The Cannon, Newport Pagnell

A traditional high-street pub in the heart of Newport Pagnell, and is, I believe, family owned which makes a nice change from the ubiquitous PubCo chains. Inside it's not quite as big as you might expect it to be from at the outside, but is nonetheless still a reasonable size. Light wood panelling covers the lower part of the walls and there are numerous pictures dotted around up above, many of old soldiers in various different uniforms. To the left is a smallish room which might be described as the public bar, having a darts board, plasma and a large alloy wheel (an Aston Martin one presumably, given the pub's close proximity to the original factory) although there are still a couple tables and chairs. This is separated from the main pub area by a free standing, brick chimney breast. The decor here is much the same, and it continues around the bar counter in an L-shape. A glass display case houses a full size soldier's uniform as well as various other military paraphernalia. There is a small courtyard with a couple of benches at the rear of the pub. Other than that it was difficult to really get a feel for the place as it was absolutely rammed on a recent Wednesday evening visit due to the popularity of their quiz night. Beers on tap were Bank's Bitter, Great Oakley Gobble, GK IPA and Pedigree Diamond. The solitary cider was the splendid Thatcher's Gold, which makes a pleasant change from the Strongbow that seems to be served up in most other pubs around these parts.