The Blue Boar, Leicester

I was surprised, not to say slightly alarmed, at the number of Sam Smiths beermats dotted around The Blue Boar, and that brewery's bottled ales were also displayed on the beer screen. Not only that, but my pint appeared to be short of the top in a way that Mr Humphrey might approve of. No need to worry though: this is a proper Free House which serves its beer in oversized lined glasses. 9 handpumps serve up a wide variety of ales at decent prices. Half a dozen keg taps extend the range, while they also offer what must be the full range of Sam's bottles, along with several ciders. No complaints with either of the ales I tried, and getting a seat in the busy room was easy enough, so I'd be happy to return.

Not the best time to visit - 10pm on a the first weekend night after new year - there was only one other punter - and she looked like she had been there an awful long time. A single roomed micro but with a pubby feel. Not sure about the patio door keeping the cellar separated. Maps of old leicester on the walls. An electronic scoreboard lots and lot of choice. St Barnadus and Delirium Xmas Ale detailed at £12.50 a pint. Maybe thats what my drinking partner had been on :-)

The Blue Boar is a small floorboarded single room open plan pub with a mix of standard and high furniture, some of which is made out of old barrels. The walls are wood panelled, a wooden bench runs along the left-hand wall and a beer shelf runs along the right. There are lots of framed old maps of Leicester interspersed with multiple award certificates up on the walls. According to the drinks list on the TV screen, the bar counter along the rear wall was supporting nine cask and four nitro products during my recent midweek evening visit. I went for Beowulf Brewing’s Finn’s Hall Porter which went down well. The food stretches to rolls on the bar. If you’re looking for love I’d probably give this place a miss, but if a few decent pints take your fancy then come on in.