Goldfinger Tavern, Swindon

A flat-roofed estate pub in a 1960s development, our hearts sank when approaching, especially when we saw the mobility scooter parked outside, but we were pleasantly surprised on entry. The single H-shaped bar has a pool table at one end and gaming machines in the middle, but it is no Casino Royale. The far end has tables laid for diners and a flat screen TV under which sits an aquarium, fishy but not octopussy. As it was raining we didn't use the garden, but went inside to avoid the Thunder. Ball games were being screened from Sky Sports matches around the pub, mostly football and tennis. The dining end also has large picture windows looking out for miles over the countryside, giving a wonderful view to a hill. Beers on draft were Speckled Hen, GK IPA and Theakstone's XB, served until 11pm according to their Licence. To kill time we ate here; food was of the Brake Bros variety, which didn't rip the living daylights out of my wallet and didn't require a visit to the Doctor. No fine wines, but the beers were OK if a little overgassed. I didn't really Bond with this pub, but it provides a good facility for the local community.

Official site of The Goldfinger Tavern - www.thegoldfinger.co.uk

Official site of The Goldfinger Tavern - www.thegoldfinger.co.uk