The Lamb Inn, Devizes

The Lamb Inn is the only surviving pub in the pretty village of Urchfont. Being not too far from Devizes, it's not a surprise to see that it is a Wadworth pub. It's a thatched building situated next to the village shop. The number of cars on the car park seemed to suggest the pub was reasonably busy. However, they must all have been in the shop, as the pub was empty. For my arrival, there were a couple of people behind the bar - a young barmaid and an older guy who I took to be the landlord. There were 3 handpulls. 6X & Henry's IPA are the regular beers. The third pull had a turned Horizon clip. A blackboard next to the bar seemed to suggest there was a third beer. So, I enquired if the Folly Road Evolution listed was cask or keg, not knowing if there were further handpulls in another room. The barmaid let the landlord try to answer the question, but he didn't understand what I was asking. After repeating, it became clear that he hadn't a clue and he offered me a taster. I decided not to bother. If the landlord doesn't know the difference between cask and keg, there's no hope. Although the barmaid did subsequently confirm that it was keg! The cider was Thatcher's Gold. There are 3 main rooms. The middle room has the smallest part of the bar with the handpulls and has bare boards. There are some of the supposedly humorous animal pictures on the dull grey-painted walls. A fireplace contains a wood burner and curiously there are a couple of rugby crests for Dorking and Sidcup above it. There is quite a large ornamental vase sat in the fireplace. A second room with more access to the bar is carpeted and has wallpaper. At the opposite end, there is another small room with a TV. Dogs are allowed in, but signage makes it clear that they are not permitted in the carpeted room. Pizza menus were available on each table. I'm not sure if there was any other food offering available, but you were out of look if you wanted coffee or tea, as the coffee maker was broken. Instant tea or coffee was still available! A wifi password was available behind the bar and a quiz was advertised. Meanwhile, a porch at the side of the building leads to both the toilets and a skittle alley. Outdoor drinking areas combine a garden on one side and to the rear and a patio on the left-hand side overlooking the village shop, but currently covered in scaffolding. The pub may have at least benefitted from having some music playing or at least having a TV on. With no customers and therefore no conversation, it was eerily quiet. The lack of any kind of atmosphere along with a landlord who lacks knowledge about beer did not inspire me. A poor start to my day.

Facebook page of The Lamb Inn - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Lamb Inn - www.facebook.com