The Crooked Billet, Hook

The Crooked Billet is the only Hook pub that has appeared in any of the last 6 Good Beer Guides, but the real ale choice here can prove somewhat of a disappointment. Doom Bar is the regular ale, whilst guests on my visit were Tribute & Landlord. A sign on the wall proudly recorded how many real ales had been on. It was a shame that nothing remotely unusual was on in time for my visit! Nevertheless, the interior has a warm and cosy feel. The owners have been in place for many years and seem to have a loyal customer following. They obviously knew the other two couples who were present. Food appears to be popular here and I got the feeling that the one couple were planning to stay for dinner.

An attractive looking pub, with ivy on the walls and a solid looking doorway. Inside is quite cosy if essentially an old multi-roomer knocked through and is almost semi-hexagonal in shape. Cream, red and black colour scheme, fabric bay window banquette, mad floral carpet, curtains etc. Impressive grassed garden to the rear on the banks of the River Whitewater. Five pumps with four on; Doom Bar, Sharps Original, TT Landlord and Courage Best. The Original piqued my interest but unfortunately it was clearly the first one out for a while and I didn’t want to finish it, the taste made worse by the price, a hefty £4.05. I really wanted to like this place and it has a bit going for it, but the beer and prices put me off, sadly.

A country pub situated on the A.30 between the villages of Hook and Hartley wintney ,as a result of its location I would say 75% of the pub is geared towards the food trade.However the remaining bar area finds four hand pumps in operation serving on my visit Courage best,Sharps Doom Bar, Andwell's Gold Muddler and Dark Star Original.Of the four I would have had the Original but driving duties led me to Courage Best, not the most exciting of ales but was in very good condition.Not really a traditional pub so not my prefered destination, but well looked after beer ,so worth a pit stop,also has a beer garden on the banks of the river Whitewater if you have a family to park.

Official site of the Crooked Billet, contains menus and wine list - www.thecrookedbilletpub.co.uk