White Bear, Whitchurch

The traditional black & white colour scheme of this alleyway pub has been given the modern grey & white treatment, both outside and in. To be fair, I've seen lots worse, but it does now have a bit of a sports bar feel to it, or a vertical drinking establishment for younger people. There was a solitary hand pump at the far end of the long bar counter, but having had a Salopian Shropshire Gold earlier in the day which I thought was not quite right, I was glad to have the opportunity to compare it. This one was NBSS 3.5, and was good enough to change my initial rating for this pub from 5 to 6. Not good enough to make a special visit, but one to pop into if in the town.

I had a pre-impression that this hidden alleyway pub was going to be old an dark inside. To my surprise. it was light and modern with decent refurbishment in a slightly rustic style. I sat in the small room opposite the bar and enjoyed a good value meal served promptly. There were three Real Ales from Sharpe's plus two guest ales.