The Boars Head, Wantage

Official site of The Boars Head - www.tbhardington.co.uk

Official site of The Boars Head - www.tbhardington.co.uk

A lovely and unusual timbered building which is basically a well-presented gastropub (veering heavily towards full-on restaurant) in a lovely old building. Tastefully modernised inside with herringbone flooring, light plasterboard walls, arches between the discrete rooms – though how much original charm was destroyed in the process? Wood burning stove going full pelt was a welcome sight. Upmarket punters with fabulous dental work. Four pumps, three on - Cotswold Windrush (died on pouring), Pride (fair) and a rebadged house beer of uncertain origin, served-up by a friendly barman. Only one to do if you’re a completist, really.

Came off a 15 Mile walk on the Ridgeway, without passing an open pub (too early for the Swan at East Ilsley) - so when back at the car, I used Psychogeography to programme the Sat Nav to the nearest pub. It came up with this one. Looks nice and traditional from the outside. Enter and hit with a swathe of light brown wood, from the floors to the furniture. Every single person eating. Sat at the bar and there were four real ales on. I went for the eponymous Boars Head. It wasn't great but then again, every pint I have had in these parts (usually Arkells) has been tasteless cloudy bogwater.