The Winchester, Merthyr Tydfil

Attractive and modest frontage with indication that it's an ex-Whitbread house. These days it's owned by Rhymney Brewery. Having now sampled a handful of their outlets it's fair to say that this one is a little more upmarket - the house style is in evidence but there's a more homely feel. Oblong room with modern greyish decor, comfy perimeter banquettes, wood burner and a decal of an aged atlas on the ceiling. Comedy stuffed antlered head above the fire. Four Rhymney cask, my pint of Hobby Horse was excellent (NBSS 4) and the cask was shifting. Mildly surprised this isn't GBG, perhaps my submitted score might help change that. Merthyr’s very much an end-of-the-line kind of town so this pub does a good job.