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Disappointment of the week with Real Ale Ray
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Detail Pages
The Chequers, Stevenage
Stevenage
SG1 3LL
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 8½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Aqualung . left this review about The Chequers
I've been to many pubs around the Old Town High Street in the past but didn't recognise this one and could find no reference to it in an old Herts CAMRA guide. It is Greene King but whether it has always been so like the Red Lion and Marquis of Lorne up the road I don't know.
I arrived here just after midday on a Thursday to find it quiet. It's a single room wooden floored pub with a central bar surrounded by black and white tiles. There is a mix of low tables and chairs with some more opulent leather seating.
The wall covering at the right of the bar had a map of the area with no New Town and the original A1 going along the High Street.
The ten hand pumps on the bar had only one unused. There were three GK beers on, IPA, Ruddles Best and Magna Carta. The rest had four Slater's beers, Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge and Mighty Oak Marmalade Skies. I tried the Marmalade Skies (£3.60) wondering if the Beatles had received the royalties for the pump clip and the Slater's Haka. Both were in good condition but had a slight haze, whether that was just down to being the first ones drawn or if the lines needed cleaning I don't know. They certainly tasted OK.
I don't often visit Greene King pubs but was glad I gave this one a go and the two further up the High Street.
On 29th May 2015
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2143 recommendations about 2143 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Bucking Fastard left this review about The Chequers
A real revelation.It's quite a small pub owned by GK but offering guest real ales with a bar directly infront of the entrance and two wings either side of the bar.A real fire was crackling on the left side,just what was needed on a cold Monday lunchtime.There has been a refurb,it's quite modern but not oppressively so ,it's just a classy place to drink.The wooden floor is a nod to an ale house vibe,and the gentle low volume muzak enhanced the experience.The flatscreen above the fireplace was sensibly on mute.
There are 10 handpumps all working at lunchtime,noteable in itself.On my trip that meant a choice from GK of their IPA,XX MILD,Trial Brew,Morland Bitter ,Old Speckled Hen and Suffolk Porter while the guests were Red Squirrel Mister Squirrel & Conservation Bitter,Slaters Emporer IPA & Rye IPA. A very decent range of styles and strenghts and pleasing to see two of the GK brews from their inhouse microbrewery.Two of us went though 7 of these ales and all were in top condition,this pub must surely make the 2016 GBG.
Food is also served,honest pub grub at decent prices from a shortish menu.
It's less than a 10 minute stroll from the station and at the top end of the Old Town High Street which contains a bevvy of bars and pubs.The intention was to visit a few,but the offering here so was good this is as far as the crawl got.For real ale in a very decent pub this is a must visit in Stevenage,outstanding.
On 2nd February 2015
- rating: 9
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Chequers
Reopened in September 2013 following refurbishment by Greene King into an 'ale house' format. Partly opened out to form a staple-shaped layout. Comfortable furniture and semi-traditional decor. Eight of the ten handpumps were on, including four genuine guests, but I opted for the 1799 porter (£3.20). Slightly to my surprise, I really enjoyed my brief visit here.
On 25th May 2014
- rating: 8
[User has posted 8086 recommendations about 8086 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
P Z left this review about The Chequers
Nice place. Clean and tidy. Real ale tastes good.
On 6th June 2010
- rating: 8
[User has posted 5 recommendations about 5 pubs]