The Hop Pole Inn, Aylesbury

Having visited The Broad Leys on our visit to play Hale Leys United last season, we referred to the Good Beer Guide for another pub in Aylesbury. This year's guide recommended The Hope Pole Inn (the Broad Leys was not in this year's guide).

The Hop Pole is the home of the Aylesbury Brewhouse, which opened in December 2011 bringing brewing back to the town for nearly 75 years. The bar has 10 hand pumps and has an impressive range of real ale as well as some good German lagers.

Be aware that they have an over 21 policy at The Hop Pole, so any youngsters will have to sit outside.

Rating 3.5/5

The Old Sun, Harlington

The Old Sun is a half timbered building and comprises of two bars with log fires. Up to two guest ales are usually available. The pub is situated in the middle of the village and a short walk from the strain station and is perfect place to start or finish a hike in the surrounding Chilterns, or indeed an evening trip to Barton Rovers.

On the evening we visited, we were plagued by wasps in the garden as well as the landlord's frisky dog, who was partial to mounting the odd leg.

Ales were very good and we sampled Tribute, the Cornish Pale Ale from the St Austell Brewery Company and Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter.

     

Definitely worth a visit but try and avoid the rampant dog!

Rating 3.5/5