The Chalkhill Blue, Weyhill, Andover

A large Marston’s roadside pub, part of a modern retail estate which is still being developed, just of the A303 arterial route, which makes it very popular with grockels. No garden as such, and the views aren’t great, but there is an outside area which has seats for smokers and play apparatus for children. There is also an inside play area which takes up a lot of the floorspace, and consequently the pub was overrun by unruly children. The staff were amateurish and rude. Eight handpumps dispensing Boondoggle, Forty-Niner and Pedigree, which were all in average condition. OK as these places go, but it’s not so much a pub as a system for extracting money from holiday makers’ pockets. OK to stop for a break when the holiday traffic gets too much

Official site of The Chalkhill Blue - www.chalkhillbluepubandover.co.uk

A new-build Marstons outlet that appears to have popped up to serve a large industrial estate which has yet to be built. Split into various areas inside, quite contemporary and nicely done. There’s an outside seating area that looks like a sun-trap. As to be expected, it’s a family-friendly foody place. Four Marstons list ales, my New World was decent. Incompetent barman, overcharged for lemonade which had to get corrected. Special mention from Desmond is that the car park access is a pain. Overall it's fair enough.

Official site of The Chalkhill Blue - www.chalkhillbluepubandover.co.uk