The Old Passage, Arlingham

It might be called an 'Inn', have pub tables outside and be beautifully located on the banks of the Severn on a popular walking route, but don't try and buy drinks here!

Stopped off on a beautiful hot day for some refreshment, served by surly waitress, charged over ten pounds for 2 pints of shandy. Informed that this was because it was a restaurant, not a pub.

There is no proper bar, no draught beer and unless you've made a booking and intend to spend over £100 on food you're not welcome.

2 Jun 2013 16:59

Fountain Inn, Gloucester

It's worth going here for the food - it really is good. The open fire, too, is great in the winter. Unfortunately, the staff can be rude, it's often very quiet, and the decor is ill-conceived - it's an old building with lovely historic features, so why has it been dressed up like a Changing Rooms makeover gone wrong? Feels chilly - would do much better to bin the naff pictures and curtains and go with a cosy, traditional look. The courtyard, on the other hand, is lovely in summer when it's covered in flowers - someone's made a real effort there. Could live without the piped music outdoors though.

Particularly worth going on a rugby match day, when it's busy and there's more of an atmosphere.

21 Sep 2012 15:46

Cafe Rene, Gloucester

SocietalHeretic is correct - and things haven't changed much since 2010. It's a characterful building and it's almost always busy (unlike most pubs in Gloucester!), and there are good real ales and ciders on tap. It's genuinely lively, and hosts good live music and dancing. On the other hand, you may also witness a wild-eyed man in the beer garden attacking a tree with a stick. As long as you accept this as part of the character, that's fine. The bar staff are mostly very friendly, (bar the manager-type bloke, who is usually distinctly saucer-eyed and jittery by 8pm or so and can be a bit rude). Beer prices are a bit steep, food is nice. Still far and away the best place to go in central Gloucester.

21 Sep 2012 15:34