White Horse Inn, Craven Arms

This is the brewery tap for Clun Brewery, and three hand pumps are dedicated to their beers: Citadel, Loophole and Clun Pale Ale (the first two deriving their names from the nearby castle). Also available were Wye Valley Butty Bach and Hobsons Best Bitter, with two ciders and two spare hand pumps for my midweek visit. I got quite a shock while waiting to be served when a vicious growl came from the previously unsuspected labrador under one of the tables, prompted by the entry into the pub of a prospective drinker and his jack russell. The ensuing peace was occasionally disturbed by a lively debate at the bar about the government's badger culling policy. This is a lively pub, but the service is sometimes rather impersonal, and I think this is because the bar staff are sometimes left to cope by themselves at busy periods when the landlord is on the pub floor mingling with customers. There needs to be a balance, so that sometimes the landlord makes his presence felt behind the bar, supporting his staff and enabling them to feel they have time to provide a friendly greeting rather than just pouring drinks as fast as they can go.

Really good bustling local, with excellent locally-sourced food and good ales. Certainly had a good atmosphere while we were there, and didn't leave much to be desired. Not exactly traditional but the free wifi was also popular, perhaps unsurprising considering the poor mobile coverage in the area.