Palmerston Arms, Woodston, Peterborough

Looks really promising outside, an attractive old stone built Bateman's pub somewhat at odds with its neighbouring buildings. There's two door porch entrance which is meaningless as the two rooms have been knocked together at the far end into a thoroughly unsatisfactory ‘n’ shape. The left side retains a lounge feel. Things started to go wrong almost immediately - the piped music kept cutting out. Then neither of the Bateman's were on (in a Batemans pub!?) so was left six to choose from with Bass, Adnams, Roosters, Oakham, Firbird and Fuzzy Duck plus 3 ciders from Westons. The Bass wasn't the best (NBSS 1.5), old and flabby and served in a filthy glass; I ditched half of it and managed to make a quiet exit in-between the listing music. A real let-down. 5.5

The Palmerston ‘Palmy’ Arms has left and right seating areas that are separated by a central wall that runs from the front entrance to a metre or so from the bar counter along the rear wall. There are exposed brick fireplaces in either side and a dartboard can be found in the right. A television was showing the England v Wales World Cup match, I imagine it will be removed once the competition is over. Music prints and posters are up on the walls, many of which are for sale. On the rear wall the glass backbar reveals all the casks on stillage. The polite barmaid was getting plenty of exercise walking from the bar into the rear to pour the ale. I’m not sure if the hand pumps on the bar are redundant and just for show or if they were having issues. Available during my midweek evening visit were Bateman’s England Expects, Oakham’s Citra, TT Boltmaker and Castle Rock’s Elsie-Mo. Bateman’s XXXB and Gold were listed as coming soon. Aspall cider was also available alongside Weston’s full Rosie range of ciders. Kronenberg was also available for the heathens. Worth a look.

Old traditional pub with two rooms knocked nearly into one, the dividing wall is almost intact ending near the enlarged counter area. Just one pull on the counter but a blackboard to the side and windows behind the servery reveal a choice of a dozen or so casks. Live music (1960s in style this evening).