When I was asked to write in this special edition of Swindon CAMRA's guide to pubs within the new Swindon Borough Council boundary, I wasn't too sure if it was because of my twenty-one years as a Swindon councillor or because of my thirty years as a beer drinker. Whatever the reason I am extremely pleased that this new CAMRA pub guide has been put together and I am delighted to be invited to write a few encouraging words.
Swindon as a place of economic success and rapid growth has been well documented over the last forty years. The desire of both nationally and internationally renowned companies wishing to relocate in Swindon and set up their headquarters or manufacturing outlets, combined more recently with the refurbishment of the town's shopping centres and the arrival of the new factory outlet complex on the old BREL site, have all contributed to providing a diversity of job opportunities for the growing Swindon population. With unemployment now below half the national average, those involved in this transformation can rightly feel well satisfied with their efforts.
However, as we all know, to have a successful and thriving community we need more than just jobs. The Council to its credit, and due to some incredible foresight by people like the former Town Clerk, David Murray-John in the 1950s and 1960s, has been able to provide much valued community and leisure facilities throughout the town. As a consequence of its fine achievement, Swindon Council has, through the local government reorganisation in Wiltshire, recently been rewarded with the new responsibilities of adding Education, Social Services, Highways and Libraries to the list of services under its charge. So if the people of Swindon want to work, play, relax, go to the theatre, learn or shop, then the new Swindon Unitary Council can help them.
The work that Swindon CAMRA has done throughout the years in publicising, lobbying and advocating Real Ale has also been highly successful and much appreciated by the people of Swindon. Thanks to the fine work carried out in partnership with the breweries and licensees in Swindon we have very many excellent pubs and beers. Despite my more recent taste for red wine, I still manage a "few" pints of good local ale each week, and therefore recognise at first hand that a community is really only as good as its pubs and the beer they sell.
So on behalf of all beer drinkers in Swindon, and the Council, I wish the local branch of CAMRA continued success in retaining the Real in our Swindon Ale. When, in the early eighties, local Government was under threat from Whitehall, we campaigned under the slogan "Keep it Local" to emphasise the importance of the retention of local services. It would seem appropriate to me that the same slogan could also apply to the use of our fine pubs and the beer that they serve for the local community. Good luck, and Cheers! to a good job well done.
Councillor Jim D'Avila, Swindon Borough Council, April 1997
Independence day! Swindon is now a unitary authority, with control over its own affairs. Swindon CAMRA felt that this historic occasion should be marked by the production of the first ever exclusive guide to the real ale pubs and hotels of the Borough. Of course, this isn't the first CAMRA guide to Swindon pubs. Back in 1980 we produced a guide to pubs within a radius of 12 miles, and of course there have been the biennial Wiltshire pub guides. However, we felt this occasion demanded something special. So, here it is - the guide to Swindon, the whole Swindon and nothing but the Swindon. Within its boundaries, and in these pages, you will find pubs to suit all moods and all occasions, from quiet village and backstreet locals through foody pubs and noisy disco-pubs to smart hotels. They're all here. So welcome to the wonderful world of Swindon and its pubs!
By now everyone should know what real ale is - it's simply the kind of beer that Britons have enjoyed for centuries - brewed from natural ingredients, unfiltered, unpasteurised and served without the use of gas pressure. Happily nearly every Swindon pub keeps real ale and gets a full write-up herein. The erring few will only get a passing mention in this guide. This will give you, the reader, the chance to put a word in with the licensee and perhaps make them change their ways!
With one exception, all telephone numbers are on the Swindon exchange: code 01793
ML
ME
Open
OAD
CP
PCP
CR
DA
DT
PB
RFH
SA
BM
QB
Accom
NMeals lunchtime
Meals evening
Opening hours
Open all day
Car park
Public car park nearby
Children's room
Disabled access
Disabled persons' toilet
Public bar
Room for hire
Skittle alley
Background music
Quiet bar
Overnight accommodation, with details of rooms
Not, eg NSa - Not SaturdayVirtually every pub in this area serves its real ale through the traditional handpull mounted on the bar. In one or two cases the following service symbols will appear after the appropriate beers:
E
GElectric or other force pump sited in the cellar
By gravity - straight from the cask
Listed below are the most commonly found beers and their strength in alcohol by volume (abv). Space precludes the inclusion of seasonal beers, occasional guest beers and those that only appear in one or two pubs.
ARCHER, Swindon: Village Bitter 3.5%. Best Bitter 4.0%. Golden 4.7%.
ARKELL, Swindon: Bitter 3.2%. 3B 4.0%. Kingsdown Ale 5.0%.
BASS, Burton upon Trent: Draught Bass 4.4%.
BODDINGTON, Manchester (Whitbread): Bitter 3.8%.
COURAGE, Bristol (S.C.): Best Bitter 4.0%. Directors Bitter 4.8%.
FLOWERS, Cheltenham (Whitbread): IPA 3.6%. Original 4.5%.
FULLER, Chiswick, London: London Pride 4.1%.
MARSTON, Burton upon Trent: Pedigree 4.5%.
MORRELL, Oxford:Bitter 3.7%. Varsity 4.3%. Graduate 5.2%.
THEAKSTON, Newcastle & Masham: (S.C.): Best Bitter 3.8%. XB: 4.6%.
USHER, Trowbridge: Best Bitter 3.8%. Founders Ale 4.5%.
WADWORTH, Devizes: IPA 3.8%. 6X 4.3%. Farmers Glory 4.5%. Old Timer 5.8%.
This guide brings an innovation. Wherever possible, under each pub's description, a short historical note is given in italics. These details are drawn from the book "Home Brewed" - a history of public houses and breweries in the Swindon area. These notes show that in many cases, pubs in this guide have a very long history.
In order to place the many changes of ownership in context, appended below is a list of breweries that have owned pubs in the Swindon area.
Archer, Swindon. Est. 1979. Still active.
Arkell, Stratton. Est. 1843. Still active.
Belle Vue Brewery, Swindon. Est. by Philip Cockbill in 1864. Closed 1878. Acquired by Arkells.
Belmont Brewery, Swindon. Est. by William Godwin in 1861. Closed 1938. Acquired by Wadworths with 6 pubs and an off licence.
Beaufort Brewery, Wootton Bassett. Est. by Howard Horsell in 1877. Closed 1916 with 6 pubs and 3 clubs sold piecemeal.
Globe Brewery, Highworth. Est. pre-1839. Closed 1882. Acquired by Clinch.
North Wilts Brewery, Swindon. Est. possibly c18. Bought by Richard Bowly 1870. Closed 1945. Acquired by Simonds with 41 pubs.
Star Brewery, Stratton. Est. pre-1794. Acquired by William Pound in 1873. Amalgamated with Beaufort Brewery. Wound up 1896 with 13 pubs sold piecemeal.
Steam Brewery, Wootton Bassett. Est by Samuel Hart c1866. Wound up 1895. Acquired by Lamb Brewery with 10 pubs and a club.
Sun Brewery, Highworth. Est. pre-1839. Bought by Charles Wadley in 1888. Acquired by Ushers in 1918 with 17 pubs.
Wanborough Brewery, Wanborough. Est. possibly early c19. Closed 1879. Acquired by Star Brewery with 5 pubs.
Wootton Bassett Brewery, Wootton Bassett. Est. by Brittin pre-1880. Moved to Broad Town 1880. Closed 1908.
Cirencester Brewery, Cirencester. Bought by Simonds, 1937 with 81 pubs.
Clinch, Witney. Acquired by Courage, 1962 with 74 pubs.
Cripps, Cirencester. Acquired by Cirencester Brewery, 1888 with 63 pubs.
Devenish, Weymouth. Taken over by Greenalls in 1993 with 400 pubs.
Duck, Malmesbury. Taken over by Stroud Brewery in 1920 with 18 pubs.
Groves, Weymouth. Bought by Devenish, 1960 with 115 pubs.
Lamb Brewery, Frome. Merged with Frome United Breweries in 1955 with 82 pubs. Became Frome & Lamb Ltd which was acquired jointly by Ushers and Stroud Brewery in 1957 with around 300 pubs.
Luce, Malmesbury. Bought by Stroud Brewery, 1912 with 42 pubs.
Morland, Abingdon. Still active.
Morrells, Oxford. Still active.
Reed, Marlborough. Acquired by Spencers, 1895 with 20 pubs.
Simonds, Reading. Amalgamated with Courage in 1960 with around 1200 pubs
South Berks Brewery, Newbury. Taken over by Simonds in 1920 with 150-plus pubs
Spencers, Bradford-on-Avon. Acquired by Ushers in 1920 with 55 pubs.
Stroud Brewery, Stroud. Amalgamated with Cheltenham & Hereford Breweries in 1959 with 643 pubs, to become West Country Breweries, who were themselves taken over by Whitbread in 1963.
Ushers, Trowbridge. With Stroud, joint purchasers of Lamb in 1957. The three companies' pubs were swapped around, with many ex-Usher pubs in this area going to Stroud - and thence to Whitbread. Ushers were taken over by Grand Metropolitan in 1960 and the pubs later absorbed into Innterpreneur and Chef & Brewer groups. Not to be confused with:
Ushers of Trowbridge plc, a new company formed by a management buyout in 1991, including the old Usher brewery and 433 ex-Courage pubs.
Wadworth, Devizes. Still active.
Bakers Arms off A346, Tel:740313
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Seasonal beers
Small neat pub with two distinct bar areas, divided by a chimney breast.
A bakery and beerhouse that opened before 1841. Bought by Arkells in 1906 and modernised in 1961.
Open: 11-3 6-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(NSu) CP Garden with games Darts crib BM.Plough Marlborough Road (A346), Tel:740342 (& Fax)
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale, Seasonal beers
Pleasant roadside pub in an elevated position above the M4, junction 15. Split level bars and restaurant.
An inn that opened in the late c18, it brewed its own beer until 1864, when it was leased to Arkells, who bought the freehold in 1907. Modernised in the 1960s and extended in 1990.
Open: 11-3 (M-F) 11-4 (Sa) 6-11 (M-Sa) 12-2.30 7-10.30 (Su) ML ME CP Garden with swings etc. PB Darts crib Juke box BM TV Quiz nights.
Royal Oak Cues Lane, Tel: 790481
Arkell Bitter, 3B
A well-hidden local in a side lane opposite the village pond. Modernisation and extension taking place Spring 1997. The new restaurant will feature organically grown food.
The original thatched building was acquired by the Wanborough Brewery c1860 and was bought by J D Knight & Co of Yeovil in 1896. It was rebuilt in 1907 and purchased by Arkells in 1951. A full licence was granted in 1960.
Open 11-3 6-11(M-F) OAD(Sa) 12-4 7-10.30(Su) ML ME Accom: 2dbl. CP Garden with games PB Darts crib BM TV Live music(Sa) QB.True Heart High Street, Tel: 790080
Flowers IPA, Wadworth 6X, Guest beer
Food-orientated pub with large carpeted bar and an elevated dining area.
The original building was mid-c17 and rebuilt around 1900. It was a home-brew house in 1864, kept by Mrs Turtle, and sold to Godwins of Swindon. When Godwins closed in 1938 it was bought by Ushers. It became a free house in 1976.
Open 11-3 6-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME Accom: 1dbl. 1twin 1fam. CP Garden RFH BM.
Blunsdon House Hotel off A419 (signposted), Tel: 721701, Fax: 721056
Arkell 3B, Kingsdown Ale, Flowers Original, Marston Pedigree, Wadworth 6X
A luxurious hotel in an elevated situation, with a full range of facilities.
A conversion of a country house that opened as an hotel in 1960.
Open: OAD (7days) ML ME Accom: 87rms. CP Gdn with playground PB RFH Skittles pool BM Occasional live music.Cold Harbour Ermin Street (A419), Tel: 724840, Fax: 700404
Courage Best Bitter, Directors, Theakston Best Bitter, XB
Big roadside pub/motel with carvery restaurant.
An inn since before 1716, it is to be noted for its changes of name. Once it was the Harrow, then the Axe & Compasses. By 1861 it was the Calley Arms and in 1876 the DeWindt Arms. By 1892 it had reverted to the Cold Harbour - its original name!
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME Accom: 40dbl. CP DA DT Garden with games RFH BM TV.Heart in Hand High Street (off A419), Tel: 721314
Archer Best Bitter, Boddington Bitter, Marston Pedigree
Large popular village local, tucked away in a narrow street.
A former beerhouse and bakery that was owned by a miller in 1862. Bought by Caudwell's Brewery of Wootton Bassett in 1886 it became the property of the Lamb Brewery of Frome. Rebuilt in 1924 and a full licence granted in 1949.
Open: 12-3.30 6-11 (M-Sa) 12-2.30 7-10.30 (Su) ML ML(NSu) CP Garden with swings etc. Darts crib outdoor skittles in summer Juke box TV Quiz night. Occasional live music.
Red Lion, Tel: 01285 810280
Usher Best Bitter, Founders Ale
Handsome old redbrick building with a dining area, the first pub on the River Thames, with a fine garden backing onto the infant river. A Grade II Listed Building.
An ancient building with missing early deeds. William Smith was licensee in 1841. Bought by the Cirencester Brewery in 1925. Bought by Ushers in 1991.
Open: 11-3 7-11(M-Sa. Opens at 6 in summer) ML ME CP DA DT Garden RFH Darts crib petanque Quiz night Occasional live music.
Chiseldon House Hotel No real ale
Elm Tree (off B4005), Tel: 740220
Flowers IPA, Hampshire King Alfred's, Wadworth 6X
Edwardian local opposite the site of railway station. The skittle alley doubles as a function room.
Opened in 1845 as a beerhouse. In 1869 it included a shop and was owned by Reeds, whose pubs were taken over by Spencers of Bradford-on-Avon in 1908. The original thatched pub was replaced soon after.
Open: 12-3 7-11 (10.30 Su) ML(NSu) ME(NF/Su)PCP CR DA(not toilet) Skittle Alley PB RFH Darts crib skittles pool Juke box TV Quiz night (Su) Live music (Fr) in otherwise quiet lounge.Patriots Arms New Road (B4005), Tel: 740331
Courage Best Bitter, Directors, John Smiths Bitter, Theakston Best Bitter, Wadworth 6X, Guest beer
Comfortable village pub with separate dining area.
Opened as the New Inn around 1846; a fully-licensed house. Offered for sale in 1861 with its own brewhouse and grocery and baker's shops. The name was changed around this time. Bought by the Cirencester Brewery in 1907.
Open 12-2.30 7-11(M-F) 12-4 7-11(Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(NM) Accom: 1sgl. 1twin CP DA(not toilet) Garden with games PB RFH Darts crib pool table skittles Juke box TV.
Shepherds Rest Foxhill, Wanborough, Tel: 790266 (& Fax)
Boddington Bitter, Flowers IPA, Fuller London Pride, Wadworth 6X, 2 guest beers.
Cosy, quiet, low-beamed lounge with modern restaurant extension in rustic style. Lively public bar with juke box, TV and pool table. Good food. The only pub on the Ridgeway Path.
Open as a beerhouse by 1840. Extended in 1857 and spirit licence granted. Later leased to the South Berks Brewery of Hungerford. Extended in 1904, leased to Ushers in 1928, who bought it in 1942. Went to Stroud Brewery in 1957.
Open 11-2.30 6-11 (M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30 (Su) ML ME Accom: 3rms from mid-1997 CP Garden with slide & swings PB Darts crib pool Juke box. Camping by arrangement.
Jolly Tar, Tel: 762245
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale
Comfortable country pub in a small village off the B4019. Small public bar and larger oak-beamed lounge. Separate restaurant upstairs for a-la-carte meals. A Grade II Listed Building.
A former farmhouse, it opened with a full licence in 1855. Named in honour of Captain Johnson who married into the Freke family of Hannington Hall, who owned the pub. Upon the break-up of their estate in 1922 it was bought by Arkells.
Open: 11-3 6-11 (M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30 (Su) ML ME CP DA(not toilet) Skittle alley (hirable). Garden with swings. PB Darts, crib.
Fishes Swindon Street (A361), Tel: 763098
Flowers IPA
Busy low-ceilinged one-bar pub with a younger clientele. A Grade II Listed Building.
Of ancient origins, it was open before 1830. By 1857 it was the property of the Sun Brewery who were taken over by Ushers in 1918. Exchanged in 1957 and thence to Stroud Brewery and from them to Whitbread.
Open: 7-11(M-Th) 12-2 7-11(F) OAD(S/Su) Accom: 2dbl. 1sgl. DA(not toilet) Patio Darts pool Juke box TV Live music(Sa).Fox Swindon Street (A361), Tel: 762313
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Cheerful locals' pub with the dining/function room once an old Smithy.
Thomas Ackling built this as a beerhouse in 1840. Bought by Arkells in 1862.
Open: OAD(Th-Su) 11.30-3 4.45-11(M/Tu) 11.30-3 5.30-11(W) ML ME(NSu) CP DA(not toilet) Patio PB RFH Darts crib pool Juke box BM. Quiz nights. Live Irish music monthly.Globe Sheep Street, Tel: 762514
Courage Best Bitter, Directors
No-frills drinkers' pub on the market square. A Grade II Listed Building.
The earliest deed is 1674, then known as the Hart. It became the Blue Boar in 1696, and the Blue Ball after 1778. Bought by Clinchs of Witney in 1882.
Open: 11-3 6-11(M-F) OAD(Sa/Su) PCP DA(not toilet) Garden with games PB Darts Juke box TV Occasional quiz nights.Goldfinger Tavern St Michael's Avenue, Tel: 762627
Morrell Bitter, Varsity
An estate pub that opened in 1971. The name commemorates James Bond originator Ian Fleming, who lived nearby at Sevenhampton.
Open: OAD(7days) ML CP Garden PB Darts crib pool Juke box TV Live music(Sa).Jesmond House Hotel Swindon Street (A361), Tel: 762364, Fax: 861201
Archer Best Bitter, Golden, Guest beer
Carpeted hotel bar with open fire and exposed stonework in a fine old building that became an hotel in 1961. A Grade II Listed Building.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME Accom: 8dbl. 3sgl. 1twin CP DA(not toilet) Garden RFH Pool BM Big screen TV Occasional quiz nights.King & Queen High Street, Tel: 762293
Boddington Bitter, Fuller London Pride, Guest beer
Timbered former coaching inn. Once played host to visiting circuit judges, conducting trials upstairs - and executions in the courtyard! Tastefully modernised with conservatory restaurant. A Grade II Listed Building.
Possibly Highworth's oldest and most haunted inn, it is mentioned in a court record of 1620. Much altered in 1990.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME Accom: 1sgl. 3twin CP DA(not toilet) Patio PB RFH Darts crib pool table football Juke box TV Occasional live music.Plough Lechlade Road (A361), Tel: 762224
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Small friendly locals' pub with cosy bar and separate games room.
Built as a beerhouse in 1841 on the site of eight cottages. It was bought by the Star Brewery of Stratton in 1873 and on their bankruptcy was bought at auction by Arkells for £960.
Open: 12-2.30 6-11(M-Sa) 12-5.30 7-10.30(Su) Patio Darts pool Juke box.Rose & Crown The Green (off A361), Tel: 764183
Courage Best Bitter, Usher Best Bitter, seasonal beers
Popular and friendly pub just off the main road. Separate pool room. Boules in garden.
Of ancient origins, the earliest known deed is dated 1768, when it was sold for £25, including its brewhouse. In 1821 it was sold to Dixons Brewery of Marlborough who sold it to Bowlys of Swindon in 1886 for £465.
Open: 12-3 6-11 (M-Th) OAD(F-Su) ML ME CP Garden. Darts crib pool Juke box BM TV Live music fortnightlySaracens HeadHigh Street, Tel: 762284, Fax: 861856
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Former coaching inn with comfortable split-level wood panelled lounge with beams, brasses, paintings and old china. Smaller narrow bar alongside. A Grade II Listed Building.
Another inn of ancient origins, it was owned for many years by the Reason family who sold it to Arkells in 1883. It was completely renovated in 1966, when the archway to the yard was blocked up and incorporated into the building.
Open: 11-3 5.30-11(M-F) 11-2.30 5.30-11(Sa) 12-2.30 7-10.30(Su) ML ME Accom: 2dbl. 4twin 5sgl. 1fam CP Patio PB RFH BM TV QBWhite Horse Lechlade Road (A361), Tel: 762317
Boddington Bitter, Fuller London Pride, Wadworth 6X Guest beer
Popular free house with single split-level bar.
A beerhouse from before 1869, it was owned by Reeds Brewery of Marlborough by 1877. A full licence was granted in 1957 and it became a free house in 1992.
Open: 11-2.30 6-11(M-F) 11-4 6.30-11(Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su). ML(NSu) CP DA DT Garden with swings etc. Darts crib dominoes shove ha'penny TV Quiz nightsWine Cellar High Street, Tel: 763828
Archer Village, Best. Guest beer. G
Stairway between shopfronts leads down to single bar in Georgian stone-walled cellars. The bar staff are hirsute to a man.
Open 7-11 (M-Th) 1-11(F) 12-4.30 7-11(Sa) 12-5 7-10.30(Su) Shut the box. BM Live folk music 2nd Sunday each month.
Calley Arms (off B4005), Tel: 740350
Wadworth IPA, 6X, Seasonal beers, Old Timer (winter), Guest beer. Westons and Bounds cider
Modern pub, which replaced the old thatched pub in 1967. Large open-plan bar with raised dining area. 60 malt whiskies and good food.
A fully licensed house, named after the local landowners, it was open before 1848. In 1867 it became the property of Davis's of Stratton who sold off the home brewing equipment. It was bought by Godwins of Swindon in 1873 and became Wadworths in 1938.
Open: 12-2.30 6.30-11(M-F) 11.30-3 6.30-11(Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(NSu/M) CP Garden Darts crib dominoes backgammon draughts chess, shut the box. BM Quiz nights. Occasional live music
Sun Purley Road (B4192), Tel: 790262
Usher Best Bitter, Founders Ale, Seasonal beers
Small pub with L-shaped bar and conservatory extension which has a view over open farmland.
An inn open before 1822, owned by the Duke of Marlborough, it was sold to Reeds in 1872 who sold it to Bowlys in the 1890s. Burnt down in 1929 and rebuilt in 1930. Bought by Ushers in 1991.
Open: 11-3 6-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME CP DA(not toilet) Garden with swings etc. Darts crib pool BM TV Quiz nights and live music plannedVillage Inn Ham Road (off B4192), Tel: 790314
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale
The original pub was on the opposite side of the road. A busy, food-orientated pub with a split-level bar and exposed brickwork. A large extension is being constructed at press time.
Originally known as the Bell; an inn from before 1800. It was once owned by Brown's Brewery of Marlborough and sold at their closure in 1857. Demolished 1894 and present premises built. Bought by the Lamb Brewery in 1922. Sold and renamed 1981.
Open: 11.30-2.30(M-Sa) 12-2.30 7-10.30(Su) ML ME CP DA DT Garden QB
Check Inn Woodland View (off A4361), Tel: 845382, Fax: 827462
5 changing guest beers
Straightforward drinkers' pub with no-frills bar and comfortable lounge area. The new owner has transformed a sadly run down pub into a beer buffs' haven.
A former beerhouse, open from before 1861 and acquired by Bowlys in the 1890s. Rebuilt c1900.
Open: OAD(Sa/Su) 11.30-3 6.30(M-F) 12-10.30(Su) ML ME CP DA(not toilet) Garden with swings etc. Darts crib dominoes Juke box TV Quiz nights Occasional live music
Carpenters Arms (off A420 signposted), Tel: 824637
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Seasonal beers
Stonebuilt pub whose name commemorates makers of lock gates of nearby former Wilts & Berks Canal. Spacious beamed bar, divided by a chimney-breast welcomes all age groups. Recent restaurant extension.
Open as a beerhouse from a date prior to 1841. Arkells bought it in 1881. Full licence granted in 1959 and first extended and modernised in 1980.
Open: 11-2.30(M-F) 11-3 (Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME CP CR DA DT Garden with Crazy golf, swings etc. Bouncy castle in summer. Darts crib BM Occasional live musicCarriers Arms Highworth Road, Tel: 822051
Usher Best Bitter, Founders Ale
Pub at centre of a village in the shadow of the giant Honda car works. Separate restaurant.
In 1827 this was described as a row of cottages, but was open before 1841. Bought by the Star Brewery of Stratton in 1880 and sold to Bowlys for £1550 on their closure.
Open: 12-2.30 6-11(M-Th) 12-3 6-11(F/Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(Nsu) CP Garden PB RFH Darts crib Juke box TVVillage Hotel Sandy Lane (off A420), Tel: 827777, Fax: 827879
Bass DB, Boddington Bitter, Wadworth 6X, Guest beer
Former country club, converted by Greenalls into a luxurious hotel/health club with vast range of facilities.
Open: OAD(7days) Accom: 30dbl. 20other 10fam. ML ME CP CR DA DT Garden with children's games. PB RFH Darts pool BM TV
Stanton House Hotel, Tel: 861777, Fax: 861857
Arkell 3B
A former manor house in delightful setting, with extensive gardens. Owned by a Honda subsidiary, the cuisine is almost exclusively Japanese, as is much of the luxurious decor.
Open 12-3 5-12(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME Accom: 20 dbl. 66sgl. CP CR DA DT Garden RFH BM
Bakers Arms Beechcroft Road, Tel: 832227
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Busy popular pub near the brewery. Lively, noisy bar with strong local support and sporting interest. Low ceiling, copper and brass and collection of artefacts. Log fire in winter.
Erected c1847 by William Slade of the Red Lion, Moredon. In 1866 the licensee was fined for selling beer on a Sunday - to men cooking their dinners in his baker's oven! Bought by Arkells in 1896. Full licence 1947, renovated 1956, extended 1984.
Open: 11.30-3 5.30-11(M-Th) OAD(F-Su) CP Garden with games PB Darts crib pool Juke box TV Live music(F or Sa)Crown Ermin Street, Tel: 827530
Arkell 3B, Seasonal beers
Old coaching house on the old Roman road through Stratton. Small bar downstairs and restaurant upstairs.
Sold for £60 in 1767 when it was known as the Sow and Piggs. It became the Crown in 1792. Rebuilt in 1832, full licence granted in 1863 and bought by Arkells in 1868.
Open 11-3 6-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME CP DA(not toilet) Garden PB Darts Juke box BM TV Occasional live musicJacobs Ladder Ermin Street, Tel: 823261
Archer Golden, Mansfield Classic, Guest beers
Lively roadside local, popular with the motorcycling fraternity.
Possibly Stratton's oldest inn. A stone on the front wall reads "T.M. 1738". Bought by Reeds in 1828. The odd name may refer to the vendor, one William Jacob.
Open: OAD(F-M) 12-3 6-11(Tu-Th) CP Garden with games. SA PB RFH Darts crib skittles pool Juke box BM TV Quiz nights. Live music weeklyKingsdown Kingsdown Road, Tel: 824802
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale, Seasonal beers
The brewery tap. Smartly refurbished pub with restaurant.
The original inn was erected by John Arkell in 1840 and is now the brewery offices. The present building dates from 1867, when the brewery was extended.
Open: 11-2.30 6-11(M-Th) 11-3 6-11(F/Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(NSu) CP DA DT Garden PB Darts crib pool Juke box TV QBLady Margaret Oxford Road. No real ale
New Inn Swindon Road, Tel: 822081
Arkell Bitter, 3B
A busy traditional drinking pub near the Rover car works.
A beerhouse that opened before 1844, at which date it was bought by the Star Brewery. Bought by Arkells in 1884.
Open: 11-2.30 6-11(M-F) OAD(Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(Tu-F) CP DA(not toilet) Garden with swings etc. PB Darts crib pool Juke box TVQueensfield Queensfield, Tel: 722978
Courage Best Bitter
A redbrick pub, built by Courage in 1967, serving the local community.
Open: 11-3 6-11(M-F) OAD(Sa/Su) CP DA(not toilet) Garden PB Darts crib pool Juke box TV Live music(Sa)Rat Trap Highworth Road, Tel: 823282
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Friendly pub with large darts-orientated public bar and comfortable foody lounge. Popular with staff from the nearby Honda car works.
Opened in the 1840s; known as the Speed the Plough. By 1875 it was officially the Plough, but colloquially the Rat Trap. The unique name comes from the then landlady's habit of locking in customers until they paid their bills! Bought by Arkells in 1899.
Open: 11-2.30 5-11(M-Th) OAD(F & Su) 11-3 5-11(Sa) ML ME CP Garden PB Darts crib pool Juke box BMRegal Hotel Oxford Road. No real ale
Wheatsheaf Dores Road, Tel: 723246
Wadworth 6X
Modern pub with open-plan bar with pool table.
The earliest deed is for the sale to the Star Brewery in 1840. It was demolished and rebuilt in 1872 and again in 1961.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME CP Garden with games Darts crib pool Juke Box TV Live music monthlyWheatsheaf Ermin Street, Tel: 823149
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Another of Stratton's popular locals' pubs. Large public bar and smaller cosy lounge. Can get jam-packed at weekends. The present licensee is a well-known Swindon character. A Grade II Listed Building.
A beerhouse that opened c1834. At that time it was leased to the Star Brewery for 1/- (5p) a week. Bought by Arkells in 1869. Full licence 1961 and modernised in 1970.
Open: 11-3 6-11(M-F) 11-5 6-11(Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML(M-Sa) ME(Th-Sa) CP DA(not toilet) Garden PB Darts crib Juke box TV Live music (Sa) QBWhite Hart Oxford Road, Tel: 822272
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Seasonal beers
A large roadhouse, overlooking the flyover. Extensive bar with games and capacious lounge with cottage-style decor.
Originally a home-brew pub, the brewhouse was across the road. Its history is with the nearby canal and the coal trade. It was in the Seymour family for many years, who sold it to Arkells in 1878. Rebuilt 1937 and modernised in 1982.
Open: 11-2.30 6-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(NSu) CP DA DT Garden with games SA PB RFH Darts crib skittles pool Juke box BM TV Quiz nights(Th) Occasional live music
Freke Arms (on B4019), Tel: 762297
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale, Seasonal beers
Country pub on the B4019 between Blunsdon and Highworth. Pleasant split-level bars with a fine view over rolling countryside. Named after the Freke family of nearby Hannington Hall.
Built in 1836, it remained a beerhouse until 1862. Bought by Arkells in 1892. Altered and extended in 1966.
Open: 11-2.30 5.30-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME CP DA(not toilet) Garden with slide & swings Darts BM
Bakers Arms Emlyn Square, Tel: 535199
Arkell Bitter, 3B
A locals' local. Bar with railway memorabilia and small lounge dominated by a large model of a GWR locomotive in a glass case. A Grade II Listed Building.
Opened in the 1840s as a bakery serving the railway village. GWR property, Arkells took a lease in the 1880s. Refurbished and full licence granted 1961. Traces of the oven remain in the lounge.
Open: 11-3 7-11(M-Sa) 12-4 7-10.30(Su) ML ME PCP Patio PB RFH Darts crib Juke box BM QB Quiz night Live music Th-SuBeehive 55 Prospect Hill, Tel: 523187
Morrell Varsity, Guest Beer
Busy, characterful (and character-full) pub with bars on three levels. Popular with students from 18 to 70. Art exhibition changes monthly with the guest beer.
Built by the Belle Vue Brewery in 1871. The magistrates refused an on-licence, so it opened as an off-licence in 1872, only becoming a pub in 1889. Later the property of the Star Brewery it was bought by Morrells in 1896 for £2625. Altered 1985.
Open: OAD(7days) ML(NSu) PB Darts chess BM TV Live music Su lunchtime.Bell High Street
Closed for major alteration at presstime. Reopening Summer 1997. A Grade II Listed Building.
Maybe dates from 1515, but the earliest deed is 1628 as the Lapwing. By 1746 it was the Bell and had a brewery at the back. Stagecoaches used to depart for London from here. Bought by Ushers in 1925, who destroyed the splendid oak-panelled interior in the 1960s. A free house since 1976.Castle Prospect Place, Tel: 523410
Flowers Original, Marston Pedigree, Guest beer
A straightforward backstreet local with games room.
Opened in 1862 as a fully licensed house. Bought by Stroud Brewery in 1884.Extended in 1892.
Open 11-3 6-11(M-Sa) OAD(Su) Patio PB Darts pool Juke box Big screen TVClifton Inn Clifton Street, Tel: 523162
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Friendly locals' pub with cheerful airy open-plan bar. Off the track, but worth finding.
Opened by Arkells in 1879 as an off-licence. Full licence granted in 1881. Reputedly haunted by the ghost of a nun.
Open: 11-2.30 6-11(M-Sa) 12-2 7-10.30(Su) CP Garden Darts Juke box TVCounty Ground County Road, Tel: 522093
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Cavernous bar in pub adjoining the football ground.
Built and opened by Arkells in 1897, with the licence moved from the Rampant Cat in Highworth. The building was altered in 1921 and again in 1954.
Open: OAD(7days) PCP DA(not toilet) Garden with swings etc. RFH Darts crib pool Juke Box TV Occasional live musicCricketers Emlyn Square, Tel: 523780
Usher Best Bitter, Seasonal beers
Intimate dimly-lit bars popular with the gay community. A Grade II Listed Building.
Opened in 1847 and leased to Cripps as the only fully licensed house in the Railway Village. The name came from its proximity to the cricket field, now the Park. The Railway Village it is now owned by the Borough of Swindon.
Open: 12-2 7-11(M-Th) OAD(F-Su) ML Accom: 2dbl. 1sgl. PCP DA(not toilet) RFH pool BM Bingo (Su am)Cross Keys Wood Street, Tel: 523649
Bass DB, Guest beer
Big single bar pub with bare boards and old style decor. In common with most Old Town pubs the clientele changes according to the time of day. Further extension to take place in 1997.
Opened in 1873 as a Refreshment House - a Victorian licensed restaurant. Became the property of Fussells of Roade at an unknown date. Fussells were taken over by Bass in 1962. Extended, taking in adjoining shop in the 1960s.
Open: 11.30-11.00(M-F) 12-11(Sa) Closed all day(Su) ML(until 7pm) PCP DA(not toilet) Patio BM Big screen TV Live music(M/Th)Duke of Wellington Eastcott Hill, Tel: 534180
Arkell Bitter, 3B G
Small pub with bar and tiny snug. The only Arkell pub to serve beer straight from the barrel.
Opened by Arkells in 1869, the last Swindon beerhouse to open under the Duke's 1830 Beerhouse Act, its name is a tribute to its author. In 1890 the landlord was keeping a boar at stud. Pub entertainment has come a long way since.
Open: 12-2.30 6.30-11(M-F) 12-4 6.30-11(Sa) 12-2.30 7-10.30(Su) Garden Darts crib Bar billiards Juke box Quiz nightsFalcon 40/41 Westcott Place, Tel: 535363, Fax: 610228
Usher Best Bitter
A basic locals' pub with the oldest skittle alley in the district. Noted for charity fund-raising.
Built as part of Falcon Terrace by the Wilts & Berks Canal Company in the 1840s. Bought by Luce in 1868 and sold to the Cirencester Brewery in 1896. Skittle alley built 1869. Bought by Ushers in 1991.
Open: OAD(7days) DA(not toilet) Garden with games RFH Darts crib skittles pool Juke box TVFlag & Whistle Station Road, Tel: 522047, Fax: 48463
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale
Comfortable pub/restaurant opposite the railway station. A Grade II Listed Building.
Built by Arkells in 1870 as the Great Western Hotel. The east wing was added in 1904. Became a pub-restaurant in 1973 known as the Noah's Ark. It became the Great Western in 1983, and was renamed again in 1991.
Open: OAD(7days - closed 5-7 Sa) ML ME CP DA(not toilet) Patio RFH Darts pool table football Juke box TV Quiz night(W) Live music(F) Karaoke(M/W/Sa)George Eastcott Hill, Tel: 536535
Courage Best Bitter, Marston Pedigree, Wadworth 6X
Busy, popular pub with downstairs pool room and secluded patio. Vies with the Southbrook as Swindon's oldest complete pub building, although its early history is as a farm.
A farmhouse dating from before 1800, it became a beerhouse between 1830 and 1847.The property of North Wilts Brewery, it was sold to Cripps in 1872.
Open: OAD(from 12 7days) CP DA(not toilet) Patio SA RFH Darts crib pool skittles Juke box BM TV Live R&B & indie music(Th/F)Globe Eastcott Road, Tel: 523416
Wadworth 6X, Usher seasonal beers
Street corner local with picture collection and separate pool room.
Opened by the Belmont Brewery as an off-licence in 1869, with a cider-only on-licence granted in 1874. Bought by Wadworths in 1938 and immediately resold to Ushers. Full licence granted in 1958 and pub modernised in 1983.
Open: 11-2.30 6.30-11(M-Th) OAD(F/Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) DA(not toilet) Patio Darts crib pool Juke box Big screen TVGlue Pot Emlyn Square, Tel: 523935
Archer Village, Best, Golden, Guest Beer
Popular, deservedly busy Bath stone pub in the Railway Village. Single bar with high backed settles. A first port-of-call for real ale enthusiasts. A Grade II Listed Building.
Completing the trio of Railway Village pubs, the Glue Pot opened before 1850. It was also a grocer's shop. Around 1900 it was known as the London Stout Tavern and later leased to Devenish. Archers became tenants in 1991.
Open: OAD(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML(M-F) Patio DartsGoddard Arms High Street, Tel: 692313, Fax: 512984
Archer Best Bitter Boddington Bitter
Quiet, comfortable hotel bar. A Grade II Listed Building.
Originally the Crown, the earliest deed is from 1621. In those early times it was the leading inn in the town and was the home of the magistrates' court. It was renamed c1810 and was later bought by the North Wilts Brewery.
Open: 11-3 5-11(M-Th) OAD(F/Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME Accom: 11dbl. 25sgl. 24twin CP DA(Not toilet) RFHGrapes 135 Faringdon Road, Tel: 522600
John Smiths Bitter
Main road corner pub opposite the Park. L-shaped bar with pool table.
This opened around 1848, and the present premises date from 1863. Simonds bought the freehold in 1876 and incorporated the hardware shop next door into the property around 1900.
Open: OAD(F-M) 3-11(Tu-Th) Accom: 4dbl. 1sgl. 3fam. PCP CR Garden with games Darts pool Juke box Big screen TV Quiz night Regular live music QBGreyhound Faringdon Road, Tel: 534683
Usher Best Bitter. Wadworth 6X
Popular one-bar community local, with Victorian decor and sporting connections. Disabled access at rear.
Opened by Reeds in 1847, this pub was a popular meeting place in early times. The first Roman Catholic services were held here, and, on a different plane, a six-hour street battle took place outside in 1854.
Open: OAD(F-M) 3-11(Tu-Th) CP DA DT Patio Darts crib pool Juke box Big screen TV Quiz night(Th) Live music.Grove Drove Road, Tel: 521028
Boddington Bitter, Flowers Original, Wadworth 6X, Guest beer.
A Beefeater Pub/restaurant with rustic decor. Formerly a private temperance hotel., it was acquired and licensed by West Country Breweries in 1962.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME CP Patio BM TVHobgoblin Devizes Road, Tel: 512366
Decorated in typical Hobgoblin style with bare boards, dark wood and old brewery signs. A young people's pub, it can get noisy and crowded at times. A Grade II Listed Building.
Erected as a beerhouse called the Britannia in 1847. A full licence was granted in 1854 and the home-brewing equipment sold in 1857. Bought by the North Wilts Brewery in 1870, extended and renamed the Fountain.
Open: OAD(M-Sa) 12-3 6-10.30(Su) ML(M-F) PCP DA(not toilet) Patio Pinball Juke box Big screen TV Live music(Th)Hungry Horse (Bulldog) Queens Drive, Tel: 533455
Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale, Guest beer
Big main road pub with adjoining off licence. Locals' bar and large food-orientated lounge with rustic decor.
Built by Simonds in 1959 as an estate pub called the Bulldog. Later sold to the Magic Pub Co and renamed the Sporting Dog, and now, after refurbishment in 1996, known by its present name.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME(all day F-Su) CP DA DT Garden PB Darts crib Occasional quiz nightsKings Arms Wood Street, Tel: 522156, Fax: 432736
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale, Seasonal beers
Comfortable and spacious bar in a Victorian building that offers a pleasant retreat from other noisier pubs in Old Town. Good value food makes this a popular lunch venue for Old Town shoppers. Swindon CAMRA meets here on the first Wednesday of each month. A Grade II Listed Building.
The original building opened c1835 and was also a bakery. There was a windmill in the back garden. John Godwin borrowed £1000 and had rebuilt the pub by 1870. Arkells bought it in 1885.
Open: 11-3 6-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(NSu) Accom: 4 dbl. 3 twin 10sgl. CP DA (at rear - not toilet) RFH Juke box Live trad jazz monthlyLamb & Flag Bridge Street, Tel: 536375
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale
Busy pub in pedestrianised shopping precinct. One long low ceilinged bar with drinkers at the front and dining area at the rear.
Opened as a beerhouse before 1854. Bought by Hunts, brewers of Steeple Ashton in 1871. Bought by Wadworths for £1,000 in 1886 and immediately resold to Arkells for £1,500! Extensively altered in 1976.
Open: 10.30-5 7.30-11(M-Sa) 7-10.30(Su) ML(NSu) PCP DA(not toilet) Darts crib Juke box TVLitten Tree Fleet Street, Tel: 421212
Bass DB, Courage Best Bitter, Directors, Guest beers
New conversion of showroom. Huge single bar pub with no-smoking and quiet areas. Tea and coffee served all day.
Open: OAD(7days) ML(until 7) PCP DA DT BM Big screen TV Live music & discos nightlyLongs Bar Victoria Road, Tel: 534519
Arkell 3B
Busy noisy young people's pub.
The present pub is the old Belle Vue brewery, which opened in 1864. The original pub (which was the brewery tap) still stands at the back in Belle Vue Road. Bought by Arkells in 1878, the brewery became the Belle Vue pub. Extensively altered and renamed in 1988.
Open: 12-3 5-11(M-F) OAD(Sa/Su) ML(M-F) PCP Patio BM Big screen TV Quiz nightsMackenzies Wood Street, Tel: 430111, Fax: 436888
Boddington Bitter, Flowers Original
A shop conversion that opened in 1992. Smart cafe-bar with bright decor and conservatory at the rear.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME PCP DT Garden RFH BM Big screen TV Regular live music(Tu/W) - mainly jazzMail Coach 59 Fleet Street, Tel: 534116
Courage Best Bitter, Wadworth 6X
Victorian pub, modernised with two low-ceilinged bars separated by a glass roofed courtyard.
Opened in 1846 as a beerhouse called the Locomotive. Full licence granted 1854. Later bought by the Cirencester Brewery. Refurbished and extended, late c19. Altered 1983 as the Wine Knot. Further refurbishment recently and renamed as above.
Open: OAD(7days) ML(M-F) ME(M-F) PCP DA(not toilet) Garden Juke boxOxford Hotel Drove Road, Tel: 431496
Morrell Bitter, Varsity, Guest beer
Big pub near the football ground. One large wood-panelled bar with central servery. Usually a younger clientele.
Built by Morrells in 1929 at a cost of £5000, this replaced the original Oxford at the junction of Bridge Street and Fleet Street. It was altered to a pub/restaurant in 1977.
Open: OAD(7 days) ML ME CP CR DA(not toilet) Patio RFH Darts pool Juke box Big screen TV Quiz night Regular live musicPark Hotel William Street, Tel: 522389
Archer Golden
Busy, noisy street corner pub near the old canal site.
Opened in 1880 and leased to Cripps, the licence was transferred from the King of Prussia in High Street. Bought by Clinch in 1901.
Open: 1-11(M-F) 12-11(Sa) 12-10.30(Su) CP DA(not toilet) Patio Darts pool Juke box Big screen TV Live music(Sa)Plough Devizes Road, Tel: 535603
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Small locals' pub run by a former Swindon Town footballer - an oasis among the youth-orientated pubs of Old Town.
Open as a beerhouse before 1844, when it was known as the Quarryman's Arms. Sold to Arkells as the Plough in 1867. Part of the garden and an adjoining cottage were sold to allow the construction of the adjacent railway line. Full licence granted in 1956.
Open: OAD(F/Sa) 12-2.30 6-11(M-Th) 12-2.30 7-10.30(Su) DA(not toilet) Darts crib Juke box TVPrince of Wales Union Street, Tel: 523026
Usher Best Bitter, Founders Ale, Seasonal beers
A good backstreet local situated in Swindon's bedsitter land. Music in the former skittle alley
This was open as a beerhouse before 1869 and was the property of the Beaufort Brewery by 1884. Extended to take in the house next door in 1903. Bought by George's of Bristol in 1916 for £1040. George's amalgamated with Courage in 1961.
Open: OAD(7days) PCP DA(not toilet) PB RFH Crib pool Juke box TV Occasional live musicQueens Tap 74 Station Road, Tel: 535395
Bass DB, Boddington Bitter, Marston Pedigree, Theakston XB
Imposing stone building with portico, opposite the railway station. Big high-ceilinged bar with Victorian style decor. A Grade II Listed Building.
Opened in 1841, making it the oldest surviving of New Swindon's fully licensed houses. Bought by Groves in 1931 following a long period of leases.
Open: OAD(M-Sa) Closed all Su. ML(NSu) ME(M-F) PCP Garden Crib carom table. Juke box TV Quiz night(Tu) Live music twice weeklyRat & Carrot Bridge Street, Tel: 523593
Bass DB, Courage Best Bitter, Greene King IPA, Webster Green Label, Worthington Best Bitter. Range may vary.
Busy town centre bar with range of theme nights, fund raising activities, prize draws etc.
Opened in 1855 as the Sir Charles Napier. By 1861 was the Rolling Mills. Bought by Harris's of Lacock in 1872 and licence moved next door to the present premises in 1876. Bought by Clinch in 1904. Renamed Porters in 1988 and renamed again in 1994.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME PCP DA DT Juke box (free) TV Monthly live musicRegent Victoria Road, Tel: 536313, Fax: 528433
Bass DB, Guest beer
Bright renovated bar at the front and a quieter carpeted lounge at the rear. Terraced garden. Formerly a private hotel, the Central, that became a pub in 1961. There is an interesting legend about the grant of the licence. Later bought by Bass and then became a free house in 1995Open: 12-2.30(M-Sa) 6-11(M-F) 4-11(Sa) 4-10.30(Su) ML(M-F) ME(M-Th) Accom: 6dbl. 10sgl. CP Garden PB RFH Darts pool Juke box TV Occasional live music
Riflemans Regent Street, Tel: 529240
Banks Dark, Bitter E Cameron Strongarm Marston Pedigree
A Victorian pub restored by Banks's to an approximation of its original style. Big L-shaped bar with tiled fireplaces and a conservatory extension.
The original pub dated from c1850. Bought by Luce in 1871 and completely rebuilt in 1888. After a period with Whitbread and Berni Inns it was bought by Banks's in 1992 and completely refurbished.
Open: OAD(M-Sa) 12-3 7- 10.30(Su) ML ME CP PCP DA DT BM QBRising Sun 6 Albert Street, Tel: 529916
Courage Best Bitter, Usher Best Bitter, Founders Ale, Seasonal beers
A fine backstreet local with a friendly welcome. Popular with staff from the adjoining newspaper offices. Tiny lounge with flagstone floor and basic bar.
Erected by the Cirencester Brewery in 1845 as the Heart in Hand. Extended to take in the house next door in the late c18. Bought by Ushers in 1991. Always known as the "Roaring Donkey".
Open: OAD(7days) PB Darts pool Juke box TV QBRolleston Arms Commercial Road, Tel: 534238
Courage Best Bitter, Directors, Guest beer
Busy Victorian street corner local, with adjoining disco-nightclub.
Opened by the Cirencester Brewery in 1890, the licence came from the Cross Keys in Highworth. The name commemorates the local landowner.
Open: OAD(7days) ML PCP RFH BM TV Quiz nights(Tu/W)Royal Oak Devizes Road, Tel: 521714
Wadworth 6X, Guest beer
Streetcorner pub with one long narrow bar. A Grade II Listed Building.
Built by Reeds as a beerhouse in 1844/5 on the site of two cottages and a spinning shed. Full licence granted in 1958.
Open: OAD(7 days) DA(not toilet) Pool Juke box Big screen TV Disco(F/Sa)Rudi's Regent Circus, Tel: 523892, Fax: 430565
Archer Village, Guest beer
Smart town-centre bar - a popular meeting place.
The building was built in the late 1930s as an electricity showroom. Post-1945 it was the children's' library and, later, a furniture shop. Opened as a pub in 1987.
Open: OAD(7 days) ML (M-Sa to 5pm) PCP DA(not toilet) BM TV Occasional live musicRunning Horse Wootton Bassett Road, Tel: 523903
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale
Beefeater steakhouse with comfortable bar and upstairs restaurant. Riverside garden.
There may have been an even earlier inn on the site. In 1825 it opened as the Royal Oak, but it became the Running Horse the following year. The original building included a water mill. Bought by Arkells 1883 and rebuilt in 1891. Leased to Beefeater in 1985.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME CP DA DT Garden with games Darts crib BMSavoy Regent Street, Tel: 533970
Archer Best Bitter, Arkell 3B, Courage Directors, Theakston Best Bitter, Youngers Scotch Bitter. 2 guest beers
The former Savoy cinema converted to a pub in 1996 in usual J D Wetherspoon style. Old film posters, air conditioning, no-smoking area. Busy and popular. Wheelchair lift to bar area.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME PCP DA DTShip Westcott Place. A genuine Irish pub, but no real ale
Sportsman 4 Fleet Street, Tel: 421101
Archer Village Bitter, Best Bitter Bass DB, Wadworth 6X, Guest beer
Now stands alone, the surrounding buildings having been demolished. One long bar with a sporting theme decor.
Opened as the 1840s as the Sir Daniel Arms. It was owned by Platts Brewery of Hungerford from whom it went to the South Berks Brewery in 1900 and then to Ushers. After a long closure it reopened in 1993 as the Sportsman.
Open: OAD(7days) ML(NSu) CP PCP DA(not toilet) Garden CR DA(not toilet) RFH Juke boxSteam Railway Newport Street, Tel: 538048 (& Fax)
Archer Golden, Bass DB, Smiles Best Bitter, Wadworth 6X, Whitbread Castle Eden Bitter, Worthington Best Bitter, Guest beers
A coaching inn, now a busy Old Town pub with two bars. The real ale bar is to the right. The old courtyard, now roofed over, forms the other bar.
The White Hart was on this site in 1739. It was renamed the Bull c1782. Bought by Reed in 1844, rebuilt 1876, renamed the Railway Hotel 1881, bought by Groves 1897, renamed Old Town Tavern 1976, became Steam Railway 1992.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME(until8) CP DA DT Patio PB Juke box TV Quiz night(M) QBTap & Barrel 115 Manchester Road, Tel: 432587
Flowers IPA
A drinkers' pub with an Irish theme.
Erected by Strongs of Romsey as the Eastcott Hotel in 1898. Bought by Groves in 1924. Refurbished and renamed the Gladstone in 1982. Altered again in 1988 and renamed the Famous Pint & Cheese. Became the Tap & Barrel in 1995.
Open: OAD(7days) CP Darts crib Juke box TV Live Irish music weeklyVictoria Victoria Road. No real ale.
Wheatsheaf Newport Street, Tel: 523188
Adnams Bitter, H&W Tanglefoot, Wadworth IPA, 6X, Farmers Glory Guest beer
Small traditional front bar with bare board floor. Large new bar at the back with rustic decor and ornamental gallery.
Opened 1820s with a full licence, but reverted to beerhouse after 1835. The original pub had only half the present frontage. The eastern part was added in 1873. Bought by Belmont Brewery in 1887 and by Wadworth in 1938 for £2600. New rear extension 1991.
Open 11-3 5.30-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(NSa) Accom: 3dbl. 3sgl. DA(not toilet) Patio PB Darts chess Juke box TV QBWhite House Corporation Street, Tel: 435364
Archer Best Bitter, Brain Bitter, Courage Best Bitter, Guest beers
Pub near the rail station, recently restored, with a bright cheerful decor.
Erected as the Queens Arms by Sun Brewery in 1841. Extended in 1889 on adjoining land in Gooch Street. Name changed 1910. Sold and refurbished 1996.
Open: OAD(7 days) ML ME Accom: 7dbl. 2sgl. CP DA(not toilet) Garden PB RFH Darts pool Juke box TV Live music weeklyWild Deer 62 Westcott Place, Tel: 523238
Arkell Bitter, 3B
A basic drinkers' local situated on a busy main road.
Opened in 1848 as a beerhouse. Bought by Arkells in 1872. Refurbished 1959, full licence 1961 and further extensive alterations in 1989.
Open 12-3 6.30-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) Accom: 2dbl. 1sgl. CP DA(not toilet) Darts crib pool Juke boxWiltshire Hotel Fleming Way. No real ale
Yates's Wine Lodge Bridge Street. To open late 1997
Cock Robin Cavendish Square. No real ale
Crumpled Horn Eldene Centre, Tel: 533990
Greene King Abbot Ale, Guest beer
Odd-looking estate pub with a spiral bar on several levels. Opened by Ushers in 1975. Outdoor skittle alley.
Open: OAD(7days) PCP Garden with games Darts crib pool Juke box Big screen TV Quiz nights Weekly live musicFox & Pheasant Covingham Square, Tel: 524838
Marston Pedigree, Morland Original, IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Wadworth 6X, Wells Bombadier
Modern pub, about to undergo extensive alterations. Opened by Bass as the Piccadilly in 1969. Refurbished 1979 as a steak bar and renamed the Toby Inn. Altered again and renamed in 1988. Bought by Morrells in 1993 and sold again to Morlands in 1996.
Open: 11-3 5-11(M-F) OAD(Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(Th-Sa) PCP CR DA DT Patio PB RFH Darts crib pool BM TV QBGamekeeper Windsor Road.
Closed at presstime. Future uncertain
Opened by Courage in 1968. The licence was transferred from the Bell & Shoulder of Mutton in Old Town.Liden Arms Liden Centre, Tel: 522800
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Tidy two-bar pub in urban estate shopping centre. Opened by Arkells in 1980.
Open: 11-2.30 6-11(M-Th) 11-4 6.30-11(F/Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML PCP Garden Darts pool Juke box Big screen TV Quiz night(Tu) Live music (F/Sa)Marriott Hotel Marlborough Road. No real ale
Post House Marlborough Road. No real ale
Spotted Cow Coate, Tel: 485832
Bass DB, Greene King Abbot Ale, Webster Green Label
Large single-bar food-orientated pub with a rustic decor and no-smoking area. Situated on the old main road, now bypassed.
Opened as a beerhouse before 1848. Acquired by Reeds c1868. Original pub demolished 1960 to be replaced by a temporary structure which was rebuilt in 1984. Now owned by Greene King.
Open: 11.30-3 5.30-11(M-F) OAD(Sa/Su) ML ME CP DA DT Garden with games Darts BM Big screen TVSun Coate, Tel: 523292, Fax: 694231
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale, Seasonal beers
Large modernised single bar food-orientated pub adjacent to Coate Water country park.
The Sun alehouse was on this site, but it had closed by 1811. It reopened as a beerhouse after 1830, with a full licence granted in 1841. There was a smithy adjoining. Bought by Arkells in 1891. Rebuilt 1936 and refurbished 1989.
Open 11-2.30 6-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME CP DA DT Garden with games RFH BM Big screen TV Live music(Su evg)Worthington Nythe. No real ale
Boundary House The Street, Moredon, Tel: 534186
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Large stone-built pub renovated in Victorian style with lots of dark wood and pictures. The restaurant extension also serves as a family room.
The original Red Lion, which included a butchers shop, was erected by the Slade family before 1861. Bought by Arkells in 1877 who built the present pub on the south side of the original. Altered and renamed in 1990.
Open 11-3 5.30-11(M-Sa) OAD(Su) ML ME CP DA DT Garden with games RFH Juke box TV Quiz nightsDeers Leap Penhill. No real ale
Dolphin Rodbourne Road, Tel: 523844
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Seasonal beers
Big Victorian roadside pub with interesting decor. Bare boards, tiger's head, old furniture and a bar made from a Welsh chapel pulpit. Very handy for the new shopping complex in the old GWR works.
Opened 1873 by Arkells as a fully-licensed house. Completely renovated in 1992.
Open: 11-2.30 5-11(M-F) OAD(Sa) 12-4 7-10.30(Su) ML(M-Sa) CP DA DT Patio Darts crib pool pinball TV Juke box. Occasional live musicDuke of Edinburgh Cricklade Road, Tel: 523643
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Main road Victorian boozer, big, busy and boisterous.
Open as a beerhouse before 1859 known as the Tabernacle or Halfway House. The present pub is next door and was built by Arkells in 1874 at a cost of £1200.
Open: OAD(7days) Accom: 2dbl. 2sgl. CP Patio RFH Darts crib bar billiards pool Juke box TV Live music(F, fortnightly)Famous Ale House Redcliffe Street, Tel: 522503
Archer Village, Golden, Boddington Bitter, Greenall Original, Marston Pedigree, Tetley Bitter, Wadworth 6X, Guest beers
Rambling bar with bric-a-brac and old railway pictures. Disco/dancing floor and raised seating area.
Opened by Groves in 1899 as a fully-licensed house called the Even Swindon Hotel. The beautiful Victorian interior was destroyed in a refit in 1977. Further refurbishment took place early in 1997.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME(NSu) CP DA DT Garden with games Darts crib pool Quiz nights(twice weekly) Live music(pending)Groundwell Farm
A listed farmhouse building, acquired by Whitbread for conversion into a pub/restaurant, to open Spring 1998. The future name is not yet decided. Bass are to build a new pub at Abbeymeads and Whitbread another, at Roughmoor in West Swindon.Fox & Hounds High Street, Haydon Wick, Tel: 724749
Courage Best Bitter, Directors, Guest beer
Formerly a village pub, now encircled by new housing. Pleasant low beamed lounge and busy public bar.
Opened as a beerhouse by the Francome family before 1851. Bought by Reeds in 1877.
Open: 11-2.30 6.30-11(M-F) 11-3 6.30-11(Sa) 12-2.30 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(NSu) CP DA(not toilet) PB Darts crib bar billiards Juke box BM QBManor Farm (provisional name) Blunsdon Road, Haydon Wick
Banks Ale, Bitter, Seasonal beers, Cameron Strongarm, Guest beer
A listed farmhouse building with extensions. To open as a 'Tavern Table' pub/restaurant in 1997.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME CP DA DT Garden with games BMMoonrakers Cricklade Road, Tel: 721017
Arkell Bitter, 3B
Once Wiltshire's largest pub, situated on a busy crossroads. Big noisy public bar and quieter lounge. Large function room.
Built by Arkells in 1931 as the Crossways Club. Became a pub in 1953.
Open: 11-3 6-11(Tu) OAD(W-M) ML(M-F) CP DA DT PB RFH Darts crib pool Juke box TV Live music (Su evg)Princess Beatrice Street, Tel: 535476
Usher Best Bitter, Founders Ale, Seasonal beers. Bulmers cider
Friendly, rambling backstreet local.
Erected by George Whitehead, a well-known Swindon builder, in 1901. Bought at auction by George's of Bristol in 1917. George's amalgamated with Courage in 1961. Sold to Ushers in 1991.
Open: 12-11(M-Sa) 12-10.30(Su) ML(Sa) ME(M-F) Accom: 4sgl. CP DA(not toilet) Patio PB RFH Darts crib pool table football chess draughts pinball. Occasional live musicRodbourne Arms Cheney Manor Road, Tel: 522988, Fax: 513056
Theakston Best Bitter, Old Peculier, Guest beer
Large streetcorner pub with contrasting bars. The public, with 7 TV screens, pool and arcade games, and the split-level lounge with subdued lighting and decor.
Built by Smiths Brewery of Brimscombe in 1905 at a cost of £1700. Bought by Ushers in 1917 for £2000. Completely renovated 1989 and again in 1995.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME CP DA(not toilet) Garden with games. Darts crib pool Juke box BM Big-screen TV Quiz nights. Weekly live music. QBShield & Dagger Thames Avenue, Tel: 522896
Bass DB
A busy estate pub with two large bars, opened by Bass in 1964.
Open: 11.30-2.30 6-11(M-F) OAD(S/Su) ML ME(NSu) CP DA(not toilet) Patio PB Darts pool Juke box Big screen TV Quiz nightSouthbrook Southbrook Street, Tel: 535837
Courage Best Bitter, Directors
A well-hidden pub, with busy bar and comfortable lounge. As a building, this may be older than the George, making it the town's oldest complete pub building. A Grade II Listed Building.
An old farmhouse that was converted to a pub by Clinch in 1956.The licence came from the Golden Lion in Bridge Street.
Open: 11-3 5.30-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(Th-Sa) CP CR DA(not toilet) Garden with games SA PB RFH Darts crib skittles pool Juke box Big screen TV Quiz night Occasional live musicSteam Train Cheney Manor Road, Tel: 535318
Arkell 3B, Seasonal beers
A rarity - a large pub with three-bars, each with its own character. Due for major refit late 1997. This will make the pub more food-orientated.
Opened by Arkells in 1959. The licence was transferred from the Foresters Arms in Fleet Street.
Open 10-2.30 6-11(M-F) OAD(Sa) 12-5 7-10.30(Su) ML(M-F) CP DA(not toilet) Patio with games PB RFH Darts pool Juke box TV QBSwiss Chalet Chapel Street, Tel: 535610
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale, Seasonal beers
Large single-bar pub with an Alpine flavour and a live music policy.
Opened by Arkells in 1964 as the Carpenters Arms to replace the original pub in Cricklade Road. Refurbished and renamed in 1988.
Open: 11-3 5.30-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML(NSu) CP PCP Patio Juke box Live music(Th-Su)
Brookhouse Farm Middleleaze, Tel: 874223
Flowers Original, Morland Original, Old Speckled Hen, Guest beer
A former farmhouse converted and extended by Morlands. The Victorian building contains the high-ceilinged bar and the modern extension the restaurant.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME CP CR DA DT Garden with games Bar billiards BM TV Quiz night(Tu) Occasional live musicDe Vere Hotel Shaw Ridge. No real ale
Harvester West Swindon Centre, Tel: 872400
Tetley Bitter
Modern pub in the shopping complex, with a friendly local clientele. Opened in 1981. A handy place while someone else shops.
Open: OAD(7days) ML(NSu) PCP DA DT Garden with games PB Darts crib pool Juke box Big screen TV Quiz night(Tu)Hotel Ibis Mannington. No real ale
Nine Elms Old Shaw Lane, Tel: 770442
Usher Best Bitter, Founders Ale, Seasonal beers
Redbrick Edwardian building, recently refurbished. Once situated in a hamlet, it is now completely surrounded by new housing. Very hard to find, but worth the effort.
The origins probably lie in an off-licence kept by Henry Norris in 1841. On-licence granted in 1876. Sold to Cirencester Brewery in 1904, the probable date of the present building. Bought by Ushers 1991.
Open: 12-3 6-11(M-Th) OAD(F/Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML(F-Su) ME(W-Su) CP DA DT Patio PB Darts crib pool Juke boxPinkertons Shaw Ridge. No real ale
Shaw Ridge Tavern Shaw Ridge. No real ale
Toot & Whistle Toothill Village Centre, Tel: 486027
Theakston XB
Big split-level estate pub opened by Ushers in 1981, with games room with four pool tables. The name was the result of a competition - the pub is within earshot of the main railway line.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME PCP DA(not toilet) Garden/patio darts pool TV Video juke boxVillage Inn Ramleaze 874604, Fax: 874594
Bass DB, Worthington Best Bitter, Guest beer
An estate pub opened by Bass in 1987. Recently refurbished with separate family area with children's certificate.
Open: 11.30-2.30 5.30-11(M-F) 11.30-2.30 6-11(Sa) OAD(Su) ML ME CP CR DA DT Garden with games PB Darts crib pool Juke box Big screen TV Quiz nights(Su-fortnightly)Windmill Freshbrook Centre, Tel: 873227
Flowers Original, Wadworth 6X, Guest beers
Large, comfortable modern pub. Well-appointed children's' room, games room and secluded garden. Opened by Whitbread as the Cornflower in 1982. Refurbished and renamed 1987.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME PCP CR DA DT Garden PB Darts crib pool Juke box Big screen TV Quiz night(Su) Occasional live music
Black Horse Callas Hill, Tel: 790305
Arkell Bitter, 3B
A true local's pub that has been in the same family's hand for 40 years. CAMRA regional Pub of the Year 1993. New licensees due in May 1997.
A former farmhouse, it was open as a beerhouse called Callis House in 1862. Bought by Arkells for £620 in 1891.
Open 11-3 5.30-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML(NSu) CP DA(not toilet) Garden with swings PB Darts crib BMBrewers Arms High Street, Tel: 790707
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale
Tile floored public bar with exposed stone and marble-topped bar and pool table. Large lounge with conservatory restaurant extension. Garden has animals to amuse the children.
A former brewery and beerhouse that opened before 1861. Home brewing ceased in 1863. Sold to Arkells in 1873, part of the premises were used as a shop. Modernised in 1969 and extended in 1991.
Open 11-2.30 6-11(M-Sa) 12-2.30 7-10.30 (Su) ML ME CP DA(not toilet) Garden with swings and animals etc. PB Darts crib pool Juke box Live music monthly QBCross Keys Burycroft, Tel: 790302
H&W Tanglefoot, Wadworth IPA, 6X, Guest beers
A village pub that has recently been dramatically extended. One large food-orientated L-shaped bar.
A combined beerhouse and grocers that opened before 1861. Sold to the Lamb Brewery in 1929 and rebuilt shortly after, the new pub being directly behind the old. Bought by Wadworths in 1994 and extended in 1996.
Open: 11.30-3 5.30-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME CP DA DT Garden with games BM Quiz night(W)Harrow High Street, Tel: 790622
Brakspear Bitter, Wadworth 6X, Young Special, Guest beer
Beautiful old listed thatched building with three huge fireplaces and a wealth of old beams. The elm table tops were made from the attic floorboards. Separate restaurant. A Grade II Listed Building.
The oldest inn in the village, with deeds back to 1747, when it was known as the Harrow & Kings Head. A home-brew pub until 1863. Bought by the Donnington Brewery of Newbury in 1896, who sold it to Spencers.
Open: 12-3 6-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME(NSu) CP DA Garden RFH QBNew Calley Arms Ham Road, Tel: 790615
Archer Golden, Bass DB, Flowers IPA, Original, Fuller London Pride, Wadworth 6X, Guest beer
Cosy single-bar village pub with a strong local following. Big collection of china mugs. Replaced the Old Calley Arms (opposite) in the mid-1840s. A Grade II Listed Building.
Bought by Reeds before 1840. In 1874 the licensee was fined £5 for being open on Christmas day and sacked by the brewery.
Open:11-2.30 5.30-11(M-Th) 11-3 5-11(Fr) 12-3 6-11(Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML(NSu) CP DA(not toilet). Garden Darts crib. BM Quiz nights. Quiet areaPlough High Street, Tel: 790523
Archer Village, Bass DB, Boddington Bitter, Fuller London Pride, Wadworth 6X. Guest Beer
Listed thatched pub with a wealth of beams and exposed stone walls. Interesting collection of old implements, taxidermy and bric-a-brac. Quiet bar with old tables based on sewing machines and tailor's benches. A Grade II Listed Building.
A beerhouse that opened in a c17 building before 1848. Bought by the North Wilts Brewery in 1879. Sold as a free house in 1955 and then to Wethereds of Marlow in 1968. Taken over by Whitbread in 1969.
Open: 12-2.30 5-11(M-Th) OAD (F/Sa) 12-2.30 7-10.30(Su) ML(M-F) ME(M-Sa) CP Patio DA(not toilet) Darts crib bar billiards
Brown Jack Priors Hill (off A4361), Tel: 812403
Courage Best Bitter, Usher Founders Ale, Seasonal beers
Friendly pub with much racing memorabilia.
Originally a beerhouse known as the Three Horseshoes that opened around 1840. Ducks sold it to the Beaufort Brewery in 1882. Bought by North Wilts Brewery in 1916. Rebuilt c1900. Renamed 1947 honouring a famous local racehorse.
Open: OAD(7days) CP DA(not toilet) Garden with games SA QB RFH Darts skittles pool Juke box TV Live rock music(Tu)Carters Rest High Street (A4361), Tel: 812288
Archer Village, Best Bitter, Golden, 3 guest beers
Good plain honest pub, a Mecca for real ale buffs. Always worth a visit.
Opened c1866 as a beerhouse. Sold to the North Wilts Brewery in 1879. Rebuilt 1904 and sold by Courage in 1980. Bought by Archers in 1991 and refurbished.
Open: 11-3 5-11(M-F) OAD(Sa) 12-4 7-10.30(Su) ML(M-F) CP Patio PB Darts crib BM TV QB Quiz night Occasional live musicFox & Hounds Markham Road (A4361), Tel: 812217(& Fax)
Arkell Bitter, 3B, Kingsdown Ale
Comfortable single-bar pub/motel at the top end of the High Street. The accommodation includes a disabled person's room.
A beerhouse of obscure origins, it was bought by Arkells in 1879. Full licence granted in 1955 and completely rebuilt and extended in 1984.
Open 11-2.30 5.30-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML ME Accom: 4dbl. 4sgl. CP DA(not toilet). Garden with games Darts crib Juke box TV Monthly live jazz.Iron Horse Kerrs Way, Tel: 812944, Fax: 812944
Morrell Best Bitter, Varsity
Well-patronised redbrick estate pub. Opened by Whitbread in 1969 and bought by Morrells in 1992.
Open: 11-2.30 6-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su) ML(NM) ME(NSu/M) CP DA(not toilet) Garden PB Darts crib pool Juke box TV Quiz nights QBThree Tuns High Street (A4361), Tel: 812210
Arkell 3B
Edwardian building with one long bar, divided into distinct public and lounge sections.
One of the two original inns of Wroughton, this was the property of the Prowse family for generations. Arkells bought it from them in 1889 together with an adjoining malthouse. Rebuilt c1900 and modernised in 1962.
Open: OAD(7days)ML ME CP DA(not toilet) Garden RFH Darts pool Juke box TV Occasional live musicVilliers Inn Moormead Road, Tel: 814744
Morland Old Specked Hen, Guest beer
Small cosy hotel bar
Open: 11.30-3.30 6-11(M-Sa) 12-2.30 7-10.30(Su) ML ME Accom: 14dbl. 11twin 9sgl. CP DA DT Garden RFH BM Big sceen TV Occasional live music QBWhite Hart High Street (A4361), Tel: 812436
Wadworth IPA, 6X Farmers Glory, 2 guest beers
Long thatched building with one extensive bar with dining area. Wood panelled walls and huge open fireplace. A Grade II Listed Building.
A beerhouse until 1852, when a full licence was granted, this was the property of Winchester Cathedral estate, who sold it to John Hawkins in 1858. Bought by Belmont Brewery in 1891 and Wadworths in 1938. Internally altered c1981.
Open: 11-2.30 6-11(M-Sa) 12-3 7-10.30(Su). ML ME CP Garden with swings etc. SA RFH Darts crib skittles table skittles shove ha'penny Juke box BMWroughton High Street (A4361), Tel: 81224
Flowers Original, Wadworth 6X, Guest beers
Large pub-restaurant with L-shaped bar. One end is mainly for dining and the other end caters for the younger set.
The deeds go back to 1700, when it was the Coopers Arms. Renamed the Ely in 1864 to honour a famous local racehorse. Bought by the Star Brewery in 1873. Rebuilt in the 1920s. Became the Roast Inn in 1984 and again rebuilt and renamed in 1986.
Open: OAD(7days) ML ME CP DA DT Garden with games Darts pool Juke box TV Quiz night Occasional live music