The Punch House, Monmouth

Modernised middle class place over a number of rooms that have been brought together, though now there's two obvious ones with an aged door of the old town jail serving as the divider. There's also some aged wood beams and supports, though how many of these are original is debatable. The lower servery is very smart. GBG listed and I was mildly disappointing to see only Doom Bar and Butty on, the latter of which was maybe a little bit green but fair (NBSS 3). Old Rosie pump in addition.

Official site of The Punch House - thepunchhousemonmouth.co.uk

Official site of The Punch House - thepunchhousemonmouth.co.uk

One bar staff, on their mobile phone, didnt even acknowledge me, as I waited. Butty Bach the only beer choice, I decided to hunt for more choice and/or service.

Situated on a corner of the town's main square, this is perhaps Monmouth's best pub and is also the only one to have featured in the Good Beer Guide so far this decade. However in truth, the real ale range was poor. Unlike the other 3 Monmouth pubs we visited, Doom Bar wasn't available for our visit. Here, it was Pedigree or Wainwright, with Butty Bach as a guest beer. Of more interest to me was the cider selection. I spotted Weston's Old Rosie on one handpull as I approached the entrance door. Further boxed ciders could be found on the side of the bar - Weston's Rosie's Pig Rhubarb, Lilley's Mango Cider & Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Haymaker & Autumn Magic. For cider lovers, this is the town's highlight. The barman was quite happy to offer samples when selecting which cider to try. Inside, despite being Grade II listed, it has been modernised somewhat. But you can still see the door of the old town jail separating the main bar from a smaller side room. Seating overlooking the square was proving to be quite popular, giving people a sort of continental-style drinking option in Monmouthshire.

Large pub opposite the Spoons. Butty Bach and Doom Bar on when I called. The Butty was fine. Enjoyed my pint in the sun sat out front. Worth a visit.