The Shoulder, Wantage

Facebook page of The Shoulder - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Shoulder - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Shoulder - theshoulder.pub

Official site of The Shoulder - theshoulder.pub

Situated at the eastern end of the town centre, the Shoulder as it is known locally was fairly quiet on our Sunday afternoon visit. There were a handful of people at the bar and one other customer falling asleep. This was in the room to the right-hand side after entering. We didn't try the other room to the left, but my best guess was that there were no customers in there. There was a small outdoor area to the rear too. The room we settled in had bare boards and a skylight brightening things up. Background music was playing. The young barman was friendly and knowledgeable. There are 5 handpulls on the bar. These were clipped with Derby Pomona, Utopian/Topsham Full Motueka Jacket & Butt's Barbus Barbus. A fourth handpull had a Verdant Bissoe clip turned round, with the fifth handpull unused. Behind the bar, we spotted 3 boxes of Tutt's Clump ciders - Berkshire Diamond, Scrumpy & Traditional Farmhouse. Craft beers also seem to be popular here, with a board to the side of the bar listing Brew By Numbers 18 Biere de Garde & 11 Mosaic, Beavertown Gamma Ray, Burnt Mill Beyond The Firs, Burning Sky Petite Farmhouse Saison, Otherworld Erysia & Arbor Wish You Were Beer. After much deliberation, I opted for the Pomona, which was enjoyable. Combined with the King's Arms diagonally opposite, it's well worth the 3-4 minute stroll out from the Market Place to the Shoulder of Mutton.

I suspect that this place has changed little since Quinno's report of 11/13, however, it was very quiet on a Saturday lunch with just 4 locals and our party of 5. Nice selection of ale on tap with about 8 hand pulls. unfortunately I was driving so limited myself to a pint and a half, both of which were excellent. I understand that the current landlord is leaving, I hope this fact doesn't lead to the demise of the Shoulder of Mutton.