please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Nothing's changed, like stepping back 30 years, the Hoskins beers were fine.
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Basic scruffy local's place with a decent range of ales at good prices.
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Still a good old school city centre boozer - a bit like a large version of the Rovers in Stan Ogden's day.
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The Ale Wagon is still one of Leicester's best alehouses. Little has changed since my last visit. Ales on this time were Burton Bridge Draught Ale, Grainstore Steelback IPA, Hoskins Brothers Bitter, Green & Gold & IPA & Belvoir Dark Horse. Cider was Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. Most of the locals are friendly.
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Doesn't deserve such a low rating. A bit of an 'old man's' pub but that is in no way a bad thing. A load of local beers on the pumps. I can't remember the names, but the 3 I tasted were all in good condition. Would happily go back.
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Still a classic Leicester pub. Although there are quite a few that I can now see are better. It was very quiet again on this, my second visit. Ales were Bradfield Farmers Blonde, Hoskins Brothers Hob Bitter & IPA & Newby Wyke HMS Resolution. Cider was still Broadoak Kingston Black.
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Conspicuously quiet after the Rugby match (no bad thing), this is the Leicester pub I always end up in despite all the things against it; a few old blokes, rubbish decor, tired beer (Hoskins IPA good today though), sometimes less than welcoming, Bon Jovi on the tape machine. Fantastic welcome tonight, and a classic pub.
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Wood panel bar.Wood and tile floor. Needs a tidy up.
A bit souless on my visit. I thought the Hoskins Hob bitter was only average
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A good old school boozer with good ales. Doesn't open till late on a Sunday.
anonymous - 21 Sep 2012 18:06 |
I really do like this sort of pub. It offered a quiet retreat from the city centre pubs showing the England game that were full of 'fans' that seem to enjoy shouting at big screens. The pub was understandably quiet, with only a few older boys present. The landlord seemed a bit sulky. But I couldn't argue with the beer range - Burton Bridge Burton Porter, Belvoir Best, Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde & Hoskins IPA & Hob Bitter. Cider was Broadoak Kingston Black. The interior seemed very worn. But I'm always drawn to this sort of place. The Ale Wagon is a proper boozer and really worth some of your time.
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An excellent little pub. Quick, polite service and a good range of beers. The HOB which I chose was superb.
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Perfectly pleasant reception from the landlady, pub as basic as ever (I'd say unspoilt), Hoskins ESX was OK.
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I loved this pub. It reminded me of the sort of place one's Grandad would've frequented. A nice change from some of the colder atmosphere's found in the city centre.
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Excellent backstreet city centre alehouse. Hoskins beers plus guests and ciders. It has quite a spartan interior, but that fits well with the place. It's just off the main street through the town and quite handy for the train station. Well recommended.
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Loved it, plenty of Hoskins beers on, all that we tried were tasty and well-served, the HOB standing out as excellent. A proper pub, with good beer, and an incredibly friendly barmaid, could not fault the place. I had heard of the landlady's reputation, but was disappointed, I smiled and was friendly, and she responded in kind.
Thanks to all at the pub, had a great time before the football, and will definitely return subject to relegation/ promotion.
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Sadly, landlord as grumpy as ever, though to be fair I did enjoy the challenging beer range - a pub for the pub enthusiast !
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*** BEER FEST UPDATE ***
According to the Leicester Drinker, the Ale Wagon will be holding a Beer Festival on Friday 3rd / Saturday 4th of September.
As with previous events this one should be worth a visit - nice to see it ADVERTISED for a change!
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Have to post an update here following a mid-week, midday visit.
Arrived approx 12.15 to find the Landlady and two customers in the pub; normally one would expect (at a quiet time like this) that the service would be pretty good, yes...?
No chance.
Having scanned the bar and seen only Hoskins brews plus one Burton Bridge guest ale, I opted for a quick coke before moving on.
What I received was half a pint of flat cola (which tasted nothing like coke), served with no offer of ice or lemon, and was charged an extortionate �1.20 for the priviledge.
Once again the quality of service left me feeling like something you find on the bottom of your shoe when you walk through a playing field popular with ignorant dog owners.
My advice has to be, if Granny Death is working the bar, turn and walk out again.
Some people REALLY should not go into the Service Industry.
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In a good naturted way, I tried calling the boss Bob, as in Bob Hoskins. He was not amused.
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Attended recent St. Georges weekend Beer Festival (as usual, poorly advertised and managing to coincide with well advertised Criterion festival) and found the pub as it alwasy is.
Perhaps finally starting to be recognised in here as the Hoskins Bros were almost affable on this occasion.
Not their best selection of ales, but still managed to pick up a few ticks in the shape of:
Mallinsons - Ballot Box, 4.3%
Mallinsons - Rio Harbour, 3.5%
Hop Back - English Hop Medley, 4.0%
Six Bells - Bobby Dazzler, 4.0%
Sadly the Hoskins (Tower) beers remain as unpalatable as ever...
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Went in there on a Saturday, and the place was dead. No attempt to make (obvious) first-time visitors welcome and the decor's very dated.
That said, a decent little selection of beers, and an excellent cleavage from the barmaid
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This is an excellent 1930's pub, its interior undergoing careful restoration. The hosts, the Hoskins family, have been brewing since 1895 I believe, though unfortunately this not the case now. However, they have confirmed that brewing will commence not far in the future, either at the pub or another location. The beer served is always in fine condition and with a good selection. I particularly enjoyed the recent beer festival (Winter 2009) with a wide range of well kept ales and ciders, particularly considering it was served from a stillage. Overall great beer and fine hosts.
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Comments below are true. The beer is well kept but the atmosphere and service are dire.
Slake - 19 Oct 2009 22:21 |
Oops, meant pleasant young lady serving!!
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Interesting comments below. Called in again recently and there was a pleasant young lady service. Clientele seem to be mostly regulars and the place very much reminds me of what a proper 60s pub probably was.
Ale was excellent as ever, in fact the best pint I had in Leicester that evening!
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If you like real beer and ill mannered bar staff then this is the place to go.The pub is owned by the 2 Hoskins brothers and their sister,she in particular is surly at best and can be hostile and aggressive,the brothers are just plain odd and antisocial.When I complained about her rudeness,I was barred,not that I would have returned anyway.This is the first and only time I have ever been barred from a pub,or anywhere else for that matter.GOOD BEER,AWFUL SERVICE,YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.RATINGS BEER = 8,SERVICE = 0,SO AVERAGE = 4.Big christoph
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Had a large selection of beers on the bar but all that were tried were average. Pub had a strange smell.
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Beer Festival coming up this weekend (Friday 14th - Sunday 16th August)
Worth a look - not usually too adventurous but generally a decent selection.
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Excellent choice of ale and in good condition. The pub, to be fair is a bit of a "barn" and service accurately described as "surly"
Roof was leaking during a heavy rainshower last time I was in!
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Surly service and a bit of a dump to be honest. Real ale was ok though
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Called in to this pub in March while in Leicester for the beer festival. It is one we always like to visit for beer quality and we enjoyed a couple of their own Hoskins beers. EXS 5.0% and Grandad Tom's Porter 5.0%. Lovely! Interesting mix of customers and good flow of conversation.
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A great atmosphere especially when frequented by the trendy friday night gang led by a strange lanky guy with longish greying hair (I think he's called Slak). He seems to have a particularly good relationship with the Hoskins brothers who treat him with great deference. Great pint of Fosters.
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This had been recommended to us on Tripadvisor in time for a recent rugby related visit to Leicester and although it looks like a real locals haven from the outside I cannot fault the quality of the beer or the beautiful way myself and my girlfriend we're welcomed by the landlady. Several samples of the XCS and Old Navigation later, we began our evening warmed by not only the beer. It's only a small sample of the pub, but when we return to Leicester, we'll definitely aim for at least one or two here!! Cheers!!
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A strange place, evidently opended up at some point in the past from a multi-roomed pub.Consequently it is a bit barn-like. The ale range and quality seemed good from my initial visit last Saturday. For a Saturday night the place wasn't very busy but then again the atmosphere wasn't right but I can't really pinpoint why.
Most of the customers would not win any beauty contests but I found the place friendly enough (and I'm not past fifty yet).
I think the jury is out for this particular reviewer and another visit is called for, so an average score for now.......
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A hoskins pub with 5 of their own beers plus 2 guests. Not a very inviting pub , the beers I tried were all of good quality. The barmaid was friendly but the pub itself seemed aloof! Very old looking interior could do with a bit of TLC to cheer it up. Worth a look in if in the area.
lotus - 28 Feb 2009 11:56 |
Worth a visit during their elusive festivals (funny how they always seem to coincide with a well advertised fest at one of their local rivals) but otherwise one to avoid.
Core clientele are very local and inclined to sit in (un)comfortable silence ... newcomers beware, the looks you will probably receive on enetering (especially if you happen to be under 50) may not flay you alive but could probably turn your beer.
Having said that, if you come in on a non-festival day you probably wouldn't notice given the very hit and miss quality of the ales on offer.
If on the other hand you've had a personality bypass and a tedious fixation with Beam & Traction engines you'll be assured a hearty welcome - the charming land lady might even serve you without a scowl!
All Hoskins beers contract brewed by Tower.
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I can understand why people think the lady behind that bar is rude, but me and my mates always have a good laugh with her! I don't think she means to look 'unwelcoming' as some have put.
I've become a regular in there over the past few weeks and don't plan on changing anytime soon. As for a lack of atmosphere... I think the character in the place makes up for that. Well I'd recommend the Ale Wagon anyway!
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Agree with previous reviewer. Rude woman behind the bar. Pub was near enough empty on a weekday lunchtime. Wide selection, I plumped for a 3.8% guest (I forget the name, it was a long day), huge disappointment. �2.40 as well, unacceptable. Will not be returning.
Sharp - 13 Nov 2008 22:55 |
good selection of ales, however quality is inconsistant. very unfreindly and unwelcoming staff. what a shame!
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Enjoyed good pints of Hobbs Bitter and Brigadier. The atmosphere debate below is probably one of personal taste as much as anything. The pub has high ceilings and is not a "cozy boozer" but a decent town pub and extremely god beers looked after by an enthusiastic landlord.
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What are all these reviewers looking for with their comments about �atmosphere�? I found the welcome friendly & down to earth from the locals and the knowlegeable, beer enthusiastic guv. The pub has a simple interior with L-shaped bar serving two rooms, nothing wrong with that, or the local feel of the place. Hoskins beers, EXS (5%), Brigadier, Hob Bitter, Mild, Navigation Ale (7%), Tollgate TGB, Ale Wagon Traditional Cyder (8%). I nearly missed this place due to its artificially low rating on these pages, but I�m glad we caught a few well-conditioned beers here before heading off to the train.
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It's a pub on my circuit in Leicester. I'm a ticker so only an occasional tick here for me. They do regular fests but for a reason only known to themselves they fail to advertise them. Guys people will come if you let them know! The beer is well kept. If you like to drink in oppressive victorian dad style silence this will be your bag. The Hoskins lads keep threatening to brew. I think i'll open a brewery before they get around to it.
Worth a visit on a beer fest. Look on scoopgen if you want that info
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Does lack Atmosphere,but found the beer of good quality and staff very helpful.Do not think they will be brewing their own beer there as the site is not big enough.The interior does still require more tlc but it still welcoming.
lotus - 30 Mar 2008 11:23 |
I would agree with most of the other comments that this pub serves excellent ales but lacks atmosphere. It is nice in some ways that it seems to have changed very little since the middle of teh last century but wothout the atmosphere it is not somewhere that I would want to use all the time.
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Called in for the recent beer festival that I had not seen advertised but heard about in the Vaults. There was a good range of beers available, and I enjoyed those I had.
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There has been some (slow) progress over the years, with refurbishment and redecoration. Time will tell if it eventually turns into a pub as good as The Swan & Rushes or The Criterion. I've never had a problem with the staff, and I've always found the beer to be excellent. Once I was a third of the way through my pint when one of the Hoskins brothers brought another over to me. "Have this one instead, it's from a new barrel". That's what I call good customer service! The Hoskins EXS really hits the spot. The HOB's not bad either. That said, I agree with some of the other comments about the lack of atmosphere, etc.
Slake - 30 Oct 2007 22:27 |
Service was surly, ale range was limited, and quality was left wanting. Won't be going again. Enough said!
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The moon has rather more atmosphere than this pub.
Can be intimidating for an outsider, felt like a lamb to the slaughter when going upto the bar.
Certainly a shame as it has been known to have the occasional good beer (ok, once in a blue moon).
anonymous - 8 Oct 2007 21:41 |
Just down the road from the new Arts Centre, this is stilla good reason to visit Leicester's Cultural Quarter. An exceptional range of real ales is avilable and the festivlas are very good as well. The only fault of the place is a very lowkey atmosphere and some cliquey locals. The pub does seem to have been having some success in attracting yuonger regulars recently and is usually buzzing after work on Friday afternoons.
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Superb beer range and top quality, but lacks atmosphere. Best to take your friennds and provide your own atmosphere!
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Extensive, unusual ale range let down by an unfriendly, lifeless environment. Even during one of their in-house beer "festivals" we were sneered at & generally couldn't wait to leave.
Such great potential but sorely lacking in atmosphere. Do the only sensible thing & take the short walk to OUT OF THE VAULTS on King Street where the beer range is even bigger & more unusual, the atmosphere is terrific & the staff will take your money with a smile on their faces.
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This place looks better at night when the lights are on. Beerwise it can�t be faulted with 9 pumps dispensing real ales including several Hoskins beers which are at present contract brewed until the pub�s own brewery is ready.
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Two big rooms with a smattering of old men looking at the Racing Post and waiting for something to happen, like tumbleweed to blow past perhaps.
Has an alright Real Ale range and the Dolphin wheat beer was nice. A regular comedy evening was advertised too. It'd have to be bloody good to get the resident old farts to chuckle though.
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