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This week we tried out the pubs of upmarket Crickhowell. We began our pub-crawl at the Vine Tree Inn, the other side of the river from the main town. The place has an old stone cottage feel and a pleasant, if rather dull, atmosphere. In fairness, it is more of restaurant than a pub, with extensive menus including locally caught Trout. Still, it's Worth popping in for a pint of allbright (we really didn't expect to find it here) and then heading up town for some life. Crossing the river we arrive at the Bridge End, boasting a restaurant and B&B. It's a typical country pub with timber beams, Toby jugs, angling pictures and an old fashioned fireplace! They serve four real ales; Hancocks, Bass, Speckled Hen and London Pride. There's a Beer Garden across the road by the river - a pleasant place for a few Jars in the summer. Oh, and if your looking for bored middle aged housewives, look no further - the place is swarming with them. After an arduous 400-metre walk past the posh Police Station, we were gasping for another pint. Bypassing the Dragon Hotel, which seemed a bit posh, we arrived at the flash looking Britannia. Unfortunately, the eye-catching exterior belied the rough interior. Despite the Pool Table, Sky TV and promises of future live music, it's not a place to dwell in for any length of time. In fact, we failed to find anyone to serve us - so we left. The next pub up on the right, the Corn Exchange, was winner of Crickhowell's 2001 'In Bloom Competition' (wow!). The tasteless interior deco aside, this pub was much more amicable, frequented by an after-work crowd. The Bulmers Cider and HB on the pull were served by friendly bar staff. However, the so-called drink-offers were dubious in the extreme e.g. 3 Bacardi Breezers for £6-50p, and a Vodka and Orange for £2.00p - what a bargain! Turning right, we reached the Grass Hopper, a party pub for the younger crowd. The Bar staff were cheerfull and there were good offers on the drinks. Check-out the top-notch Beer Garden, but steer clear of the shady poolroom. Leaving the best to last, we took a left turn to the gigantic Bear Hotel, our Pub Of The Month. The old coaching Inn, stacked to the rafters with antiques, seemed a little upmarket for us common-folk, but we were welcomed by a suprisingly down-to-earth barman. We first sipped a top pint of Speckled Hen in the low beamed bar, and then sunk a few more in a beer-garden that Alan Titchmarsh would be proud of. If you're coming to Crickhowell, this pub is worth a visit - but don't frett if you miss out on the others. Pub
Score: 8 leeks out of 10
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