The Unicorn Inn, Bridgnorth

Well described below it does feel a little like a clubhouse. I suppose it is in a way as they run the campsite. They open early on a weekend for breakfast and I saw a carvery advertised (£15). Hobgoblin and Hobgoblin gold on when I called in. The Gold was fine at £4.10. Not the easiest place to get to unless you use the Severn Valley Railway. The station is 5 minutes walk away.

The Unicorn Inn is situated deep in the Severn Valley, close to Hampton Loade station on the Severn Valley Railway. With camping and self-catering accommodation on site, it feels more like a clubhouse than a pub. The no pyjamas or dressing gowns notices are still there. So, clearly those that stay here like to treat it like home. Whilst there is a car park. It is one of those where you have to enter your numberplate into a screen at the bar. The main bar area is dominated by a large central fireplace. On our Sunday evening visit, there was a bingo competition ongoing with some rather naff jokes from the bingo caller, who clearly fancied himself as a bit of a comedian. During the day, Sunday lunches had been served. These were priced at £11.50. There was a jukebox on one side of the fireplace, whilst there was also an extra large TV screen. Hobgoblin IPA & Gold are the 2 cask ales. Ciders are Thatcher's Blood Orange, Apple & Blackcurrant & Cloudy Lemon. I can't say I felt too at home here. Unless you like bingo and are happy to take part, a bingo night creates a strange subdued atmosphere. I clearly chose a bad time to visit. However, we also got some very strange looks from some of the locals sat at the bar. It didn't feel very welcoming.

In the middle of a riverside camping / caravan / mobile home site, this pub has a view of the Severn valley but looks a bit run down. Traditional, if basic, furniture and decor within the original two-bar layout (the main bar with a side pool room and the other - not in use when we visited - extended with a conservatory). Patio tables out on the terrace. Typical bar food menu. Four real ales on handpump: Banks's Bitter, Pedigree, Wainwright and Hobson's Town Crier.

Probably my fourth or fifth visit here. It was busy on my last visit and I didn’t feel comfortable but on this occasion (as with my first visit in 2005) at 11.30 am we were in first and had the pub to ourselves, which is how I like it. The landlady was friendly and chatty and the ale was in good condition. I had the Martson’s Merry Monk Mild which was fine. The other ales were Hobson’s Town Crier and Banks’s Bitter. I’d happily go back but I know my personal preference would be the first hour or two after opening.

Official site of the Unicorn - www.unicorninnhamptonloade.co.uk

Official site of the Unicorn - www.unicorninnhamptonloade.co.uk