The Old Spot, Dursley - pub details

Seems to be maintaining its reputation following the sad loss of Ric Sainty. Not very inviting from the outside but lovely old place inside. Staff friendly and efficient, encouraged us to taste samples so we could choose our lunchtime pints. Well-kept ales, excellent range, mainly local but it looks like anything could pop up here – just the right temperature too in a world of overcooled beers. Friendly locals too. If you really want to eat here, best to book. We visited Monday lunchtime and only just got a table. The food is good-quality reasonably-priced pub fare, but a mark knocked off for not much veggie choice.

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krislee - 4 Nov 2008 15:07

Sounds like you were in a different pub to me. I certainly didn't smell anything untoward.

Also, CAMRA PotY. There are many criteria. But it's certainly not wholly based on the amount of ales on offer, it's about how good those on offer are; whether it's one minute after opening or one minute before last orders. Having 10+ ales on the go means little if two/three/four of them aren't any good at any one time. Sometimes too much choice is no choice at all.

And since when was Cornwall near Gloucestershire anyway? :o)

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Quinno - 27 Aug 2008 13:31

There's no doubt that this is a good pub. Nice place, knowledgeable, friendly landlord and well kept ale.

BUT...it's supposed to be CAMRA's Pub of the Year 2007, i.e. the best pub in the country. It certainly isn't. It does only 7-9 ales (I know it's a fair few, but compare that with dozens of places across the country that do 10+), the beers were all pale when I was there, not a dark one in sight, the place stank of p!ss.

It really is worth a visit, as it's a very good pub, but best in the country? If you're in the area, you'd be better off trying The Blisland at Blisland, Cornwall (2000 CAMRA P.O.T.Y.) or Tom Cobley at Spreyton, Devon I(CAMRA P.O.T.Y. 2006.

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Spodgey - 27 Aug 2008 12:43

Very sad to hear of the recent passing away of ex landlord & owner Ric Sainty, what a character he was.

Very jealous that Quinno found Sarah Hughes on sale his visit, not had it myself in years:-) Though the Oakham JHB on sale on my last visit was probably the single best pint of bitter I have drunk this whole year.

Dyson hand dryer? Personally it's one of the main reasons I visit, to quote Uncle Bryn from Gavin & Stacy - "It's fantastic!". No truly, it really is and well worth a visit to the freshly upgraded lavvies for. It's a 40 mile round trip for me to visit this pub but one that is always worth it and I always make sure I am not the driver.

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MisterX - 26 Aug 2008 22:47

Where to begin?

Excellent range of well-kept ales (I almost died and went to heaven when I spotted Sarah Hughes dark Ruby Mild on the go), a warm welcome and a good selection of nice food.

Lots of paraphernalia around the walls - old clips, ceramic drinking mugs etc.

One fault I would pick, is that the outside patio heaters seem to be permanently on. I'm no Swampy, but that really is a waste of electricity - get one of those push-button timer systems in and do your bit to save the planet!

Otherwise, near-perfect. Well done.

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Quinno - 22 Aug 2008 21:23

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