The Great Western, Corsham

On approach I assumed that it’s the same owners as Hare as same external livery is present and interior vibe isn’t too dissimilar, though this one is more of a local’s pub rather than an eatery. Fairly compact in here, three fairly tight rooms over two levels with two of them having access to the bar, alongside a pleasant light and airy side extension. Public bar is Rugby Union oriented with shirts on the ceiling and also showing on the telly, with a couple of codgers in to watch a game. Decor is a nasty two-tone mushy pea green, the current bane of bland and unimaginative owners. Two cask on the go, GK IPA and a slightly hazy Wadworth 6X (NBSS 2.5). Feels like they're missing a trick here – get back to traditional basics and knock-out a good pint. The fabric of a good little pub is here. 5.5

A Victorian railway hotel which is now a fairly decent local pub in a growing town. There is a terraced seating area at the front and a car park at the back. The single U-shaped bar was formed from opening a wall, but the floor remains on two different levels. The front is dominated by a large TV screen showing sports, and it has several rugby shorts stapled to the ceiling. The fireplace and flooring make it feel very 1970s. The back half was at a lower level, with steps down, and was more of a dining area. It had the feel of a lively local, and there were a lot of people in. Two pumps on the bar but only one ale on, 6X, which was in good condition. Worth dropping in for a beer.

The Great Western is situated on the outskirts of Corsham, overlooking a mini roundabout. We'd first tried to visit shortly after 2:30pm on our weekday visit. There was no sign of life at that time. So I returned several hours later. It turned out that the pub closes on weekday afternoons. The landlord was friendly and so were his 2 dogs. Just one other customer was present, along with a barmaid who was helping to close up for the evening. So, I'd arrived just in time. 6X & Hobgoblin Gold was the real ale choice.