The Weyhill Fair, Andover

The pub is closing on the 8th of January this year, being seen as not viable by Fullers. Used to go to some good beer festivals here back in the day before Fullers took over the pub.

Fuller’s pub on the dual carriageway. Bit of a forgettable mish-mash of a place lacking any real charm, two nondescript areas either side of the bar with some noticeable damp by the window where we sat. Five pumps with three cask on from the Fuller’s stable; Pride (NBSS 3), Seafarers, Oliver's. Barmaid was friendly. Didn’t take a shine to the place. Feels like it need a rethink. 5.5

An 18th Century roadside pub on the site of the old Weyhill Country Fairground, on what used to be the A303 before the dual carriageway was built. It was the model for Weydon Priors in Hardy’s Mayor of Castorbridge. There is plenty of parking and a rather nondescript garden, mostly lawn with a covered shelter, unattractive and flat. Inside, the smaller old rooms have been conjoined to form two dining areas and a central bar. Tne bar has a large TV screen and bar stools, while one of the dining areas is part lounge, with a woodburner and a couple of comfy chairs. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, though there weren’t many customers in. Food is basic pub grub locally procured and freshly cooked. It’s a Fuller’s pub, so three of the ales on were from that Brewery – Pride, faux-HSB and Seafarers. There were also 2 guests, Butcombe Original and Darkstar Hophead. The beers were in good condition. Good enough to stop for a lunch when travelling down the A303, though it doesn’t open Mondays.

Official site of The Weyhill Fair - www.weyhillfairandover.co.uk

Official site of The Weyhill Fair - www.weyhillfairandover.co.uk