Royal Horseshoes, Melton Mowbray

We'd first tried to visit the Royal Horseshoes late in the afternoon on Bank Holiday Monday. But they no longer open during the daytime. When we returned after 6pm, the pub was open and was doing a good trade in food, with all tables either occupied or reserved. So, we had to resort to the small outdoor area. Doom Bar, Atlantic & Olde Trip were the real ales. I opted for the latter, which was certainly drinkable.

A lovely stone building on a junction, which gets its ‘Royal’ title by dint of having Vic & Alb popping in circa 1843. Two rooms inside, bar to left and a larger more formal diner on right with a roaring fire in each, most welcome on a freezing cold day and after having locked the wheels of the car on the ice rink car park. Of note is a back corridor linking the two bars, presumably an extension? Scrubbed wood and exposed brick interior with tasteful Christmas decorations up. Copper bar top. Friendly service. Ales in the main room, five in all featuring Courage Directors, Doom Bar, Harvest Pale, GK Olde Trip and Nobby's Santa's Secret which was fine. A decent little stop. 7.5