The New Inn, Gloucester

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Roger Button left this review about New Inn Hotel

It’s fair to say that this historic coaching Inn dating back to 1430 is one of the more spectacular pubs you will come across. It is recognized as being the best preserved medieval galleried inn in the country at one time was also thought to be the country’s largest pub. The baffling name for such an old building refers to the fact that there was a previous inn on the site.

From Northgate Street, a large double door leads from the street into a flowed decked open central courtyard surrounded by 3 storeys of timber framed buildings. If the main doors are closed (outside of normal opening hours) there is a small entrance down New Inn Lane through which it is usually possible to gain access. Shakespear is reputed to have performed here (possible but no concrete evidence to support it) and it is also a haven for paranormal activity (didn’t see any evidence of this either). It is known that Lady Jane Grey was staying here when she was proclaimed Queen. It is certainly not hard to imagine old coaches pulling in and the sound of hooves against the flagstones but for all its olde worlde charm, the pub sadly lets itself down in several areas.

The main bar to the right of the courtyard as you go in has all the pre-requisite historic nuances but on closer inspection is looking very tired and tatty around the edges and in need of a good overhaul. Adjacent to the main bar is an extended area with big screen TV that was empty despite the pub, and the courtyard in particular, being very busy. Service was quite poor and I had to check to see that I hadn’t accidently worn my invisibility cloak. I noted 8 hand pumps of which 3 were initially off, the rest offering a Best Bitter (brand unknown), Morland Old Speckled Hen, Greene King Bonkers Conkers, Hancocks Penned In and Hancocks Plum Treat. Whilst we were there O’Hanlon Stormstay was put on but was very cloudy. On the whole we were not too impressed with the service or cellar management.

The other sides to the courtyard housed what appeared to be more in the way of restaurant and dining areas so aside from having a peek, I didn’t really venture that far. A mock up New Inn Brewery display can also be seen through a window next to the toilets.

Any first time visitor to Gloucester will inevitably have the pub on their list of must visits even if it is just to soak up the historic atmosphere of the place. Whether regular discerning drinkers will be keen to make it a regular stop is however open to debate. With a bit a good clean and brush up and better management, the place would easily be worth a couple of extra points in the ratings. I hope it eventually gets there because the place doesn’t really need much else to sell itself.

On 13^th September 2011 - rating: 6
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