump had Mr Whiteheads Cirrus Minor, leaving two unclipped. A further handpump around to the right was serving a cider. Although effectively one main area at the front, it feels like two rooms as they link through via a narrow opening next to the chimney. Wood flooring, light wood bar and wall panelling, lots of old tin adverts on the walls. Hops wind along the bar gantry and a ceiling beam. Further decoration includes shelves of old beer bottles and a display box containing an assortment of wood planes, beer taps and glass bottles. Two red painted barrels with "Watneys" painted on hang from the low beamed ceiling. Seating is hoop backed chairs and settles at rectangular tables or a row of bar stools. There is a seperate room to the rear with a few benches and a central pool table. Further outdoor seating to the back beyond here. There are also a few outdoor benches to the frontage. A good first or last stop in Alton, very close to the railway station.