The Squirrel, Rugby

This is a very compact single room pub which is fairly basic but manages to provide a relaxing spot in which to enjoy some good beer. The pub has a wide, but shallow layout with the servery positioned centrally along the back wall. The flooring is a mix of tiles and linoleum depending which end of the pub you're stood. The left hand side of the room has a battered sofa, a dresser and a TV screen. There are some shelves holding books covering a range of topics including a few beer and pub related tomes. Fixed bench seating runs under the front windows opposite the bar, supplemented by a few chairs, with a collection of black and white photos on the walls to provide a bit of visual distraction, although there is a second TV screen here which probably does a better job. The right hand side has a few more tables in a slightly more open area with a bare brick wall to the rear, a dartboard and a nice, compact fireplace. Seating on this side is provided by benches and low stools and there is space here for live music to be put on, evidenced by a stack of sound equipment. The pub is a freehouse but Marstons beers are regular staples on the bar, so on this visit we found Marstons Pedigree, Banks's Lion's Roar and Jennings Bitter on alongside a guest from the local Dow Bridge Brewery (Ratae'd). Two ciders - Old Rosie and Wild Wood - claimed the remaining handpulls. I tried the Lion's Roar which was in fine form. The landlady was very chatty and good humoured and at one point I wasn't sure she was going to let us leave. I enjoyed this brief visit and can imagine a good atmosphere being generated in these close confines when there is a good evening crowd in. If I lived locally I think I'd be a regular visitor - this is one that should be included on any crawl around Rugby.

A basic drinkers pub with a bit of history. The low-ceilinged interior is three knocked-through rooms with a tiled floor. Seating is at a premium with a mix of perches, stools and an old leather sofa circa 1993. Not a particularly tidy place, so don’t take an OCD friend. Board games and darts available, as well as home-made preserves for sale from an old dresser. Live music a regular fixture here. Four ales, mainly from the Marstons stable with an interloper of Dowbridge Ratae'd (in good nick) plus two Westons ciders. The landlady coped with our influx with good (dry) humour. Not in the same league as the Seven Stars or Alexandra but worth popping in nonetheless.