The Golden Ball, Appleby Town Centre, Appleby-In-Westmorland

A small, no frills two roomer, owned by Marston’s, tucked away just off the town’s high street. On entering, the tiny lounge is to the left and the slightly larger public bar is to the right, both served by a central bar. To the rear is a small, enclosed courtyard, largely covered by a jumbrella. The lounge is a plain white walled affair, with just four cast iron tables and wall benching. The only real adornments are various sporting and CAMRA certificates, plus a few beer posters. The public bar is very similar, but features an overhead T.V, dartboard and jukebox. There is also a decent collection of pump clips, from previously featured beers, lining the walls. Six hand pumps at the bar, but only three in use during my visit: On offer were Marston’s ‘Burton Bitter’, ‘Sweet Chariot’ and ‘Pheasant Plucker’ (Church End?) Opting for the Pheasant Plucker, I thought it a fairly indifferent beer, which was well kept. As I was the only drinker during my early lunchtime visit, it was hard to get a true feel of the place. However, on talking to the landlord, who is active in the local CAMRA branch, I came away thinking The Golden Ball was probably the local beer enthusiast’s choice. The pub is listed in the 2011 Good Beer Guide and offers a discount scheme to card-carrying CAMRA members. Its possibly a little too basic for some, but I’ve certainly pencilled it in for a return visit, when in the town again.