Den 42, Wokingham

The name of this pub has nothing to do with live bands but the fact that it is built on the site of and old brewery where "gigs" were stored that the dray horses pulled to deliver the beer. It opened in 2004, presumably just after the whole area had been built. Inside it's one large room with modern fittings that is rather dark. It's a Lloyds but there was no music playing. The pub was virtually deserted on my Friday afternoon visit so there was no problem getting served, if anything the staff were queuing to serve me! There are only six hand pumps and three being taken up by the two GK beers and London Pride, this left just Wild Weather Big Muddy, Ringwood Old Thumper and Loddon Hullabaloo. The Big Muddy was a Manager's Special at £1.99 but nevertheless I went for the Old Thumper (£2.35), one I've avoided since they watered it down. It was in first class condition. I suspect that I came here on one of it's good days as it was a lot better than I was expecting, but that doesn't detract from the dull modern decor and the limited choice of ales.