The Cricketers, Leamington Spa

A friendly town pub with a pleasant, local feel. The young bar staff were welcoming and friendly, the barman seeming well-informed and interested in ale and possessing a good sense of humour. There was a massive TV screen showing live sport, and a huge, complex coffee machine behind the bar which seemed a bit out of place, jarring slightly with the traditional interior. Ales on were Landlord, Moorhouse’s Pride of Pendle and Empress. Craft ales were Neck Oil and Maltsmith, and Inch’s cider, plus the usual megakeg offerings. I liked it here and would happily come back.

The Cricketers is a great pub on the outskirts of the town centre. It's clean and very presentable without the gastropub feel. Indeed, they take their ales seriously here. Also worth mentioning is the food, very well done, and reasonably priced too. I've popped in many a time for a pint and a meal and always enjoyed coming here, there's always been a mixed, friendly crowd which lends itself to a relaxed atmosphere. I'll definitely be popping in again either en route to the Midlands or when in Leamington itself.

Corner pub, partly opened out inside to leave several small seating areas around the central bar. Mix of furniture but the decor is all cricket-related, as you would expect, especially with its connection to John Wisden (as commemorated by a plaque on the front wall), despite now being opposite the bowls club... Four handpumps on the counter, offering the regular offerings from Timothy Taylor (Landlord on this occasion) and Slaughterhouse (Saddleback, £3.60) plus Yubberton Yawnie as a guest and a cider. Worth a stop if in this part of town.