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The Hare and Hounds

48 Pickwick Road, Corsham, SN13 0HY

Tel: 01249 701106

Web: www.hareandhoundscorsham.co.uk

Large car park

Free Wifi

Open daily: bar open 11am-11pm, food served 11am-9pm

Featured in the Good Beer Guide

THE Hare and Hounds in Corsham is well known as the inspiration behind the Charles Dickens classic The Pickwick Papers. Whilst on assignment as a reporter Dickens stayed at the coaching inn, at the time owned by Moses Pickwick, who ran his carriage business as part of the London to Bristol route.

Its said that Dickens was inspired by the people he met in the inn and wrote the colourful characters into his novel The Pickwick Papers.

Although times have moved on there is still a rich tradition of good hospitality and a hearty welcome at the Hare and Hounds. The staff greet you warmly and the surroundings are traditional and homely. There are plenty of areas to relax and enjoy a comfortable meal with friends or family to socialise the night away. Or for a quiet romantic evening you can escape the crowds in a quiet corner. The long bar area is spacious and well run by the bar staff and restaurant staff, with a vast array of different beers, wines and spirits on display.

I took a seat near the window, giving mea view along the busy A4, with cars and lorries replacing the carriages and carts of Dickens’ day. You can imagine a past scene of horses stopping for their break and carriages outside unloading their luggage and passengers.

I turn my attention to the menu, which hosts an array of different starters and mains. I opt for the pork and apple burger made with ground downland pork and apple, topped with beef tomato. The service is fast and efficient and my burger arrived with a salad garnish and homemade chips. Portion size is generous and I was offered many condiments to go with the meal.

I bit into the burger, finding it flavoursome and succulent. Pork and apple are a wonderful combination, the burger had a good texture and was cooked well. The homemade chips were thickly cut and very tasty, just right for dipping in tomato ketchup.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Hare and Hounds and look forward to returning soon, no doubt to photograph their famous polling station inside the pub. My meal, with a glass of lemonade, cost £12.45 - sadly I didn’t have time to stay and sample a dessert.

DIANE VOSE