The White Hart, Chippenham

One of two pubs located directly opposite one another in the heart of this quaint village, this seems to be more the proper pub out of the two, with the other one having a very strong emphasis on food. Internally it consists of three rooms, with the central one housing the bar counter appearing to be the most atmospheric. This had old flagstones on the floor, small leaded windows, plenty of black wooden beams on the ceiling and a large stone fireplace with a wood burning stove blazing away in the hearth. Seating here was fairly limited, with a few fitted benches along the front with tartan padded cushions and chairs the other side of the adjacent tables. A number of old black and white photographs of the village were dotted around the walls. A smaller snug off to the right had a wood strip floor and a small fireplace, although unfortunately the wood burning stove here was clearly a fake electric one. In order to supplement the inadequacy of this, a fan heater had been placed on the floor next to it. A small TV was showing the rugby, but the volume was at a reasonable level so this was not too intrusive. An alcove in the corner housed a large collection of old beer bottles, and whilst these appeared to be full rather than empty, I rather got the impression that they were just for display rather than sale. A further room off to the left had black pained wood panelling on the walls, and looked perhaps to be more intended for dining. We didn’t inspect the menu but did notice several choices chalked up on a board above the fireplace. Beers on tap were all from Wadworth’s with their 6X, Horizon and Dirty Rucker, whilst a fourth pump for their IPA appeared to have run out. Ciders meanwhile were Strongbow Cloudy Apple and Stowford Press, with the latter being slightly past it’s best perhaps. A further pump for Lilley’s Rhubarb had also apparently run out. Overall, a very nice pub, although the landlady did seem a little on the grumpy side.