The Lammastide Inn, Berkeley

A somewhat remote pub in a small, isolated village, it was populated almost entirely by locals on our visit, probably unsurprisingly given it’s location, but the barman seemed friendly enough and there were a few punters propping up the bar as well as a few more punters sitting down to a late Sunday lunch. Internally it consists of one main bar with a smaller room off to the left that looks to be more geared up for dining. Décor wise it’s fairly traditional and perhaps slightly dated with patterned carpet on the floor and rough plasterwork on the walls, either painted cream or khaki green. A raised area was up a couple of steps at the front set in to the bay window with some wooden balustrade separating it from the rest of the pub. A few copper pots and pans were hung on the wall as well as a couple of farming implements which seemed appropriate given the pub’s name and rural location. The large wood panelled bar had a large collection of bank notes pinned up above it, whilst a free standing and dual aspect brick chimney breast separated the bulk of the pub from the dining area. Unfortunately there was only a gas fire in here however. Beers on tap were Wye Valley Bitter, Wickwar Falling Star, Bass and Proper Job. Cider’s meanwhile were Pagett’s Cotswold Cider, Thatcher’s Gold and Thatcher’s Haze.

The Lammastide Inn is in the small and quiet village of Brookend close to the Severn Estuary. It all feels pretty isolated. Having said that the pub seems to attract decent custom and was busy on our damp Wednesday evening visit. The initial attraction was the food which is good quality, home cooked and decent value but the bar is resolutely pubby with stools for drinkers while the diners tend to drift to the left where tables are all set. The fixtures and fittings are traditionally pubby too with a collection of banknotes and pump clips behind the bar and various local maps and old photographs of local sports teams on the walls. The service was efficient and friendly with the landlady welcoming and quietly sipping a rose in a quiet moment. Seven handpumps displayed a perry, Bass x2, Wye Valley Bitter x2, Old Hooky and GWB Bees Knees. A dull selection but the Bass was in decent shape. Probably the best bet locally for a decent pint and something to eat. I'd happily revisit.