Black Swan Inn, Devizes

The layout of this former coaching inn is much as described by Quinno, though there are new owners now, and most of the bric-a-brac has gone, leaving a clean, open feel which is very comfortable and welcoming while maintaining its traditional atmosphere. Bare floorboards and seating mainly at tables also make for a pleasant place to sit and enjoy good food and decent ale. It’s still a Wadworth’s pub, so all the beers were from that Brewery. There were 4 pumps on the bar, one with a reversed clip, the others offering 6X, Henry’s and Horizon, all in excellent condition. Dogs are welcome, and there are dog treats on the bar. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, and a great place to eat, drink and while away the afternoon and an essential for inclusion in a town crawl. I shall certainly be back.

Lovely Characterful Waddies pub. Dog leg shaped, enter via a porchway to a riot of wartime era ephemera - hanging brass kettles, tommy hats, plates, clocks, stuffed birds, tin signs, upright piano (tuned?). This continues into the room off to the left and the bar (dimly lit) off to the right. A dining room is beyond. Fairly quiet and completive atmosphere aided and abetted by a better class of instrumental music. Make sure to take a trip out into the courtyard, the old coaching and stables area. This has been wonderfully converted to a cobbled side garden with pool, pinball, and air hockey in the old stables. Also note the old gypsy carts at the rear, plus an al fresco bar. Talking of bars, there were four ales – Waddies 6X and IPA, plus Black Sheep and a super St Austell Liquid Sunshine which was easily the best condition beer of a long days crawling. This really is a must-visit pub, I could have stayed for hours.