The Tavern, Cirencester

A large former railway hotel which is totally geared around families. It feels more like a theme park than a pub, with its children’s adventure playground, mini golf course, large marquee and manicured lawns. Feral children ran unshod throughout the inside and outside areas, which, we were told, was why we weren’t allowed to have our drinks in glasses – plastic only, even inside. Still, sitting in the bar wasn’t that pleasant or comfortable anyway. The bar was a thin L-shaped corridor which served more as a corridor to the toilets than a drinking area, and it was therefore also used as a race track for the aforementioned brats and their entitled and often obese parents. The two barmaids were overworked, and they got little thanks or respect from the weekend drinkers and their brood. There was one ale on, Arkell’s 3B, which was less enjoyable coming in a plastic drinking vessel. Also on draft were Rosie’s Pig and Old Rosie. The keg selection was Peroni, Guinness, 2 from Stowford Press, 2 from Thatchers Beck’s and another lager. Food was pub classics. Live bands and open mic nights were advertised. I’ll give this one a miss in future.