The Hope Inn, Pembroke

Enigmatic place. It’s a tight multi-roomer via a corridor. Off right is a nice lounge with pub carpet, piano, combo of claret red, deep green and whitewashed stone with heavy curtains and a library shelf with an inlaid TV (showing Jaws on my visit). Also there's a piano, a rack of papers and Hello magazines. Further on, the main bar has a load of unlabelled kegs (the list is directly behind you) dispensing an eclectic mix of local beers and cider with Estrella for the lager-swiggers. I had beers from Pembroke Brewery (Skirp Gold) and Glamorgan (Dead Canary). In this room is a pool table, darts and drop-down screens. At the rear is a very impressive long beer garden with mature trees at the end and a view towards St Daniel’s Hill. Big on local activism here, with South Pembrokeshire Rail Action Group pamphlets, Pembroke Food Hub etc. Bar snacks available, including garlic scotch eggs. I was rather enamoured with this one despite the lack of cask, as was Lady Quinno. I’d certainly recommend seeking it out – vying with the Kings as Pembroke’s best in show. If only there was a cask here…