8 Pubs, All CAMRA Unendorsed
Day 1 of "A Wiltshire Way" delivers me into Marlborough. Having passed not a single open pub since Swindon, I am delighted to have 8 to play in on a Saturday night. That's a lot to be not bothering the Bible, but has CAMRA got it right in their mass exclusion?
After the church, the first building I pay attention to is my digs for tonight. The handsome Bear.
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| Look closely - Arkells |
Sadly, the first pint on the Odyssey is Arkells. Beer for people that think Donnington Ales are too racy.
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| The blandest IPA |
From a resident's perspective, I know I'm doomed. The bunting is going up for a 50th Birthday Party. Space is being made for a band. At least they were a good band. Their midnight-approaching encore was Nick Cave's "Red Right Hand".
A walk down the broad high street to find out what else is on offer.
The Tap is a hidden away little micro, where a very expensive French restaurant was also found for my evening meal. It's takeaways on benches from here on in, blog-fans. Nothing very memorable in this shop conversion but you can tell they are trying. 2/3rds of a Lost and Grounded Helles panic-bought.
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| Beer Here |
Surprisingly, a newly redecorated gastro-pub, The Marlborough, provided not only pint of the day, but pint of the week. I stumbled upon Ramsbury Gold in many places over the trip - but it was never served as perfectly as it was here. I suppose for £6.10, I should demand excellence.
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| Everything Local - which is the way they like it in these parts |
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| Excellence - for a price |
For a Saturday night, there's not a great deal going on in town. I'll lump Wellington Arms, Royal Oak, Castle and Ball and Green Dragon together. The first, a rough and ready (for the town) locals pub. The middle two Greene King pubs - with one I couldn't even bring myself to stop at - such was the poor beer choice. The final one a Wadworth house. Swordfish - a rum infused session ale - always makes me giggle.
To be fair to the Castle and Ball, friendly al fresco drinkers did engage me in conversation and provided me with the first laugh of the week. It's probably not a great idea to hurl abuse at drivers of yellow Lamborghinis when they have the top down. Rich B, for that was his number plate, did stand up for himself.
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| For the local drinkers |
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| Quite dreadful - not often I refuse a pub |
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| Castle and Ball unphotographed - The Green Dragon |
My prickers of pomposity did provide me with the local intel required. A Chas and Dave tribute act in the Lamb.
No way was this to be missed.
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| Do Sainsbury's still sell rabbit? |
I've never noticed the beautiful lyricism of Gertcha before but sadly left before Snooker Loopy.
Conclusions? The town delivered less than it promised by the number of options. The beer in the Marlborough is worthy of a Good Beer Guide tick. Don't book rooms in pubs with shared bathroom facilities.
Other people are animals.
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