Hope & Anchor, Ross-On-Wye

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.

A fairly basic, no frills pub in a pleasant location by the river, there is considerably more seating outside than in, and the riverside gardens will no doubt be the main draw here although it's a shame that the actual views of the river are obscured by the vegetation growing along the bank. Inside it's surprisingly small and fairly basic with black flagstones on the floor. There is a slightly nautical feel to the place with wood panelling at the front reminiscent of a ship's cabin and a rowing boat suspended from the ceiling above the pool table. A small room up a few steps looks as though it may be more geared up for dining. The beer garden was a good size as previously mentioned, and adjacent to this is a large and solidly built gazebo type structure with a tiled roof, lighting and heating. Food is available although we didn't check the menu. Beers on tap were Marston's Five Hops, Old Empire and Bank's Mild. The solitary cider was Strongbow, unfortunately.