The Cricketers Arms, Andover

A high central bar dominates the interior, with narrow drinking areas surrounding and low ceilings. Nice bric-a-brac and the ornate wooden board above the bar depicting various cricket legends of yore (replete with embossed heads) was a talking point. The open log fire was emitting some lovely smoky smells which helped create a nice atmosphere, in the absence of any audio beyond the chat of other punters (noted a no mobiles policy with a £1 charity fine if breached). Selection of papers and accommodation available. GBG 2014 listed, though only two ales on stillage (from a much larger cohort of barrels), both from Bowmans. Stillage never fills me with optimism and so it proved, with my Wallops Wood being pretty lifeless and my companions Swift One not much better. Cheap at least, as my round of various drinks for four people came in at six quid, expected at least two quid more given the upmarket nature of the clientèle. Barman very chatty (I think he doesn’t see under 40’s very often) and was keen to hear about our schedule and drinking exploits in nearby Andover. As a pub I was rather fond of this one but it’s a shame the beer didn’t live up to billing. Would have been close to calling it a must-visit otherwise.