Recommended Pubs
A page where our members can recommend real ale pubs they have visited outside our branch area. The recommendation can be for a variety of reasons - beer quality/choice, pub situation/location, pub buildings, even quality of food.
Disclaimer: Please note any information supplied is believed to be accurate when published, however the Campaign for Real Ale, H&B CAMRA or the webmaster cannot be held responsible for any errors or changes. If you are travelling any distance to a pub, you should use the contact details provided to confirm the veracity of any critical details.
If you would like to
recommend a pub for inclusion here, please e-mail or send written copy to the webmaster.
The following information must be supplied: your name, date of visit, full name
& address of the pub, reasons for the recommendation. If you are able to send
one or two suitable photos these can be included.
Pub walks around the country
Pub Lists on
other CAMRA websites
List of Pubs - Click blue hyperlink for details
July 2011The Blue Ball Inn Triscombe Somerset TA4 3HE |
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The Blue Ball Inn is set in woodland just off the main road between Taunton and Minehead. A single track road winds its way through high hedgerows to the pub. Thatched roofs cover the pub, restaurant and the nearby cottages that provide accommodation. Inside the framed rafters and stone walls give an atmospheric feel. Outside is a rustic beer garden. *Some breweries in or near to the Quantocks are Stowey, Taunton, Exmoor, Cotleigh, Berrow, Cheddar, Glastonbury, Odcombe, North Curry, Cottage, Yeovil and, of course , Quantock. |
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Details supplied by Richard Lewin |
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June 2011The Mug House, Claines Lane, Claines, Worcester WR3 7RN |
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The Mug House is in the village of Claines about 3 miles north of Worcester. It dates back to the 15th century and is said to be one of only two pubs in England to be situated on consecrated ground. There is only pedestrian access to the pub, which is alongside the graveyard of Claines church. |
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Details supplied by David & Dianne Bates |
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The White Rock Hotel, White Rock, Hastings TN34 1JU
GBG11 p444 |
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Details supplied by David & Dianne Bates |
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February 2011Kinnersley Arms, Kinnersley, Herefordshire HR3 6QA Tel: 01544 327 778 website |
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Visited Kinnersley Arms with friends on Sunday, Buy starter and drink get free main course We had 2 pints Hereford best bitter (10 out of ten) two bottles of wine, 1 red, 1white, both good. 4 starters, 4 main meals, £40.32 Fantastic value would recommend trip out anytime top |
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Details supplied by Roy & Lesley Christon
January 2011The Railway,
Abergynolwyn,
Tywyn,
Gwynedd,
Wales LL36 9YP GBG11 p587 |
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This Free Trade Pub is ideally situated in the Dysynni valley 4 Miles from the coast nestled between Wales’s second highest mountain Cader Idris 892metres and Taren Hendre 633metres on the B4405 The small village of Abergynolwyn is near to the famous Tal-y-Llyn Railway, which was one the first small railways to be re- opened in Wales by volunteers. The Pub is located between the stops of Abergynolwyn, and the end of the line Nant Gwernol. The area is well worth exploring with Tal-y-Llyn lake fishing nearby as well as many walking paths. The Pub sits alone in the village always serving at least two real ales, in December they had Purple Moose Snowdonia, as well at TT Landlord ,and a Guest Mild. There is always a real fire burning, which creates a great atmosphere in which to enjoy the real ales, as well as good pub food. The steak sandwich is excellent. top |
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Details supplied by D A Miller
November 2010
The Bacchus,
42 - 48 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6BX
GBG11 p460 |
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This magnificent pub, currently Tyneside CAMRA Pub of the Year, is in the centre of Newcastle a short walk from Grey’s Monument, Monument Metro Station and the Theatre Royal. From the outside The Bacchus looks like a typical modern city centre pub but the interior of the pub is reminiscent of an ocean liner with high ceilings, dark wood floor, pillars, bar etc. Many old black and white photographs illustrating Newcastle’s shipbuilding heritage ordain the walls of the pub. But the most impressive sight was the ten hand pumps dispensing a eclectic and inspiring selection of real ales mainly from the northern parts of the UK. All ales sampled were in excellent condition. Our visit did not coincide with lunch time so the food on offer was not tested to destruction but the menu appeared satisfactory and we did hear good reports from the local clientele. The pub is part of the Sir John Fitzgerald chain of pubs and eateries and was extensively refurbished a few years ago. Apparently the refurbishment was necessary as the original pub was victim to development at the top end of High Bridge and was in fact virtually rebuilt slightly lower down the block. If you find yourself in the centre of Newcastle a visit to The Bacchus is highly recommended both for the good ale and the ambience. top |
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Details supplied by Tony Ashley |
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The Brewery Tap, The National Brewery Centre, Horninglow Street, Burton upon
Trent DE14 1NG |
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The former Bass Museum, subsequently Coors Visitor Centre, re-opened in May this Year as The National Brewery centre. This venture has received surprisingly little publicity in the local or beer press. The site which is part of Coors Brewery is leased to and operated by Planning Solutions Limited; a company which specialises in Leisure management whose activities also include the very successful nearby Conkers at Moira. Full details of the National Brewery centre can be found on www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk However, to be especially recommended as a pub outside our area is The Brewery Tap which was the former Bass Museum Bar. In spite of the desecration and distasteful modernisation by Coors, this bar has reclaimed its reputation as a venue all connoisseurs of real ale should visit. Although part of The Brewery Centre complex, the bar is open to the public seven days a week with no admission charge. There appear to be five regular beers available originating from the White Shield Brewery:- Worthington White Shield 5.6% Worthington E 4.8% Brewery Tap 4.5% Worthington Red Shield 4.2% Allowance Ale 3.5% plus one guest beer:-Timothy Taylor Landlord on the day of my visit. All beers tasted were in splendid condition top |
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Details supplied by David Drake |
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October 2010
Exeter
Arms, 28 Main Street, Barrowden LE15 8EQ |
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Visited the Exeter Arms recently, it is in Barrowden near Peterborough. The Pub is a Leicestershire and Rutland entry in the 2011 GBG (page 246).The Barrowden Brewery is at the rear of the pub which is so far the only outlet for the Barrowden range of 4 Beers. The Barrowden Beech Ale was excellent and good food was available. Overnight accommodation is available with lots of footpaths in the area. website top |
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Details supplied by David Miller |
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August 2010
Ye Olde George Inn (YOGI) 2A Castle Street Christchurch BH23 1DT |
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A Coaching Inn & Brewery Tap This historic pub dates back over 600 years, has its very own ghost ‘the grey lady’ and a flying stagecoach that screams through the courtyard once a year. The cellar served as a jail for those awaiting transportation to Australia such as the Tolpuddle Martyrs. The pub is easy to find in Castle Street. There is a large public car park near the Priory just across the road. The Priory grounds make for a pleasant walk and the Quay for Christchurch harbour is nearby. Allegedly, smugglers bringing in spirits and tobacco used tunnels leading from the Quay. The River Piddle gives its name to the Piddle Brewery of Dorset. (‘Piddle’ and ‘puddle’, above, are synonymous). As the Brewery Tap, the George serves the full range of Piddle beers along with other ales and real cider. Tri-annual beer festivals are popular. YOGI Beer is specially brewed for the pub and is used in the batter for the catch of the day. The interesting food menu uses fresh local ingredients. Piddle pea and leek sausages are a speciality. All sandwiches come with Salty Dog crisps – that actually bite back! A dog friendly pub, the ‘Dogs Dinner’ of Pedigree - Chum not Bitter - and biscuits is a canine favourite. If in the area, why not enjoy a good Piddle? |
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Details supplied by Richard Lewin |
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July 2010
Red Hart, Blaisdon, Gloucestershire. GL17 0AH (GBG10 p167) map Tel. 01452 830477 |
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This is one of those Pubs with GBG stickers on the doors for a series of years since about 2002. While it can be a serious eating establishment, full meals at about £20 a head in the restaurant; and (literally) customers being brought in in buses, this should not hide its basic function and the fact that the visitors do not affect the feel of the place. It is a PUB, the locals are in every night and the Bar is the centre of the place. As we stayed in the village for a week, there was plenty of opportunity to sample the beer (and Westons Cider). As its entry in the GBG states there is Hook Norton on all the time on one pump. During our stay one other was devoted to Weston's Cider (the' cidery' is only about 6 miles away and does visitor trips twice a day), and the other three pumps rotated ales as varied as 'Black Sheep' and 'Cheltenham Special Pale Ale'. All were excellently kept and turned over at a rate fast enough to satisfy any purist. Overall I know why it has been included on a regular basis. Good Beer, good food and a good atmosphere. The only warning is that Blaisdon is off the beaten track a little, but it is well worth the diversion. |
Details supplied by Ken Laidlaw |
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Cross Guns, Avoncliff, Wiltshire BA15 2HB (GBG10 p497) map Tel. 01225 862335 website |
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Nestling on the side of the Avon valley, on a bend of the Kennet & Avon Canal, next to the Avoncliff Aqueduct you will find the Cross Guns a Free House owned by Ken Roberts who, not only owns another pub nearby, but also a brewery! He is also often to be found serving behind the bar. The pub is 16th Century & has terraced gardens down to the River Avon under the aqueduct. Beers are mostly from Ken's Box Steam Brewery (after the railway tunnel) producing seven permanent beers plus a few others the names of which are inspired by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. I recommend the Cross Guns for the beers & its position. It can be reached by boat, bicycle, train & presumably somehow by car. Avoncliff Halt is on the line between Bath & Bradford on Avon and is a request stop. |
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Details supplied by Alan Cooke |
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Barley Mow, Main Street, Kirk Ireton, DerbyshireDE6 3JP (GBG10
p106) |
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A GBG regular for many years, this tall gable ended Jacobean building, formerly a farm house dates back to 1683 is a gem of a rural pub. Three interconnecting small rooms are-served from a small hatch . Six beers were dispensed straight from the cask on the stillage behind the bar plus reserves fetched in a jug from the cellar. I lost count of the number available listed on a blackboard but all were from local breweries including Whim, Thornbridge and the most distant one, Church End. The landlady, Mary Short, has run the pub for the last 34 years but now has a new recruit to work behind the bar as her husband has retired recently from full time work If you are walking in the area around Carsington Water this is a very convenient watering hole otherwise it is worth making the effort to visit this pub with such historic significance. |
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Details supplied by David Drake |
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April 2010
Malvern Hills Hotel, Jubilee
Drive, British Camp, Malvern WR13 6DW GBG10 p197 |
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Situated opposite British Camp this family owned & run hotel seems to improve with every visit. It is now in the GBG for its five local ales. Ideal for a weekend break or for a beer & bar meal after a strenuous walk on the Malvern Hills. It is also an ideal staging post when visiting some of the excellent pubs in the neighbourhood. Recommended are: The Chase Inn (Bathams, Hobsons, plus 4 more) Chase Road, Upper Colwall, Malvern WR13 6DJ GBG10 p199 Tel. 01684 540 276 and The Nags Head, 21 Bank Street, Malvern Link WR14 2JG GBG10 p509 Tel. 01684 574373 |
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Details supplied by Alan Cooke |
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Green Dragon, Bishops Frome, Herefordshire WR6 5BP
(GBG10 p196) |
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The description in the GBG is
spot on. 6 Traditional Cask Conditioned Real Ales from:- Theakston, Timothy Taylor, Wye Valley and others. Permanent cask ale is Snowdonia Ale, 3.6% from Purple Moose brewery in Portmadoc. Well worth a considerable detour. It's about 30 minutes drive from the Malvern Hills Hotel above. top |
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Details supplied by Alan Cooke |
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November 2009
Tynemouth Lodge Hotel,
Tynemouth Road, Tynemouth NE30 4DZ GBG10 p471 map Tel 0191 2576547 |
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On a recent trip to the North East visited several GBG Pubs. This one is excellent, located between Tynemouth centre and the Fish quay it has been in the GBG for the past 25 years selling 4 to 5 Guest Ales with Caledonian Deuchars a regular. All beers are served in excellent condition. The Pub has one room which is U shaped and built in 1799. The Pub is noted in the area for its Scottish Ales and for selling the highest volume of Draught Bass in Tyneside. Food is only cobs but fantastic Fish and Chips can be found 500 metres in any direction. Good walking in the area. | |
Details supplied by David Miller |
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October 2009
Bay Horse Hotel, Canal Foot, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 9EL map Tel. 01229 583972 |
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On the shores of
Ulverston Channel, overlooking Morecambe Bay, 2 miles from the Market Town
of Ulverston, birthplace of Stan Laurel and adjacent to the Ulverston
Canal lies this real food and real ale hotel Ales - Greene King, Old Speckled Hen, Jennings Cumberland plus guests. Homemade fine gourmet food using fresh local produce. Bar and Restaurant Menus available. Sea view rooms providing lovely vistas around the Bay and Levens Viaduct. Highly recommended for a 2-3 day relaxing break or worth a detour if in the vicinity !! Note: The road from Ulverston to Canal Foot passes by an industrial area dominated by GSK Pharmaceuticals but doesn't detract from your visit |
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Details supplied by Barry & Mandy Aldred |
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August 2009
Marton Arms, Thornton in Lonsdale,
N. Yorkshire LA6 6PB map Tel. 01524 241 281 |
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This charming country pub
is close to the border with Cumbria, just off the A65 less than a mile from
Ingleton, which is famous for its waterfalls walk and dominated by the peak
of Ingleborough. The building dates back to the 13th century, and stands
across the road from St Oswald's church, where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was
married. Once inside, you can't help but notice the impressive array of
handpumps stretching right across the bar – 16 in all! On our visit, there
were 10 ales available, most of them brewed locally to the area in Yorkshire
Cumbria or Lancashire, and all very well kept indeed - we sampled most (if
not all) of them during our 3 day stay at the Martons, and every pint was
excellent. Particular favourites were Dent Golden Fleece, and Moorhouses
Black Cat. Malt whisky fans will be pleased to find almost 300 behind the
bar (we did not sample all of these!), all listed in a menu, and we enjoyed
the food too. Definitely worth a detour if you're buzzing up the M6 north of Lancaster. |
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Details supplied by Geraint Jones |
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July 2009
Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater,
Cumbria CA13 0RU map (GBG09 p98/9) Tel. 01900 85219 |
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I know its
all been said before: Local CAMRA pub of the year 2003-2005 and 2008, award
winning beers, reputation for interesting menu (changing daily). But this is
a pub which I have put on my must visit if in the area (about 50 mile radius
!!!!). Everything going for it, quality of food, location, service and not
least the quality of beer which brewed on the premises and supped nearer the
brewery than the bar got a perfect score from me.
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Details supplied by Chris Davies |
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Tynllidiart Arms, Capel Bangor, West Wales SY23 3LR map (GBG09 p 625) |
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The Pub is located 4 miles in
from Aberystwyth on the A44.
This is
the home of the Worlds Smallest Commercial Brewery named the BRAGDY GWYNANT
Brewery. The Pub is very old and welcoming serving a
selection of Real Ales, also very good food. There is a main Restaurant on
the first floor, on the ground floor is the locals Bar. After a good Lunch the Red Kites can be seen feeding about 6 more miles further inland. Well worth a visit. |
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Details supplied by David Miller |
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The Five Bells, 95 Main St., Claypole, Lincs. NG23 5BJ map
(GBG09 p273) |
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About
a mile and a half east of the A1 near Newark-on-Trent. This village free house is run by Martin and Kay Finney. It has two bars, a separate Chimes Restaurant and en suite accommodation. Four bitter ales are served and Tetley mild. The bitters change every few days and are from the Greene King guest ales range as well as LocAles. It won the Newark CAMRA Pub of the Year award in 2007 and was a GBG entry in both 2008 and 2009. Recommended for both its ales and the extensive home cooked menu. Being in Lincolnshire, the prices are noticeably cheaper than our area. Well worth a visit if in the area. |
Details supplied by Richard Lewin |
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June 2009
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Grade II listed & featuring in
the National Inventory, I expected something special & was not disappointed.
It must be the best example of its kind in the country; it certainly is of
the ones I've visited. I cannot attempt to go into detail trying to describe it, all I can say is - if you are in Liverpool it's worth a special effort to seek it out. Actually it doesn't take much seeking, it's on the road between the two cathedrals. Recommended for the quality of its interior and fittings Unfortunately the choice & quality of the beer did not live up to the standards set by the fixtures & fittings, but perhaps we just chose a bad day! |
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Details supplied by Alan Cooke |
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Horse & Groom, Radford
Road, Basford, Nottingham NG7 7EA map (GBG09 p395) |
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What must have
originally been the Shipstone's Brewery tap, this excellent pub is next door
to the old brewery. When I visited, for a CAMRA East Midlands meeting, they
were celebrating the 65th anniversary of the D-Day Landings with the pub &
staff suitably decorated, the beers & food suitably chosen. Beers on offer
were Deuchars IPA, Grave Diggers, Omaha Bitter, Overlord, Coyote, Fullers
London Pride, Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, Great Escape & Nottingham Extra
Pale Ale (I'm afraid some of the brewers escape me!). I recommend this pub
for the range & quality of it's beers. PS just round the corner is the Lion, also well worth a visit! |
Details supplied by Alan Cooke |
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May 2009
Black Lion, Consall
Forge, Wetley Rocks, Stoke on Trent, Staffs. ST9 0AJ map |
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An almost isolated pub roadwise, it is adjacent to the Churnet Valley Railway & the Caldon Canal. Ideally visited by rail, canal or on foot, it is recommended for the location & choice of beers. Peakstones Rock Brewery beers are always available as well as several guests, usually from micros. On our visit the beers on offer were: Peakstones Black Hole, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Farmers Brown Cow, Moorhouses Black Witch & Thwaites Highwayman. |  |
Details supplied by Alan Cooke |
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