The Admiral Hornblower, Oakham

A Greene King pub which looks quite attractive from the outside, but whose interior is somewhat spoiled by inappropriate pop music emanating from loudspeakers in every corner. I put my head around the door and was on the point of passing by when I caught sight of a Grainstore pump clip on the bar. (The other beers available were GK IPA and Old Speckled Hen.) This would be a really nice pub if they could lose the music, but the excellent beer made my visit at least tolerable. We sat at a table in the window, near the large fireplace. We didn't explore further, but could see that there's a carvery set up in the rear part of the building, to the right of the bar. This is not a pub I would go out of the way to visit again, but if passing, it's worth a look in for the guest ale.

The Admiral Hornblower is a nice looking bare brick built pub. Once inside there is an oblong shaped room to the front with the bar facing,this room was split into three sections,the middle and left side were for drinkers with the right side set up for diners,the floor was tiled and the seating a mix of large round tables and seating in the bay windows,there was a larger more formal dining area to the rear. There were three real ales on the bar,i had a drink of Irving Friggate which was ok but a bit too warm,the other beers were Grainstore Osphrey and GK IPA. This was a decent enough pub for one drink. The pub opens at 10.00 on a Saturday which was handy as the Spoons which is almost opposite is still a building site. Pub visited 19/10/2013

Privately owned 17th century restored farmhouse in the middle of Oakham. The bar faces you as you enter and continues to the left hand wall. Small lounge to the right and a very large dining area to the rear with beer garden. Serves three ales GK IPA, I went for the Grainstore Triple B and the GK London Ale. Also enjoyed a very good lunch from their specials board.