The Talbot, Ripley

Friendly community locals music free pub with a good selection of ales available from Neepsend, Brass Castle, Brinkburn, Bottlebrook, Wild Beer, Whim and Shiny breweries. We enjoyed our Brass Castle Rhubarb and Custard.

Official site of The Talbot Taphouse - www.amberales.co.uk

Official site of The Talbot Taphouse - www.amberales.co.uk

This is the brewery tap for Amber Ales. A wedge-shaped building at the acute angle of a road junction, the pointed end has been carpeted, with cushions on the bench seats and a fake fireplace on the wall giving a lounge-type feel to the place. The bar is centrally placed and here and at the other (broad) end the floor boards have been varnished, with off-white wood panelling to waist height on the walls and the bar itself, with light green paint above that. There's a piano tucked away in one corner, with photos of Talbots (the car, not the dog) above it. There's a real fireplace at the broad end, but of course the main point of interest here is the bar, where an impressive row of nine hand pumps catches the eye. There were two ciders on when I was here, plus five beers from the Amber Ales range and a guest from Oakham. I had the original stout, and the barman asked if I had a Camra membership card as there's a 20p per pint discount. I only had a half as I was cycling, so my card saved me all of 10p, but I shall be back to save some more.