Pubs Galore - the UK pub guide

Well described by others, below this Palmer's pub remains one of the best in Bridport. The landlord was friendly and helpful, there were jars of pickled eggs and onions on the bar, a selection of bric-a-brac around the walls which included a collection of military steel helmets,while the clientele were, if not civilised, then at least well-behaved. On draft were Tally Ho, 200, IPA Copper Dorset Gold and First Press Cider. We didn't have time to try them all, but my Copper was in perfect condition, the best I can remember, though prices were predictably high. Keg choices were Guinness, Dorset Orchard and Orchard Haze Ciders, 1664 and Moretti lagers; the craft choices were Dorset Pale and a guest, Powderkeg's Harmony. Definitely worth a visit if in the town.

Ten years after my previous review I was in Troutbeck again; I've been here between times but did not feel the need to update my review until now. On this occasion there were four beers on the bar, all either blonde or golden. The Robinsons Dizzy Blonde was doubly represented, with one of them badged as Chilled Dizzy (as my note made at the time said, Good Grief!). The others were Patterd'ale, which I can find no trace of on the Robinsons website, so maybe they've stopped making it, or it is something else rebadged for sale in pubs where the pun on the depicted Patterdale terrier might be understood, if not appreciated. The final beer was Cumbria Way, but I swerved that as I have found it insipid when tried elsewhere. The doggy beer, despite the dreadful pun, was in good condition, a 4.2% golden ale (NBSS 3.5) at £4.30 a pint, which is about £1 cheaper than similar beers at the nearby Mortal Man. I would have enjoyed my visit here more - I think the pub has improved, or is better run than when I was here in 2012 - but for the awful behaviour of some people with a dog nearby, which is not the fault of the pub, but really, some people just shouldn't have dogs.

Date of visit: 6th February 2023

Large, anonymous 'spoons conversion with no memorable features. Duplicated selection of Ruddles, Doom Bar and Abbot plus three Christmas beers - Three Kings from Coach House (£2.66) and others from Wantsum and Saltaire - from the two banks of six handpumps on the ground floor. Also had the usual trio on the three upstairs.

The Lletty Hotel has reopened (Nov 2023) after nine years of closure and a years complete refurbishment. Real Ales on sale include beers from Conwy, Purple Moose. The Real Ales will be rotated. Local micro brewery "Bad Dragon" keg beer from nearby Greenfield will be regular.
Food not served at present, but it will be introduced sometime soon.

Looks like there may have been a few changes in the last few years. This is still a very pleasant two roomed local, it's also still nicely decorated, but it appears there's been a change of focus for the real ales. Still 4 handpumps, but just a solitary handpump clipped with a rather indifferent TT Landlod. It's a decent pub, but no longer the ale destination it once was. Pity.