Review submitted by
Roger Buttonmore
ReviewA wonderful, if somewhat cramped, pub with a fantastic unaltered interior that has been recognised by its inclusion in the CAMRA inventory. A Sam Smiths pub so that means ridiculously cheap prices - £1.26 for a pint of Old Brewery Bitter is beyond the comprehension of someone who rarely gets change from £3. Friendly if rather overworked barmaid although the customer base can be a little worse for wear but at these prices I would easily go down the same path. The main bar is quaintly small with room for a table in the window and a couple opposite the bar. Beyond the bar area is a wonderful little snug and beyond this a slightly larger room at the rear of the pub. There are plenty of paneled walls and several wooden division screens but the most interesting features are probably the old wine / spirit / cordial dispensaries behind the bar, although they do not appear to be functional. Only the lack of smoke reminds you that this is the 21st century and is probably the only thing to have changed in generations although the old photo behind the bar suggests that some of the tiling behind the bar may have either been added recently or restored back to its original state. There are a few interesting old local maps in the doorway and a few old pictures, portraits and clippings in the main bar. This is a real museum piece and well worth going out of the way for if you like traditional unspoilt pubs.
