The Shepherd's Rest, Swindon

It's had a chequered history due to various changes of management, but at time of writing not a bad place for drink and food. Suffers from being somewhat off the beaten track so you have to drive to get there, but very handy for The Ridgeway. Head down the hill into the village of Wanborough and you have the pick of six pubs, the best of which are The Black Horse and The Plough.

14 Jul 2008 16:30

The Knights Templar, Chancery Lane

Stumbled across this by accident and it was a gem of a find. Could only stay for one drink as they were about to close the place for a wedding but the beer was great and the surroundings very impressive. I'm not usually very keen on pub chains but Weatherspoons do seem to do a good job at retaining these old buildings.

28 Apr 2008 17:19

The Rose and Crown, Huish Episcopi

Recently launched to fame as a result of Ian Marchant's book The Longest Crawl, this is one of those pubs you just have to visit. The beer and food are excellent, but what really makes this place stand out is it's unique character. One of the few pubs in the country without a bar, you order your drinks in a tap-room which has numerous rooms and crevices radiating from it, the whole being furnished and decorated in an eclectic, antique style. The landlord couldn't have been more charming or helpful, and the regulars were equally as friendly. I can't think of anywhere else in the world I would rather spend a couple of hours.

5 Nov 2007 18:05