The Folly, Andover

Official site of The Folly - www.hungryhorse.co.uk

Official site of The Folly - www.hungryhorse.co.uk

Large Hungry Horse on roundabout which retains a strong pub presence, being the only outlet in the vicinity. The family dining area extends off to one side with an Over 21's drinking bar the other, including pool and sports TV. A few tables at the front and a large garden at the back, including children's area. The draught ales were restricted to GK IPA and Abbot, the former being off and the latter just drinkable at time of visit, despite Cask Marque accreditation. The only place you can get a drink near the station, otherwise not really worth the effort.

Originally The Folly Inn, the current building was purpose-built in 1969 by the Winchester Brewery and was subsequently run by Whitbread as a Beefeater. The original pub had been on the site for around 400 years and was a much smaller building standing where the roundabout now is; the new building stands on what was the pub’s bowling green and tennis court. The roundabout still carries the Folly name, but the pub changed its name several years ago. The building and its grounds were refurbished during 2014. It is part of the Hungry Horse chain, and the standards of fare reflect that. There is adequate parking, a children’s play area and a smoking terrace outside. Several gaming machines and a pool table provide entertainment. The same two ales that Quinno reported (below) are still the only ones on sale. Staff were very loud but helpful. The Abbot was OK but not brilliant. Fine if passing but I wouldn’t want to make a night of it.

A Greene King Hungry Horse-branded outlet and all that goes with it – basic cheap food and drink. Located by a roundabout (though I fail to see quite what is ‘magic’ about it), the pub seems set up to serve the local estate and it was pretty busy yesterday lunchtime with people eating and watching Jeff Stelling & co. Two ales – Abbot and IPA, the Abbot was fair. Usual corporate interior-by-numbers, along with seemingly 50% of Andover’s fruit machines. Not exactly a destination but Andover has worse.