The Five Bells, Newbury

Taking public transport here was quite an interesting experience. But the Five Bells was definitely not worthy of the cost and effort incurred getting there. CAMRA's website mentions 8 real ales and 8 real ciders. In the event, there were just 2 real ales and no real ciders, other than in bottles. The ales were White Show Pony & Indigenous Billy No Mates. Cotswold Cider Company No Brainer & Side Burns were in bottles. The latter was at least something new for me. The pub itself is a lovely building externally, with its beautiful thatch. The interior has been refurbished and is not as inspiring. We sat in the pleasant garden to the rear and were joined by a fair few others. An interesting variation of track and trace was employed here. You needed to text your details to a certain number, which then came back with an automated reply. I've not seen this elsewhere. In summary, a nice country pub. But with pretty high expectations set, I was very disappointed.