The Punch Bowl, Doncaster

Older looking large detached house converted to a dining pub and hotel. There’s a patio and conservatory affair at the front leading into a long bar, four pulls but only a middling Old Mill bitter to enjoy, several T-bars of standard kegs. Equipped with a tartan carpet, slabs and parquet flooring, there’s tasteful wallpaper with nice pictures and photos. The odd bits of rough stone and brick aren’t quite so tasteful. There’s an upstairs (hotel rooms) and several rooms off the main bar but I didn’t explore. The local Rotary club meets here, not surprised.

There are still four hand pulls at the bar, but sadly all appeared to be out of action today. Only one was clipped, and that was turned round. Disappointing.

This feels more like a restaurant than a bar, however it does sport a big traditional pub style bar counter and there is no issue going in just for a drink. The seating feels more "foody" though somehow. That said, I did notice a smaller room on my way out that looked more "pubby" like a little snug or something with less formal seating. It is also a hotel. At the bar were four hand pulls, two of these were on offering Old Mill La Bolsa (coffee porter) and Old Mill Bullion (bitter). The La Bolsa was £1.63 for a half and perfectly decent. It looked like another may have been in the process of being pulled through, but not sure if they were having problems as it seemed to then get abandoned. Service was friendly. Not too busy at the time of my weekday visit just before 2pm, I'd say there were three or four tables dining. Gents were clean, fresh and modern. Nice place; I'd be happy to go back.

Had a quite good lunch here. Old Mill Bitter very good.

Official site of the Punch Bowl Inn - www.thepunchbowlinn.com

Official site of the Punch Bowl Inn - www.thepunchbowlinn.com

the Sunday lunch carvery was great, lots and good too, v busy pub ! The real ale was special too, Old Mill Brewery Bitter, could only manage 4 though, got full on the lunch too soon

Name dates back +/- 150 years when the canal was being cut. The 'navvies' could get a pot of beer and a pie for 4d (2p) here, which was 2d cheaper than elsewhere! The hotel suffix is of a much later vintage!

Real Ale available. An Old Mill Brewery House.