The Merchants Inn, Rugby

A real ale haven, plus a good choice of ciders and continental bottled beers. We called in early doors mid week, so we had a good chance to look round and chat away to the friendly and helpful owner and bar staff. Even the chef was helpful pointing us in the right direction to good refreshment houses. We also noticed the hundreds of pumpclips adorning the ceilings. There were nine ales to choose from on our visit. I went for the Box Steam Whistler Blower and Forge Brewery Hawkers. This pub is a must when in Rugby.

This is the leading real ale pub in Rugby,and should be first choice for any beer tourist to the town.Situated in a quiet back street close to the famous school,the front door opens into a small lounge area while the central bar is up a few steps.To the right of the bar there is a darts board while the interior opens out to the left with many wooden settles under a skylight while at the rear there is a drop down screen with much seating where only rugby is screened,footie fans need to go elsewhere.There is also a flat screen opposite the bar.There is a flag stoned floor around the bar and wood flooring elsewhere.The collection of breweriana around the walls in very impressive as is the range of real ales from up to nine handpumps with the excellent Oakham Bishop's Farewell on permanently with regularly changing guests across various beer styles on the other pumps.Wetherspoons CAMRA vouchers are accepted on the usual terms,which is generous by the owners. Ciders,perry,single malts etc are also well catered for,this really is a drinking emporium. The regular beer festivals ,often themed,are worth attending so keep an eye on the website.This is an outstanding real ale pub for discerning drinkers.