An OK pub, could do with a little decorating, Beer was good. Went in on Tuesday market day though when "all tables are for diners only" according to the menu. I didn't eat and sat down on principle as there was plenty of tables free. The outside area was in need of cleaning however.I agree with Chrismouse - this place has seen much better days. A bland pub made worse by the barman having soap-dodger Newton Falkner on repeat on the stereo. Not even the whole album, just the 2 or 3 songs (you know, the Massive Attack cover, the Jack Johnson style paint-by-numbers effort, and "the hit"). I suspect the barman (who looked like he'd been up all night playing Dungeons and Dragons) kept skipping back and playing them over and over because he like them, with total disregard to the cringing customers (we were the only ones there).

I was hoping for a cider, but it was off, so I went for some CAMRA endorsed Vanilla Bumble Beer in bottle that was flat and awful. Couldn't get out of the place quick enough.In a word its Tired looking.
Lacking atmos, the staff are all miserable with long faces and not even a thank you as you leave. (and that when the pub is empty). The decor is in desperate need of updating or at least painting. The seats look tired and grubby. Beer selection can be good with Local and Cornish ale on tap along with a couple of Ciders.
The outside court yard area and rear garden seating are failing apart. which i suppose matches the pub itself.
To sum up, It needs to keep traditional but have a more friendly/warm welcome.

What a disappointment. Barwoman was pleasant and enthusiastic but the beer was woeful. Barrels were on the bar with no cooling whatsoever except for a long dried wet bartowel. IKB was dire,replaced with apologies by Butcombe (I think). Barwomans enthusiasm ran out after the arrival of a friend with a baby. Sorry folks but Fr Jack is an honest man so AVOID is the word if you're after decent ale.Quite simply the best pub in Gloucester centre. I'm not a regular but it is always a pleasure to visit.This is a great little place - infamous for its decor (ceilings made of bottles, a bar made of barrels etc) and it does some decent beers too. All kinds of people get in here on a wednesday night and on weekends - from silent old men to gothic sorts. Downstairs (the 'dungeon' as I call it) is a very warm cellar where there is another bar (sans ale) and generally a DJ playing. Great pub any time of day or night. Food is excellent too.

Still one of the best in the City, always busy but rarely too crowded.I now withdraw its status as the best in the city. It has been eclipsed by another nearby, its beer range is not exciting nor cheap. Still good for food.I worked here a couple of years ago - and with the disliked ex-owners gone, it's a great pub. A very ordinary selection of beers, but they're favourites. Nice seating area and good food (Steak is a little pricey though.)

Long established Spoons now marketed as a Lloyds. Made out of an old cinema. Not the horror movie it could be-a few decent staff seem to stop it slipping into oblivion. Better kept and better range of ale than the Water Poet. I suppose a mid-range spoons would be the best description. The £3 lasagne was good,and the Mauldons silver adder was a surprise and a delight. well, I love the food!! they've got very good range of beers. nice atmosphere, good pub to start a night out on fri and sat. But there is one thing. THE SERVICE ON FRI AND SAT!!! ITS ALL C**P!!! there is one guy, somebody told me he's polish. all I know they call him Mike. He's like clearing 20 people off the bar in 5-7mins. So the word of advice: EMPLOY more foreigners cause they work twice as hard as english!!!!Over worked and stressed bar staff. Cheap drinks and not a bad atmosphere.

My Wife and I ate in the restaurant of this pub on 19th April 2008. The chips were pale and undercooked. The battered fish was pale and limp and heaving with grease. The plate was swimming in fat. The worst plate of fish and chips ever endured in my life. We were offered Bass beer and this turned out to be Bass Creamflow. A disgusting way to finish off a an appalling meal. It was better when Berni operated it!!When I come to Gloucester I come here for ale. Don't think it's been decorated since WS passed through! Good beer range that is generally in good condition. Oversized beer glasses will please CAMRA members!Past its prime but better than it was for some years. I like its beer range and its prices. For real ale it's in my top 5 in a city poor on real ales.

I have been in here before and had a good pint of Hobgoblin. Today was an exceptionally hot day and I found the Hob flat and warm. Come on Pig, you're a good pub - don't let the weather get you down!A very tatty bar haunted by goths and bikers. Formerly a night where 15 year olds went to drink whilst watching some terrible band. Couple of beers on tap, A Wadworth and the Goth favourite 'Hobgoblin.'This is a basic back street type of boozer with a special and welcome twist. It hosts live music three nights a week (Friday - young Metal & Punk bands, Saturday - blues and rock bands, Sunday - accoustic bands). It boasts the best juke box in Gloucester if you like rock music). Has two real ales, well kept. rest of the range basic but everyone can get a drink! Hosts Gloucestershire's only dedicated Goth night. Friendly, approachable - don't expect trendies and posers - expect bikers, rockers and real people. This is a real pub - Camra probably hate it!

As Lovejoy says it is a lovely pub but, since the change of management, the pub has gone into a decline. Ales are not as varied as they used to be, and 4 are now I believe after making enquires, are permenant. Bass, Flowers Original, Marstons Pedigree and Timothy Taylors Landlord , plus 2 from Butcombe.
The last time I was in there ( the day of this posting) 2 pumps were not in use.A lot of "regulars " are now going elsewhere for their beers.This place alone used to make it worth a trip to Gloucester. Lovely building, friendly staff, fantastic array of beers all of which very interesting choices, and all very well kept too.
On my last visit in March 08, it seemed as if there had been a change of ownership. The bar staff were indifferent, the range of beers while not smaller had become more generic and all of that lively atmosphere had been sucked out of the place. A real shame. I hope this was just a blip.Now probably the best pub in town for real ale selection and food. Very busy before rugby games.

Nice pub. But very hot given that it was a very hot day. Had the Doom Bar. It was warm and flat. Like most of the beer I'd had in Gloucester up till then!Big "TO LET" sign over the door. Walked in. Music appeared to stop. Only 1 punter in. Fierce looking bird behind bar. Only Doombar on. Felt scared. Pretended to look for someone. Walked out.

Landlord was whingeing on BBC news on the anniversary of the cancerstick ban as to how bad trade is. Enough said. a modernish high street pub, but done out in timber beam. pleasant enough, but not very authentic.
clean and presentable but nothing spectacular.
more interesting pubs in the area.
see "nearby" above.
cask ales: sharpes doom bar, fullers london pride.