The Gauntlet, Kenilworth

60s (at a guess) estate pub in a small suburban shopping precinct, but this one looks usually well maintained and tidy both inside and out. Reversed J-shaped bar with seating areas on all three sides of the central bar counters. Modernised, partly covered patio beer garden at the front. Sharp's Sea Fury and a very good pint of Wye Valley HPA (£4.40) available from two of the four handpumps.

Official site of The Gauntlet - www.gauntletpubkenilworth.co.uk

Official site of The Gauntlet - www.gauntletpubkenilworth.co.uk

Marking this as closed. I was here for the 2022 GBG Tick. Instantly got the feeling that it was closed. Lights off, door bolted at 12:30pm on a Saturday. Checked at the newsagents next door and they said the owners had left the week before and it was not a temporary closure. That was lunch ruined! The GBG claimed it had good food :-)

On my first ever visit to Kenilworth, my first stop was the Gauntlet, an estate pub that didn't offer a good first impression. The car park appeared to be a dumping ground for the local community. But I ventured in regardless, buoyed by the pub's entry in the 2021 Good Beer Guide. Having dutifully checked in to the NHS App and whilst trying to order drinks with the QR code provided on each table, the landlord/barman came over to take my order, which saved me the trouble. He did ask me to prove that I'd checked in with the NHS App. 4 real ales were on - Tribute, Proper Job, Butty Bach & Broadside. Whilst there's nothing particularly unusual about these, I did overhear the locals saying that the beer was always kept in good quality, which is a good sign. Seating is on a patio area to the front and side of the pub. Clearly having a loyal local clientele, this pub is probably a really valuable asset to the community, but it didn't quite float my boat.