The Blacksmiths, Loughborough

A stunning early 1930’s exterior with lots of tiles, leaded glasswork and visual appeal. Inevitably the interior doesn’t come close to matching it (blue painted wood - occasionally distressed - and blasted bare brick), although the ceiling is pretty interesting. One ale on over two pumps, a passable TT Landlord (NBSS 3). Aimed at the students, really. Worth a nose if you have time to spare. 5.5

The Blacksmiths has wooden flooring throughout apart from a strip of tiling from one of the two entrances to the central serving counter. This counter, that isn’t far off being an island, supports premium and mainstream craft keg alongside carling and both the hand pumps were badged with TT Landlord. The furniture found around the exterior walls and to the left, where there’s a dartboard, is mainly made up of benches. In the right-hand side of the pub is a pool table and during a recent bank holiday Monday afternoon visit the televisions throughout were airing the League Two play-off final while some background music played. The governor was polite enough, but next time I use Loughborough’s Premier Inn I’ll be walking in the other direction because the pub choices in this Queen’s Park area are a bit disappointing.

A stunning 1931 deco frontage with a sadly modernised interior and much in the way of wall removal. Entering at the front, there is also a side door, a square servery with a long counter in distressed wood faces you. Two horseshoes of usual suspects with Beavertown and Camden on a separate pair of founts. In central position are a pair of pulls with a well above average Landlord on one. All the modern toys are present; multiple screens, even in the outside drinking area, games machines, constant music. To one side is a pool table while the other back side has a dart board. Mostly plain walls or exposed brick with a number of arty posters, some music related, one wall having wild wallpaper. A mix of seating with a few fancier picnic benches, mid height tables and even a bit of banquette. Board and parquet floors. Very quiet on my lunchtime visit with just a couple of old boys in a corner.