Boat Inn, Loughborough

This was one of four pubs I called into on my previous visit to Loughborough in 2019 and neglected to review for this website. I had little memory of this place, though I recognised it from the bridge over the Grand Union Canal. A Marstons pub, a company that no longer brews beer, though the beers on the three hand pumps facing me were their old brands: Pedigree, former Wychwood Hobgoblin Gold and former Thwaites of Blackburn Wainwright-which-was-never-brewed-in-the-Lake-District; the latter was being pushed at a 50% discount on a handwritten notice, which is never a good look. Just throw it away. I should have gone for the Pedigree but I took a punt on the Gold, as it can be ok if well looked after. Perhaps I ought to have have taken the hint from the handwritten notice, as this one could also have been 50% discount-get-it-before-it's-gone (NBSS 2, £5.20/pint). I reckon it won't be long before the hand pumps are ripped out of the Boat Inn.

Official site of Boat Inn - www.boatinnpubloughborough.co.uk

Official site of Boat Inn - www.boatinnpubloughborough.co.uk

Marstons outlet on the Grand Union canal with a picturesque location. Long and narrow inside over a couple of levels (presumably separate buildings back in the day) with a bit of modernisation but retains a cosy feel; pub carpet, stained glass dividers and varnished wood. Two cask, Hobgoblin Gold and a tidy (NBSS 3.5) Pedigree, served-up by a friendly middle-aged lady. Pool table for the locals and Halloween garb already infesting the place. I thought this was a pleasant place for a pint, even if said pint wasn’t the most exciting choice. Feels like it could have a crack at being a quality ale venue if they stuck on a couple of the lesser-spotted Marstons portfolio.