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Detail Pages
The Wyvern Tavern, Swindon
Swindon
SN1 1BL
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
Quinno _ left this review about The Wyvern Tavern
A swift revisit to see if I could repeat the feat of last time. I couldn’t – my Bristol Beer Factory Trail Breaker was not shifting and didn't fully clear (NBSS 2). GBG’23 listed but I suspect it won’t make 2024.
February 2020
Converted from an old Yates as that previously mega chain continues its retreat into obscurity. This is a big, oblong, open-plan sports bar with a multitude of sports TVs showing the FA Cup on my evening visit with the volume up to the max. Of note is some booth seating and psychedelic hexagonal wallpaper, alongside a couple of pool tables to the rear. Went to the bar and was gobsmacked to see six pumps with five ales from smaller breweries; Prescott Grand Prix, Brew Monster Black Widow, Northdown He-Bru, Butcombe Original and Bristol Beer Factory Beam Me Up, the latter of which was in good nick (NBSS 3.5). Two pool tables at far end. A real surprise and worth checking out if you’re in town. Rated 7
On 24th April 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5081 recommendations about 5064 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about The Wyvern Tavern
Super chainy feel.... its as if they looked at the JDW blueprint and wondered "how can we improve on that". Instead of 99p pints, they went for about 100 TV screens showing football and (from somewhere in the world on a Sunday night) horse racing.
Agree with the Good Beer Guide and they do have a better than average interest in the sale of real ale. Some choice, with a Camra discount offered. Black Knight Porter from Goffs Brewery a bit of a find.
On 11th January 2023
- rating: 4
[User has posted 1338 recommendations about 1324 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Wyvern Tavern
Quite a large establishment in what is a fairly dismal town centre. Staff were friendly and welcoming and the real ale drinker will be presented with 4 or 5 real ales on handpull. The regular ale is Butcombe Original. Guests on this occasion were Ramsbury Gold, Otter Ale & Shakespeare The Tempest. The 5th handpull was occupied by Lilley's Gladiatior cider, with 4 more Lilley's ciders in a fridge behind the bar - Cheeky Pig, Chocolate Apple Cider, Mango Cider & Pineapple Cider.
Seating is high tables and stools and there are plenty of TVs to get your dose of the latest sport. It wasn't too busy on our Saturday morning visit. They serve breakfast, but we had already had our fill elsewhere.
On 14th June 2021
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2452 recommendations about 2451 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about Yates's
At first glance just another shop conversion, but on entering there is actually some architecture, with columns, pillars and plasterwork. A long bar down one side is faced by a range of seating areas, with an upstairs also but not in use at time of visit. There are a few tables on the pavement outside. Draught beers included two from Electric Bear Brewing and Hobgoblin, as well as ciders being available, while the cheery barman volunteered the CAMRA discount. I might have been lucky, and it was a fairly quiet time, but all in all a pleasant drinking experience showing what good management and enthusiastic staff can do.
On 28th June 2018
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Danny O'Revey left this review about Yates's
Wetherspoons-like, but with background music & less beer choice, though there is local beer and quality is better than at the Savoy.
On 8th May 2016
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1456 recommendations about 1434 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Alan Winfield left this review about Yates's
This is a typical Yates's with a modern look inside there was also a few tables and chairs at the front this area was bussier than it was inside.
There was one handpump with an house beer and the usuall keg beers that most people were drinking.
Not really my sort of pub but it is popular with people who like this sort of drinking experiance.
On 15th November 2010
- rating: 5
[User has posted 6113 recommendations about 6113 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Yates Wine Lodge
The branch of Yates's in Swindon town centre has all the grace and charm that one might expect of (say) a Yates's in Swindon town centre. Having said that, my pint of the chain's Best Bitter was perfectly drinkable and undeniably good value at £1.59. It also has some seating outside on the pavement but, given the view, these are probably only used by those needing a smoke.
On 6th November 2010
- rating: 4
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]