Latest reviews from Chippenham

“Large and decent farm shop on the outskirts of Chippenham (on the A420 towards Bristol). Busy when I was there, but the staff were friendly and helpful and made a point of chatting to customers as they served them. Lots of local produce including a butchery and bakery, plus some artisan stuff from further afield. About 40-50 bottled beers, mainly from micros in WIltshire, Somerset and Gloucestershire - I remember seeing Devitera, Stroud, Bath, Corinuim and Kennet & Avon breweries, but there were quite a few more. There's also a decent selection of local bottled ciders (maybe about 30). My parents live locally, and say that the cafe here is very good, although I didn't try it myself. There's also a small garden centre bit. Overall, definitely a place to visit if you're in the area; you're bound to pick up some new rates here.“

wheresthepath 2056 days ago

“A proper back street boozer - if you want to see a traditional community pub without all the brasswork & other fancy bits, this is the one for you. It's got a series of very utilitarian small rooms (including some pub games) around a small central bar, with an attractive and secluded garden that sometimes has market stalls or a barbecue in it. The beer choice is a little pedestrian - half a dozen bitters on cask - generallu well known west country ales (think Bath Gen, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Otter Bitter) with occasional guest from regional brewers from other parts of the country. However, if you're here it's for the friendliness and atmosphere, which is exceptional. Everyone - staff and regulars alike - seem genuinely pleased to meet you, and often have stories and jokes to tell either you or the whole pub (depending on much they've drunk!). The camaraderie peaks during the regular events - quizzes, comedy nights, live music etc. The best time to go though is during the town's annual free folk festival at the end of May, when the different rooms tend to become permanent performance areas for wandering musicians - so if you don;t like one, move onto the next room to try something different. Best of all is the night during the festival (usually Sunday at 6pm-ish, although it pays to check in advance) when a large crowd gathers in the road at the back of the pub (to the bemusement of motorist trying and failing to get through) to witness the Annual Stick and Bucket Competition. This is a distinctly tongue-in-cheek tribute to Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld books, in which a gold-ish bucket (donated by the late Sir Terry himself) is awarded to the dance featuring the most innovative use of a stick and bucket. Anyone can enter, but you should be aware that you'll be up against some of the festival's most experienced morris dance teams, some of whom will have put in whole minutes (and many pints) of practice into their entry! The result is distinctly unprofessional, but always hilarious, and is highly recommended! With this sort of atmosphere, if only the pub had a bit more variety in its beer selection, it could take the crown of Chippenham's best pub away from the hallowed Three Crowns!“

wheresthepath 2056 days ago

“This Wetherspoons is in a nice location considering it’s a new-build in a shopping precinct - overlooking the River Avon. There’s a decking area pretty much on top of the river, and upstairs (on stilts!) is a small quiet room with decent views. Downstairs is a larger open-plan area, where the tables are a little too tightly packed and which can get a little raucous on Friday & Saturday evenings. The beer choice is the usual Wetherspoons kegs and 6 real ale taps (no local brews on when I was there, but apparently this was because it was festival time and they do usually have a local one on). Cask condition was above average. The staff are friendly.and the food is (as always with ’Spoons) cheap, and cheerful and better than you’d expect for the price. Overall an average small town ’Spoons but the riverside location may make it worth a stop (and the quiet upstairs room is ideal for families).“

wheresthepath 2730 days ago

“Visited February 2013 during one of its frequent beer festivals. Pleasant, multi-roomed pub which offered a range of beers and ciders. Friendly atmosphere, beers served in good condition and CAMRA member discount. The best pub in this part of Wiltshire.“

downender 3944 days ago

“Waggoners pub built pre-1784 when it belonged to Kingsfords Brewery in Lacock. By 1910 owned by Blake’s of Trowbridge & front extension added. Absorbed by Ushers in 1922. Once Enterprise Inn, now Freehouse bought by Steve Jenner May’10 & run by son Tom. Still a basic public bar boozer, less frequented Lounge, and great friendly atmosphere. Without doubt The Best Pub in Chippenham! 6 hand pulls in main bar offer 6 changing well kept beers inc 1 dark. 3 hand pulls in lounge used for regular Beer Festivals with 9 on! CAMRA Beer Score 4. 3 Ciders from polypins CAMRA member discount 30p/pint! Rear parking 5 cars. No beer garden, the walls are it’s footprint. Thanks guys for saving this little gem of a pub!“

Saxon_Scooper 4170 days ago

“Large but cozy place in two separate parts. Friendly and helpful staff and clientele both. Timothy Taylor Landlord on handpull. Worth a stop if passing through the area.“

Travlr 4571 days ago

“Now free-of-tie and Chippenham’s premier real ale and cider pub. Despite the unassuming location right next to a main road, the new family running it have made it look very attractive - festooned with hanging baskets out the front, and spick and span inside (much better than before!). 6 real ale taps in front room (all changing regularly) - mostly from local microbreweries, and usually inclusing at least one dark style. Beer quality is excellent. 3 varied and changing cider & perry taps in the back room. Current beer & cider line-up on their website. Food is limited to rolls and occasional locally made pork pies or scotch eggs. Landlord & lady & the regulars are all exceptionally friendly - this is truly a place where you can go in alone & end up with many new friends by the end of the night! Prices are reasonable, plus CAMRA members get 30p off per pint. Regular events include 4 beerfests a year, with 20+ beers (and 12 ciders/perries) with a lot of stronger beers in there. Top notch local boozer, and pleasantly busy as a result. Recommended if you’re in the area.“

wheresthepath 4617 days ago