The John O'Gaunt Inn, Hungerford

A very attractive, traditional town pub which has undergone a sympathetic gastropub refurbishment treatment internally. Many of the tables were being used by diners but the bar area has stools where the locals gather for a convivial pint. And they are a very friendly and convivial bunch with the tone set by the extrovert and chatty governor who has an obvious passion for good beer. Admirable but it did leave him open for plenty of good natured ribbing. Service was fast, friendly and efficient and although we didn't eat the menu looked interesting and the food very appetising. The key though here is the beer with an excellent selection available and everything we tried in great shape. The choice on our visit was from Animal Brewing Roadrunner, XT 15, Two Cocks 1643 Cavalier, Flipside Copper Penny, Vibrant Forest Oak & Coffee Stout and ABC Red Citra. I think that they operate a rolling guest policy but to judge by the beers we found along with the governors knowledge and enthusiasm, you'd be unlikely not to find something which tickled the fancy. Great beer and very good company. A winner.

An outstanding real ale pub.Formerly a Morlands house,this traditional building has a modern interior with the bar to the right,and a pleasing mix of tables and chairs in this section.This is the area that the friendly and welcoming regulars gather and good conversation rules the day.To the left are two sections with tables more suited for diners,some interesting carved chairs backs but still available for drinkers ,although well used by diners when the kitchen is busy. At the bar there are 6 handpumps serving outstanding ale from mainly leading local micro brewers across a well thought out selection of styles and strengths.My Animal Roadrunner,Vibrant Forest Oat & Coffee Stout and Aylesbury Brewing Red Citra were all sublime.There is a motivated young serving crew,very helpful and offering tasters.Real cider also features large in here. As the evening wore on and the pints were being sunk,we met the owner who is wonderfully enthusiastic about real ale and both this pub and the sister operation The Five Bells,Wickham which is CAMRA award winning.He very kindly offered to pay our return cab fare if we pitched up in Wickham,nice touch. The regulars were a great bunch as well,so a terrific evening was had by all.The pub is the closest to the Kennet & Avon Canal,there is no need to go anywhere else in Hungerford and for me this is a straight 10.One of the best real ale pubs in the country,an unmissable treat.