The independent book, compiled by members of the consumer organisation The Campaign for Real Ale, lists over 4,500 of their recommendations.
There are entries listed throughout the local area ranging from small town centre bars to large country pubs, but the common feature is the serving of good quality beer.
A surprise to many is that Andover with its choice of pubs only gains a single entry, it being the excellent ANDOVER TAP at THE LAMB which is soon to celebrate its first birthday in the renovated historic Lamb Inn.
The ‘Tap’ has made its mark for its excellent selection of beers, both cask and keg. The next nearest pub is just out of town at Abbotts Ann where the EAGLE INN makes a very welcome return to the Guide, a pub where traditional community hospitality rules the roost.
The Bourne valley sees a number of entries including the excellent GEORGE INN to the north of the area at Vernham Dean where service and quality always comes first.
Further south at Longparish both pubs make the grade, the traditional village style CRICKETERS INN with its lovely garden and old-fashioned hospitality rules, while the community-owned and managed PLOUGH INN is a shining example of a village pulling together to save a loved local pub. The Plough reaches the pages for the first time.
Next down the valley to be selected is the lovely ABBOTS MITRE at Chilbolton, sitting in the village centre is renowned for its local beers and good food.
Over at Whitchurch, a small town known for its support for local pubs, only one makes the cut for 2023, being the traditional PRINCE REGENT, known for its no-frills welcoming atmosphere, banter and good beer, while just outside is the WATERSHIP DOWN INN, a regular entry that keeps its place and is known for its commitment to local breweries. Meanwhile in Overton the OLD HOUSE AT HOME is the friendly village pub that makes the pages. Enjoy the Thai food here along with the excellent beers.
Further south, the national award-winning WONSTON ARMS deserves its entry and comes highly recommended. It is a pub where you can never be disappointed and a welcome rarely surpassed – and dubbed The Best Little Pub in Hampshire. Meanwhile just south of Stockbridge the popular JOHN O’GAUNT at Horsebridge on the Test Way should not be missed, a pub that prides itself on local produce and in a lovely walking and cycling area.
Others may also be deserving of inclusion, but the entries have all been visited and chosen by customers making the book truly independent.
It is highly recommended.
LOCAL PUBS
Pubs in the local area included in the 2023 Good Beer Guide include:
Further south at Longparish both pubs make the grade, the traditional village style CRICKETERS INN with its lovely garden and old-fashioned hospitality rules, while the community-owned and managed PLOUGH INN is a shining example of a village pulling together to save a loved local pub. The Plough reaches the pages for the first time.
Next down the valley to be selected is the lovely ABBOTS MITRE at Chilbolton, sitting in the village centre is renowned for its local beers and good food.
Over at Whitchurch, a small town known for its support for local pubs, only one makes the cut for 2023, being the traditional PRINCE REGENT, known for its no-frills welcoming atmosphere, banter and good beer, while just outside is the WATERSHIP DOWN INN, a regular entry that keeps its place and is known for its commitment to local breweries. Meanwhile in Overton the OLD HOUSE AT HOME is the friendly village pub that makes the pages. Enjoy the Thai food here along with the excellent beers.
Further south, the national award-winning WONSTON ARMS deserves its entry and comes highly recommended. It is a pub where you can never be disappointed and a welcome rarely surpassed – and dubbed The Best Little Pub in Hampshire. Meanwhile just south of Stockbridge the popular JOHN O’GAUNT at Horsebridge on the Test Way should not be missed, a pub that prides itself on local produce and in a lovely walking and cycling area.
Others may also be deserving of inclusion, but the entries have all been visited and chosen by customers making the book truly independent.
It is highly recommended.
LOCAL PUBS
Pubs in the local area included in the 2023 Good Beer Guide include:
Andover: The Andover Tap at the LambAbbotts Ann: The Eagle InnChilbolton: The Abbots MitreFreefolk: The Watership Down InnHorsebridge: The John O’Gaunt InnLongparish: The Cricketers Inn, and The Plough InnWhitchurch: The Prince RegentVernham Dean: The George InnWonston: The Wonston Arms
The book has a forward by HRH Prince of Wales (now the King), and contains a number of articles along with a listing of UK breweries.
It is available from CAMRA and also through bookshops and distributors such as Waterstones and Amazon.
It is also available as a Web App.
Buy through CAMRA here.
