KINGTON
Olde Tavern (22 Victoria Road on the edge of town, Kington, Herefordshire) (01544) 231384. Strictly speaking this is an Ansells pub and shouldn't be in this guide. However, the pub is of outstanding heritage that it's a must. This pub alone represents old Kington as it is caught in a time warp. There are two rooms and one small bar (though there is a serving hatch for the larger room). Toilets are outside and can be very cold in winter - not for the feint hearted. The small bar is where the locals congregate as there is a fire to warm yourself on. This room is full of odd things like half a fox and beavers head on the walls. There are also old darts lists and letters etc. pinned up - very much a ripping yarn locals pub and you are guaranteed to be starred at. Seating is at traditional basic tables and chairs. The second room has tall pew seats (used as partitions) and others cut out of large barrels - quite dark and due to the height of the furniture, feels small. Beer on at the time were Ansells Bitter, Lloyds Bitter (Ansells) and Tetley Mild - horrible fizzy stuff. No food is served at all and neither is there any music. Out front there is a porch with seats and a small window, very snug. Situated on the edge of Victoria road it's not far from a roundabout. Access for the disabled is limited due to the narrow bars and toilets outside and up a step. No accommodation here but try: Church House, Church Road, Kington, HR5 3AG, (01544) 230544. Single £20, Double £40 per room.
The Royal Oak Inn (Church Street, Herefordshire) (01544) 230484. Situated just round the corner from the Swan Hotel, this is a real coaching inn with olde worlde beamed ceilings and walls that look like they are about to crumble. Covered in old pictures and the like the wooden porch outside gives you a hint of what to expect inside. It's a Marston's pub so the only decent real ales it serves are from the brewery. It takes a special from the Head Brewers Choice regularly however. Food is available 12-2pm and 7-9pm and is simple, but wholesome and not too expensive. There is also a beer garden outside for the summer but no car park, you have to park across the road in the square by the war memorial. There is accommodation here (no details given), but call to check first.
The Swan Hotel (The Square, Herefordshire) (01544) 230510. Situated opposite the town war memorial, this is a narrow 'L' shaped pub and has a bar down the outside wall. Comfortable with padded chairs and wooden tables, though the wallpaper is heavy set. Large stone built bay windows provide a good view of the square and public car park. Pub car park is 50-yards down the road. A free house it serves a number of real ales and serves food 12-2pm and 7-9pm. It also does accommodation (no details provided). Also try: Burton Hotel, Mill Street, Kington, HR5 3BQ, (01544) 230323. Single £40, Double £55 per room.
© Copyright 1996-2003 Real Ale and a Bed. http://www.beerguide.co.uk Last Updated 21 July, 2003
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