The White Lion Inn, Andover

Nine years on and still much as described by Quinno,I found it fairly basic and the decor sparse but undoubtedly a solid boozer. Only one other punter in there on a midweek late lunchtime, a Jack Hargreaves lookalike nursing a pint of Guinness. On the Ale front there was Doom Bar along with Taylors Boltmaker and Landlord, on keg was Sharps Atlantic as well normal premium lagers.As seems to be the case with pubs in this area the beer didn't excite but is adequate for a pint. Decent pub.

A great country pub, well described by Quinno, below. There was a friendly welcome from the staff, the other clients were sensible and sociable, and the ambience was calm. Water and biscuits were provided for the dogs. Ales and cider on offer were 49er and Razorback from Ringwood, plus Devon Red and Devon Mist from Sandfords on handpump, plus Old Rosie and Orchard Pig Reveller. There was also a bank of Thatchers and a Rattler hydrant on the bar with one or two megakeg. Well worth a visit.

Quirky building, located on an incline facing the road and the base level merges with the slope in disconcerting fashion. Flat narrow bar area inside, with a dropped down dining room off to the left. Tastefully modernish décor inside that retains an element of cosiness; bare boards to the left, carpeted to right (presumably this was at least a two room pub years back). Horse racing on a TV by the bar that was keeping a couple of the locals happy. Busy on my Saturday afternoon sojourn, with a nice atmosphere. No sign of a garden, oddly but maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough. Five ales, Upham Punter, TT Landlord, Flower Pots Bitter, Flacks Double Drop and the ubiquitous Doom Bar. My Flower Pots was a good drop, as befitted a GBG 2014 entry. My favourite of the day, would be wanting to do this one again sooner rather later.

Official site of the White Lion, includes menu and real ale details - www.thewhitelionwherwell.co.uk