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This week our intrepid team sampled the pubs of Neath - those lazy gits need not fear, a walk down the main street is all that's required. We began at the Angel, a smoky bar with wooden floor and a bland beer selection. There's a separate raised seating area/come-conservatory, leading on to a beer-patio. A fairly popular haunt and ok for a quick-one. Next up on the left is the Castle, with two separate bars. The first is a bar/restaurant, frequented by all the posh people in Neath. It's the kind of place you'd expect to find in Henley-on-Thames, not in Neath town centre. In fact, it was so posh we left before buying a drink - no offence like, but it was a lads night out. The second Castle venue is the aboveground cellar bar. Inside, the murky design and near-darkness give the place a sinister feel, but we're advised that this is for deliberate effect. Worth a mention are the computerized sound displays built in to the walls, they look totally out of place but still fairly original. The place also has a room-filling dancefloor, resident DJ, lively mixed crowd and reasonably priced drinks served by friendly staff. Highly recommended. Continuing down the high street, we came to the Market Tavern. Unfortunately there were two burly bouncers blocking the narrow doorway. Unwelcoming/intimidating bouncers are our pet hate, so we gave it a miss. Shock horror! What did we come to next? Yes, another Wetherspoons (David Protheroe's - whoever he is, or was). We can't be bothered to describe what it was like because it was exactly the same as the others - with minor variations, of course. On the corner of the High St. is the Big Cam; with loud music, dancefloor, and a young and rowdy bottle-drinking crowd. It also offers 'buy two get one free' and, rather surprisingly, Marsden's Pedigree on draught. Crossing the road and backtracking slightly, we came to GI's Café Bar, which was recommended by all and sundry. This cocktail-style venue has two bars, well spread out seating and even a disco-ball on the sealing. There was also some great offers on bottles, especially the 'buy one get one free'. We caught up with friendly DJ, Mad Gary, who told us he played music for all ages - a refreshing change from the monotonous dance music offered by most town centre pubs. We turned up on 'Friday Party Night' and the atmosphere was great. Apparently, the Saturday night, 70's and 80's disco, is even livelier. Next up is the Full Moon pub - no, not a vampire haunt, but a typical local. Ok, the place isn't going to win any beauty contests, but when the Buckley's and Brain's on Draught are this good, who cares. Finally, we retuned to GI's. As we all pulled, even the ugly ones, the place has to be pub of the month. In fact, it was even better the second time around - mind you, we were all smashed (though not as smashed as the local women). Pub
Score: 8 leeks out of 10
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