The Angel, Hayes End

Sean and Craig Deacon-Adams took over this Fuller's pub in 2010 and have doubled the number of real ales and improved the quality. The pub contains three bars, although the large back bar is mostly used for functions. The small public bar is quiet and the traditional atmosphere is even maintained in the larger bar, which has the pool table annexe.

The pub is in both darts and pool leagues and sponsors Hayes Angels Football team, bingo on Sundays supports the local branch of the MS Society. Other events includes Jazz, Film, Jam and comedy nights.

A beer festival takes place every April. Vintage, Brewers Reserve and Past Masters are available in bottles. Built in 1926 and extended four years later the pub is now on the National Inventory of Pub Interiors.

We popped in The Angel on the way to a close victory at AFC Hayes.

Park View, Merthyr Tydfil

The Park View was an amazing find on our trip to Merthyr Tydfil for an FA Trophy match. The GBG did not have a recommendation for the town so looked at pubs that were close to the ground. This has in the past be a massive failure but not today.

Once inside it was like entering someones front room with a few locals listening to probably the best jukebox we have witnessed.

Gin & Tonic was £1.70 and all the beer was incredibly reasonably priced and as the weather was terrible it was a great excuse to stay in The Park View as long as possible and was quite likely to get messy.

Despite losing on the day, with both sides riding high in their respective leagues, another trip to Merthyr could be on next season.

Rating 3/5