Angel Ale House, Atherstone

In a town that generally surpassed my low expectations this seemed to be the main attraction as far as real ale goes. The main bar area is at the front with what looks like a dining room to the rear which includes a tiny bar counter. There are six hand pumps on the main bar which had Oakham Citra, Blythe Palmers Poison, Salopian Oracle, Ashover Amberella, Leatherbritches Ashbourne IPA and Beowulf Dark Raven. I tried the Citra (£3.20), Palmers Poison (£3.00) and Ashbourne IPA (£3.50?) which were in pretty good nick given it was a hot day. This was certainly the pick of the options in Atherstone, it's a shame that it's a late opener on weekdays.

Very appealing old in on the Market Square, with a black-and-white decorative façade (albeit with a slightly outdated banner proclaiming its status as the local Camra branch Pub of the Year 2016). However, the front bar, with its fairly limited amount of seating behind the two bay windows, still looks the business. There is also another bar at the back (not visited). Decent selection of real ales in a variety of styles, including a fine Beowolf Dragon Smoke Stout. Well worth seeking out.

The Angel occupies a dominant position on Atherstone's market square and is an imposing, historical, black and white building. Inside it seems smaller than it appears from outside with an open plan room featuring two bay windows and the bar at the back. It feels fairly original in black and white with plenty of beams and has interesting touches such a vinyl collection and turntable. As Mr. F notes, the furniture is mismatched and doesn't really fit the building but that's a minor point. Our Wednesday evening visit found a mixed clientele and whilst the place wasn't overrun there were enough of people to create a decent atmosphere. Beer on was Oakham Citra, a regular, Blythe Staffie and Palmers Poisoner, Dancing Duck 22, Leatherbritches Lemon Grass and Ginger and Titanic Plum Porter. An interesting selection sourced mainly locally. The Staffie and Plum Porter were in great shape. The best pub I've visited in Atherstone for beer and my first, and probably only, stop when in town.

If you are looking for a great pint in Atherstone,this is the place to head.A pleasing exterior overlooking the market square,the covered courtyard to the left leads to the entrance while beyond is a tidy beer garden.The front room is where the handpumps are located and there was a very well thought out selection on my trip with everything sampled in good nick.The publican has been awarded the Oakademy Award,hence Oakham Citra is one of the permanent ales.The other permanent ale will be from Blythe while the guests are likely to feature breweries from the region and I was delighted to see Titanic Plum Porter on my visit,plus a brew from both Leatherbritches and Dancing Duck. The pick your own vinyl LP and play it on the turntable was a nice touch and the interior shows the buildings age with some exposed timbers.There was a mix of somewhat dull furniture scattered around with cheap venitian blinds in the windows,it looks like the proprietors want to establish their ale credentials before spending hard earned cash on more authentic furnishings which is probably the correct priority.It rightly features in the 2016 GBG. The back bar is a bit unloved with a series of sofas ,it's own bar but not featuring any handpumps.It just felt like an overspill area despite having a wood burner to one side.There is a kitchen area between the two serving bars but if food was available it wasnt obvious on a Wednesday evening visit. This drinking town has been crying out for a decent real ale pub for as long as I can remember and at last The Angel Alehouse has answered the call.Route 1 for me when next in town,it is a top pub for any ale connoisseur.

This must be one of the best in the town for several reasons. 1) is the variety of ales. At least 5 cask beers available, 2) is the warmth of the welcome from the staff. Always available to advise on the ale flavours, and offer snifters! 3) has to be the music....pick an album and put it on the record player, careful now, lower the arm gently.... Having propped up the bar in most of the towns ale houses, this is certainly the best I have come across in the town...so much so I even joined to give a review. There is addition seating in the back if you want a quieter night without the record player. In case you're wondering why I didn't review any of the ales they change frequently. So with one or two exceptions, whatever Ale I write about here, may not be on in a couple of weeks. Needless to say, never had a bad pint.