Atherstone Social

On Saturday 23 Nov 2024 eight hardy souls arrived at Atherstone just after noon. We then took the short walk from the station to Long Street and our 1^st pub ‘The Wheatsheaf’. The only available cask ale was Bass which fortunately for us was in very good form.

Our next pub was the ‘New Swan’ which was up a side street towards the Market Place. This again had a very acceptable pint of Bass as the only cask offering. We were informed by the licensee that although they had 3 hand pulls they did not get enough demand to put them all to use!

The third pub was the ‘Angel Ale House’ which is the sole GBG 2025 entry for Atherstone and deservedly so! A good selection of cask ales on top form were present on the bar and I opted for the Milestone New World Pale. At least one of our party opted for the Beowulf Dragon Smoked Stout.

So far all 3 pubs visited were very quiet but this was probably down to a national warning of heavy rain. Having said that, the next pub on the opposite side of the Market Place was busy and we were lucky to acquire seats. This was the ‘Market Tavern’ which also served a decent selection of cask ales, and was the only pub so far that had a good selection of bar meals. It also had a roaring, solid fuel fire which nearly tempted us to stay put for a second pint!

Move on we did and the next pub was the ‘White Horse’ which had 3 ales including the locally brewed, Church End Fallen Angel. Sadly, although it looked clear this was not in good form at all and was starting to taste of vinegar. As the barman poured me a replacement he suggested that Fallen Angel was fine but is an acquired taste? After I struggled through the replacement pint it was time for 3 of us to catch our train back to Stafford, so we left the others to continue on to the ‘Hat & Beaver’ and the ‘Old Swan’ at the far end of Long Street.

As usual, we all had a thoroughly enjoyable pub visit to Atherstone and will most likely arrange another one at some time in the future.