Situated at the top of the student high street, The Willow Bank boasts a list of guest ales, food, and events that justify suggesting "Hey, want to stop in for one?" whenever you're across the street shopping at ASDA. Now that the weather is better, the beer garden in front has been filled with people of all ages, not just students, and managed to finally draw me in as well.
Even though they advertise cheap food, it all looks to be of the lower end of pub grub. However, their ales more than make up for the food presentation. A few regular lagers on tap, this mid-sized pub has a slew of guest ales to choose from in addition to the harder stuff for those who did not have a good time shopping at ASDA. The staff were friednly enough and the regulars welcoming, so in that regard I have no complaints whatsoever! My only word of advice is that they allow you to use cards after 5pounds, but if you are a foriegn student or tourist, don't expect to be able to use your non-English card. Even though they have the capabilities of swiping these cards, they don't seem to know how and refused to do it for me. Fair enough- a lot of pubs are cash only so I'll just have to remember to have my English one on me next time I visit here.
The layout is rambling, with small room after small room after nook, which helps establish a perfect afternoon pub environment indoors. Outdoors, the beer garden has the disadvantage of being in front alongside a very busy street, but as I was sitting out there enjoying my Bath Ale in the warm afternoon sun, I could hardly notice the rush hour traffic roaring past a few feet away. With a quiz each Wednesday and an event coming up with physic and palm readers entertaining the patrons, I'll definitely make it a habit to visit this pub more often. read more