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WE'RE ONLY HERE FOR THE BEER
Chris Bates
The George Inn, Frocester, Gloucestershire
Tel: 01453 822302
This Georgian coaching inn is the venue for Glavon's Christmas Dinner on the 2 December. It is situated at the cross roads in the middle of the village at the bottom of Frocester Hill. In the early eighteenth century it was on the main route between Gloucester and Bath, as was the Hunters Hall.
Because of the difficulty in climbing up Frocester Hill alternative routes, the main one being the current A46 through the Nailsworth valley from Dudbridge to Tiltups End were planned and then built in the 1780's. This resulted in great competition between the coaching inns on the different routes as shown by the adverts for the inns in the newspapers of the time.
Christopher Coleman at the George Inn, Frocester wishes to acquaint travellers that a new and judicious cut has been made on Frocester Hill which avoids the village of Nympsfield and renders the route quite easy and pleasant. From this New Road the Traveller is entertained with one of the most extensive and delightful prospects in the Kingdom; the Eye commanding at one View a most beautiful and highly cultivated Vale with the River Severn, the Malvern Hills, the romantic Mountains of South Wales and many other pleasing and picturesque Scenes.
A recent measurement of the roads between Gloucester and Bath has been lately made and that the route through Frocester is, at least a Mile nearer than that through Rodborough. 16 Feb 1784.
Back in the 21st century the George is now owned by the people of the village and is successfully run by them. There are at least three, well kept, real ales on tap while a good selection of wines and spirits are available.
The lounge, where we had our meal, has a large inglenook fireplace and is decorated with copies of old photographs of ancient landlords and people of the village. Although it has avoided a brewery funded makeover into a themed pub its decoration and lighting left something to be desired - it reminded me of the 1960's. A sympathetic restoration, like they have done to the Long Room, could give it more atmosphere. Despite this the homely food was tasty and supplied in large proportions. The barman was especially friendly and efficient.
A big surprise is the very large function room, The Long Room, where we will be having our Christmas dinner.
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WE'RE ONLY HERE FOR THE BEER
Chris Bates
The Lough Pool Inn, Sellack, near Ross-on Wye
Tel: 01989 730236
This attractive black and white inn is situated on the minor road between Ross and Hoarwithy (Map Ref SO 5627). It has a lovely garden with several tables and benches, just the place to cool down after a long drive in the sun with the hood down.
Inside the stone flagged bar provides several real ales, a regular being Wye Valley Butty Bach. There are also local apple juice, ciders and perries available with over 10 wines available by the glass. Although it retains a traditional pub atmosphere it has a strong accent on food. The restaurant is especially popular and at weekends it is best to book a table if you are travelling a long way there.
The food is based on the best of fresh local ingredients and the menu changes regularly. When we ate there the vegetables included brussel tops - not normally served as pub grub. The menu is quite expensive: £14 for rib eye steak and £13 for rabbit in cider, but well worth it. Although some way out of the Glavon area this pub is well worth the effort in finding it.
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