The Merlin, Knights Enham, Andover

Well, yes this is basically a clichéd beaten-up 60’s estate pub. One room shut off in complete darkness, just the main bar area operational. Two pool tables, loud music, multiple screens and a dubious paint job. No ale on, so Guinness sufficed. Earthy locals but at least under control. Did I like it? Not a lot. April 2014 A very dodgy-looking estate pub looking over a litter-strewn car park which was closed on our visit, no sign of life at 12.30 on a Saturday afternoon and the doors were locked. A quick peek through the window spotted a 6X handpump and a very basic, spartan bar area. Looks like it’ll need more than a bit of magic to make headway round here. Unrated.

A 1960s estate pub, previously known as The Entertainer. It was closed for a while but re-opened with the original name which complements the local Arthurian street names rather than refer to the raptor. There is a car park shared with local shops, then a concrete walkway past a smelly outside terrace leading to the main door. There are 2 bars inside, one mainly laid in neat little rows for diners, the other more of a public bar for drinkers. There are 2 pool tables, a dartboard, gaming machines and a juke box. The décor is very tired, the furniture has suffered an attempt at renovation but still looks battered. The staff and the few locals were friendly and welcoming, and the large Rotweiler, whose presence precludes that of visiting dogs, was also quite amicable. Only one ale on, Doombar, which was fresh and in good condition. A decent enough local, but I can’t conjure up a good reason to come here especially.