The Ale Wagon  

This is the tap for Hoskins and Oldfield's (Hoskins Brothers) beers. Close to the railway station it is a must stop for beer travelers. Most nights it has at least 4 H&O ales on tap with the new beers coming round before they go anywhere else.

On this occasion it was Bangkok Gold 4.0%, but there is always a mild on and some of the favourites. More recently they have started to serve up to three rotating guest ales (three on a Wednesday means they are serious about their ale and about customer choice). Not the best pub interior design and could do with a real refurbishment - soon. The floor is pure 1970s in both bars and the 'lounge has a fireplace (not used) and old square tables and chairs in various styles/colours, there is even a 3-piece suite by the short bar - no working hand pumps.

The 'public' bar is also bare floored and it is here where the hand pumps are. The bar is a through bar and you can see into the lounge easily. There is bench seating round the walls with stools and round tables. You can also sit at the bar on tall stools, though doing so on a busy day will cause inconvenience.

There is access to the toilets from both bars and these are very basic affairs (in need of refurbishment), but get the job done. Don't let the decor put you off - magnolia walls and pea green ceiling, the beer is well kept and served in a traditional no nonsense boozer and I go regularly as there is no music or pretentious people there.

No food is served, but access for the disabled is possible, but not to the toilets.

A recent service they have started is ordering Hoskins 18/36 pint polypins for home. Give them a few days and you can have any of the beers on brew.

Leicester Pub of the Year 2004.

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Also Try:

Kings - King Street. 4 ales.

The Talbot - 4 Thurston Rd. Guest ales.

The Cow and Plough, Oadby - excellent pub.

The Globe, 43 Silver Street, Leicester. 0116 262 9819 - Everads/plus guests.

The Ship Inn, Soar Lane, Leicester. 116 262 4415 - Oakwell Barnsley Bitter and Old Tom.

The Shakespears Head, Southgates, Leicester. 0116 262 2421 - Oakwell Barnsley Bitter and Old Tom.




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