The Bolton Arms, Basingstoke

A village pub that is now more reliant on its restaurant status than that of a pub,however there is a drinking area to the rear of the pub with lots of oak beams and a vaulted ceiling,four beers on, Doom Bar Andwells Resolute and IPA plus Hogs Back TEA. Of possible note buried into one of the oak beams within the vaulted ceiling is a sword named Excalibur and is allegedly the one used in the film of the same name and owned by a pub regular. Not a bad place for a pint but not really a trad boozer and not a place I would normally frequent, but OK.

The Bolton Arms official site with menus and event details - www.thebolton.com

The Bolton Arms official site with menus and event details - www.thebolton.com

Whilst not looking particularly alluring from the outside, the recently refurbished interior really is quite super, with separate dining and drinking areas which feel rather swish. There were a couple of ales on, plus a real cider (or was it perry? I forget) which come in handled mugs - nice. My Andwell bitter was a bit flat unfortunately but the cider/perry my friend has was good. I'd give it another go and hope the beer's a bit better next time, the place seems to have a fair amount going for it at the moment.

On my first visit the new landlord & landlady made myself and my wife feel very welcome. Good food serving real fresh food,& good real ales, my wife enjoyed the selection of wines,in a very relaxed friendly atmosphere. all in all a very good experiance, we will return.