Carpenters Arms, Newbury

A pleasant country pub divided into two areas, the front room is a tradition drinkers bar with a locals feel about it, with a larger dining room to the rear, suitably seperated from each other. The front room is plainly decorated , the floor is flagstone for the greater part, the bar area is quite attractive with wood framed diagonal brickwork and a solid Yew bar top upon which is mounted three handpumps and two sets of keg fonts, five on each offering mostly standard fayre, two ales on from Arkells, 3B and Wiltshire Gold, the Gold being served up in decent form. Not a bad little pub at all and worth calling in.

Official site of Carpenters Arms - arkells.com

Official site of Carpenters Arms - arkells.com

Official site of Carpenters Arms - arkells.com

Beautiful pub very nice beer Garden called on the way back into Newbury after going to clare castle were Downton Abbey is filmed well worth a visit

An unpretentious country pub owned by Arkells, next door to Sandham Memorial Chapel which has some of Stanley Spencer’s paintings within. Three Arkells ales on, Kingsdown, Wilts Gold and 3B. My Kingsdown was in good form. The main room holds the bar, is decorated with old workman’s tools (presumably all carpentry-related…) and has board games available. Food advertised on the chalkboard and the pub was pretty busy for a wet Friday lunchtime with informal diners so they must be doing something right. To the rear is a conservatory with a more formal dining-room holding great views over Watership Down. From here, exit to the well-tended beer garden. Accommodation available in a converted cottage that adjoins. Walkers, children and dogs are welcomed. The Carpenters felt like quite a homely place and I could have easily settled in for session. Has previous GBG form and I’d be keen to take it again if this is the usual standard. For grub and a pint it knocks spots off Marco Pierre-White’s place up the road.