The Great Western Hotel, Basingstoke

A pub that has changed a lot over the last year - and for the better. Gone are the anti-social mob, the under age and other undesirables (I wn't go into detail). Smart furnishing, great bar staff - if you're lucky you'll get to meet the great Tee-Jay, and two real ales. No food though which is a shame as there is a large hotel kitchen that is just not used. Live music at least once a week.

26 Dec 2011 12:20

Queens Arms, Basingstoke

It's been a while since I visited Basingstooke so I popped into the Queens Arms before catching my train. Very handy for the railway station. Last time I was there the landlady was a very efficient young woman who somehow seemed to effortlessly blend running a business with being a chatty host. The atmosphere was that of a well run traditional local with loads of banter, great beer selection and wonderful food. She's not there any more which is a shame. In her place is a high energy (some might say hyperactive) bloke who darts around everywhere getting in the way of the bar staff. (I overheard one customer refer to him as Basil Faulty.) The beer range was OK but the pint I had was, well, not great. It tasted as though it had been on for longer than it should have been. As my train was due I had no time to ask for a replacement but it really shouldn't have been served in the first place. The food menu seemed fine if a little dumbed down and there were people eating. But the atmosphere I remembered had gone. OK, new regime new way of doing things but I miss the old Queens Arms.

17 Jul 2011 19:48