Somerville Arms, Leamington Spa

Looking forward to my visit here. Arrived at 12:23 on a Saturday. Pub all in darkness and closed up. Some photos at my walking blog - http://mappiman.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/281115-top-10-twice.html

A decent Everards boozer tucked in amongst the Georgian terraces of Leamington suburbia but still within walking distance of the centre. The interior has clearly been refurbished over the years but with a little sympathy towards the original layout as the presence of the small snug bar behind the main bar indicates. The front bar though is an open plan affair but comfortable nonetheless. The welcome was friendly and there were assorted chatty locals perched on bar stools and engaging in general banter. Beer on was Everards Old Original, in very good nick, Tiger, Sunchaser and Beacon. Guests were Burton Bridge Damson Porter which was recommended by the locals but on a quick taste I felt that it had seen better days, Adnams Southwold and Broadside. A decent selection and well kept Everards beers are always worth seeking out. Leamington isn't overly blessed with top quality ale houses but this is one of its best and worth a visit.

Very neat little pub, well described by Quinno below. The front room is very comfortable and the rear snug is very cosy. There was live acoustic music due in the snug later on the evening we called in. A very friendly pub cat was roaming the rooms. Seven handpumps with 4 from Everards, 2 from Adnams plus a guest. My Everards Sunchaser was in very good nick. The landlord twice went outside for a fag in the time it took me to drink my pint and as it was only the second of the night I wasn't budgie supping it. It's in the CAMRA GBG2014 and quite rightly. It's a bit of a walk out of town, but it's worth it.

Off the beaten track but well worth the walk. Six ales available, three Everards, two Adnams and Bath Gem. My Broadside was very good and at £1.75 a half quite reasonably priced. Cider and perry from Westons also available. Front room holds the bar which is basic but well cared for with a real (unlit) fire to the left and a dart board above. A stove fire sits to the right of the room with plenty of CAMRA literature on the mantlepiece. There’s a rear room down a corridor, unpopulated on my visit but looked snug enough. Corridor then leads to a small rear gravelled garden with obligatory gnomes. Punter treats included daily papers, very eclectic piped music plus (perhaps surprisingly) WiFi though reception was very intermittent. Quiz and live music nights (bluegrass etc) advertised on neat little home-made guides on each table. Dog-friendly. Long line of friendly barflys in attendance on my Saturday afternoon visit. The landlord may not be long for this world as he spent more time outside smoking than he did behind the bar. The disparaging would label this an old man's pub but I rather liked it and would seek out again.