Carriers, Warminster

A proper village pub which caters for all sectors within the local community. The building has 18th Century roots and is a traditional stone building with a tiled roof, a contrast to the neighbouring thatched houses. Inside, the single L-shaped bar has a low ceiling with exposed timbers, an open fire, a woodburner and plenty of character. The short end of the L is a games area with a pool table and large TV, the rest a lounge and seating area plus drinking space at the bar. There is plenty of rural bric-a-brac dotted around the walls, and the atmosphere is convivial. The landlord as welcoming enough, and overall it was a pleasant place to sit and enjoy life. I had a pint of Grovelly Drake Bitter, the house ale which is brewed at the nearby Bell Inn brew pub. Other ales on were Proper Job and Bath Gem. The keg pumps were dispensing Guinness, Moretti, Amstel and, strangely, Pimms. This was a thoroughly enjoyable visit to an excellent rural pub, well worth repeating, and given its proximity to the A303, a useful place to break a journey to the West Country – though check opening times first as these are not extensive.