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Detail Pages
The Merlin, Swindon
Swindon
SN1 3AF
Pub Type
Greene KingReviews (Current Rating Average: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
Quinno _ left this review about The Merlin
Fairly stark and sizeable GK pub with multiple old rooms whacked in, though it retains a couple of distinct areas. Has had a fairly recent going-over in the awful grey that is the current fashion amongst the mid-witted. Two pool tables with unusual blue baize, plus darts. TVs showing sports to general disinterest. Plenty of kids in situ so it felt like drinking in a Butlins but they were at least fairly well behaved. Two sticks at the jump, GK OSH and a surprisingly decent IPA (NBSS 3). Does the basics fairly well which is what it is for I guess – being basic. The funny name derives from the Merlin engines manufactured nearby. And possibly also a reference to the Magic Roundabout…
On 20th September 2023
- rating: 5
[User has posted 5089 recommendations about 5072 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve C left this review about The Merlin
The Merlin is a large family friendly food led Greene King pub that was reasonably busy with a mixed age crowd during a recent late Thursday afternoon visit. The front of the pub, which I believe has been extended, is set for dining. I had a look in one of the sticky menus to find the usual GK cheap pub grub with plenty of food deals. A toy grab machine in the dining area highlights that children and families are more than welcome. A function room is advertised, which I imagine is this dining area. The main part of the pub has a bar on the back wall that is stocked with standard keg products and supports five hand pumps. These were drawing IPA (x2), Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen and 6X.
Down the left-hand side of the bar are a couple of pool tables and a dartboard. Televisions are located throughout for showing live sports. Horse racing was airing during my visit. I found the service to be very polite but as a fan of proper boozers, I do not plan a revisit.
On 27th March 2019
- rating: 5
[User has posted 5250 recommendations about 5218 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Merlin
Large, modernised suburban pub which has been opened out to provide several different seating areas with various types of furniture. Pool tables and lots of TVs with sport on. Three Greene King beers on handpump - IPA, Abbot and the seasonal Fireside (£2.95, and in reasonable condition).
On 6th November 2010
- rating: 6
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tony o'sullivan left this review about
visited here many times in the late 1990's when my mate kev bailiff was the inn keeper... cracking pub...
On 22nd May 2008
- rating: 10
[User has posted 85 recommendations about 83 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Anthony Little left this review about The Oxford
Now called The Merlin
On 16th April 2007
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 18 recommendations about 18 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tony o'sullivan left this review about The Oxford
I used to sing here in the late 90's when my mate kev bayliff was the landlord.the locals and staff were great fun especialy the bar maid who lived around the corner!! great memories,and i'd love to visit here again some day to sample the fine ale ,and hospitality..
On 8th September 2006
- rating: 10
[User has posted 85 recommendations about 83 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Alan Winfield left this review about
When i went in this pub it was called the Malt and Hops and a large extension had been built on the front of the pub.
This pub is fairly close to Swindon Towns football ground and once inside there was one very large room with a bar in the middle and seating around it the pub was quite smart and also carpeted and it catered for diners and probably younger people in the evening.
This was a Morrells tied house and there were two of their beers on the bar i had a drink of Morrells bitter (not sure who brewed this beer)and this drink was drinkable but nothing special.
The pub was very quiet on my visit but this was early dinnertime.
Pub visited 29/9/2001
On 29th September 2001
- rating: 7
[User has posted 6113 recommendations about 6113 pubs]