RUGBY.

The Alexandra Arms (72 James Street, Rugby, Warwickshire) (01788) 578660. A few yards from the town centre and just down from the post office and multi-storey car park in a side street. A two room pub which includes a games room with bare floors at the back so as not to disturb the drinking public. The lounge bar has a wooden square bar area with overhang. Serving here is usually two guest beers Mauldon Midsummer Gold and Teignworthy Reel Ale. Normal beers are Pedigree Abbot and Ansells Bitter. Seating is a mixture of benches, chairs and stools around square and round tables. The atmosphere is very welcoming and there are a lot of locals who regularly frequent this pub. Not too far from the railway station if you wish to walk, but a taxi might be wise if you don't know the streets. Food is served both lunch and evening and is traditional, but not too expensive (a new Wetherspoon a few streets away will keep prices down). Outside there is a big beergarden where they hold the occasional summer beer festival (June 23-25 2000), where up to 34 real ales were served. Choice of beers was safe rather than exciting, and the prices were a little steep. A previous CAMRA pub of the year which serves real cider in the summer only. No accommodation here but try The Legend on the corner of Albert Street. It's a pub with a funny name. You could also try The Three Horseshoes, 22 Sheep Street, (01788)544585, a large pub with 32 rooms and a discount for CAMRA members. A quiet pub.

Also try:

The Arnold Arms, Ware Road, Barby, Rugby CV23 8UE.01788 891403.

The Arnold Arms Super local and destination food pub set in an idyllic village. A range of cask ales and good choice of wine. New lunch time and evening menu with daily specials board. Separate dining area, children welcome, beer garden with play equipment, large car park. Pool table in tap room.