The Lamb & Fountain, Frome

Apparently Frome’s oldest pub located in a residential area just a five minute stroll from the town centre, it’s certainly a no frills, back to basics boozer and seems to be very much a local’s pub although they all seemed harmless enough. There is a small snug on the left as you enter, with a corridor taking you down to a larger room at the rear. This had large windows giving good views over the town as well as the terraced pub garden below. There was some sort of old lino on the floor with canary yellow paintwork on the walls and grey/blue wood panelling on the lower part. Various old pictures were dotted about including several of the locale, a selection of naval frigates, and a few portraits. An old barometer was on one wall as well as a Worthington’s branded darts board and a few brewery mirrors, and so on. It didn’t have the quaint old charm of some pubs, or I suspect, much that was original. It looked more as though it had been refitted back in the 1960’s and not touched since. A further room was off to the left, although we did not investigate this. Unfortunately, the sole real ale offering was Doom Bar and this was off on our visit. Ciders fared somewhat better though with Natch, Blackthorn, Thatcher’s Gold and Rich’s Farmhouse. Landlord was pleasant and friendly, and the prices were remarkable cheap with the Rich’s Farmhouse coming in at just £2.50 a pint.

Right old-school, backstreet pub that has somehow escaped most of the 20th (let alone the 21st) century. Very limited exterior signage. Small front bar, hidden away behind a door off the corridor, but featuring the compact counter. Slightly larger back bar, also hidden away behind a door, with only a couple of hatches through to the servery but featuring a dartboard, piano and a fine view across the town from the rear windows. Also has a pool table in a side room. Just two handpumps, offering Doom Bar (£3.40) and a cider. However, it is remarkable that such places still exist so visit while you can.