Hope & Anchor, Ross-On-Wye

It has a rather lovely location on the Wye and a super garden that runs down to the bank. The inside of the place has a bit of character (the boat hanging from the ceiling, for instance) but the dominating pool table spectacularly detracts. Two pretty dull ales in Doom Bar and Marstons Old Empire (so-so condition). Could and should operate at a much higher plane but nonetheless is a worth a stop on a summer’s day for now. 6.5

This attractive 18th Century (almost) riverside pub was originally used for boat building but but gradually took on a more of a beer house role tending to the needs of the rope and basketmakers who shared the location. There is a large green in front of the pub with several benches which makes it a popular summer spot. The interior consists of a main bar with stone floor, exposed brick pillars and walls and simply furnished. There is a nautical theme in keeping with the history of the location with a rowing boat suspended from the ceiling and the bar itself shaped like a boat. There is a quite intrusive pool table that takes up a good chunk of main bar floor space. and TV as well as a selection of board games. During my Sunday evening visit a quiz was in progress which seemed quite popular A few steps opposite the bar lead to a caroppeted L shaped room that in itself can be divided into 2 by a curtained division. Among the nick nacks is an extensive collection of tea pots. There were 2 ales available, both from Jennings (Best and Cumberland) with a 3rd pump not in use. Food ranged from £7 to £12 although there was a 21oz mixed grill for the extra ravenous at £14.50. Overall the place ticks most the basic boxes and generally meets expectations but one can’t help thinking there is room for it to be a far better place than it is.