The Sun Inn, Coate, Swindon

Situated to the south east of Swindon and a short distance from J15 of the M4 The Sun is a large Arkells road side pub offering annex accommodation out back. Internally it’s a fairly large, but plain type multiple seating areas around the central bar area, although the area to the left of the bar has a large chalk mural showing the history of beer, albeit through the eyes of Arkells. Three Beers from the Arkells range were on in the shape of Hoperation IPA, Wiltshire Gold and 3B The pub does have the benefit of a large multi level outside seating area under various canopies and there is a path from the large car park to the nearby Coate Water Country Park. Standard pub food menu and the two pies we had were very passable indeed

A large roadside pub which has managed to retain a pleasant local feel despite being on a major ringroad junction. There is ample car parking and a garden area, though the traffic makes it noisy. Inside, as described below, there is a single square bar whose massive bay window provides a panoramic view over the nearby roundabout. There are two dartboards and gaming machines, while something called ‘Rock & Roll Bingo’ appears to be practised on selected evenings once a month. There was a tv screen, but it was switched off. The food is the standard pub fare, good value for money given its location, and there are ‘express’ deals available at lunchtime. Dogs are welcomed as are children. The décor is reasonably modern but in keeping with the building, enhanced by some new stained glass windows, including on the door to the disabled lavatory, while the sun motif on the carpet probably goes unnoticed much of the time. Two pumps dispensing Arkells ales, but the Gold was off so I plumped for the 3B, which was in very good condition. Worth stopping for lunch or a pint when passing.

Official site of The Sun Inn - www.suninn-swindon.co.uk

Official site of The Sun Inn - www.suninn-swindon.co.uk