The Unicorn Inn, Bridgnorth

In the middle of a riverside camping / caravan / mobile home site, this pub has a view of the Severn valley but looks a bit run down. Traditional, if basic, furniture and decor within the original two-bar layout (the main bar with a side pool room and the other - not in use when we visited - extended with a conservatory). Patio tables out on the terrace. Typical bar food menu. Four real ales on handpump: Banks's Bitter, Pedigree, Wainwright and Hobson's Town Crier.

Probably my fourth or fifth visit here. It was busy on my last visit and I didn’t feel comfortable but on this occasion (as with my first visit in 2005) at 11.30 am we were in first and had the pub to ourselves, which is how I like it. The landlady was friendly and chatty and the ale was in good condition. I had the Martson’s Merry Monk Mild which was fine. The other ales were Hobson’s Town Crier and Banks’s Bitter. I’d happily go back but I know my personal preference would be the first hour or two after opening.

Official site of the Unicorn - www.unicorninnhamptonloade.co.uk

Official site of the Unicorn - www.unicorninnhamptonloade.co.uk

This place is popular with people staying at the adjacent camping ground and so feels more like a locals' pub. Tap stuff with Pedigree and Banks's Bitter on cask. It's OK but, like its neighbour on the opposite side of the river, I wouldn't make a special effort to get here when there are other places along the railway line offering a more interesting choice - if I did stop here it would be to put a tick in the 'pub at every stop' box.