The Boars Head, Bishops Castle

Another friendly hostelry in Bishop's Castle. The beers were in excellent condition, although the steak in ale pie was rather chewy, so a word to the butcher might be in order.

Somewhat overshadowed by its two better known neigbouring brewpubs, the Boars Head is still worth a look for its historic value even if the beers are a bit on the mundane side. Licenced since 1642, the pub would apparently have been a vicitim of the Civil War had it not been a favourite watering hole of the Kings Troops. The main bar features a huge inglenook fireplace containing a wood burning stove that was the place to be in front of on the night we called. Somewhere in the chimney is a priest hole which probably wasn’t the place to be on the night we called. There are plenty of exposed stone walls and low bulging beamed ceilings (as I found out to my cost) to remind you of its age and yet it does have a more contemporary feel although some of the décor doesn’t really fit, especially the textured walls in the round dining area to the rear. Behind the large fireplace is a smaller cosy living room style bar with sofa and its own open fire. A separate games room runs off to one side with pool table, darts and TV. From a southerner’s perspective, the 3 ales were weak by way of selection – Bombardier, Spitfire and Adnams, although quality was decent enough. Beer tourists will undoubtedly hit town for the Six Bells & Three Tuns but may wish to consider a quick pint in the Boars Head as a half way point between the two.