The Minerva pub, since re-opening a couple of years back, or so, has gone from strength to strength and now offers a good selection of ales and an excellent menu. The bar staff are always friendly - an attribute that can make all difference to ever visiting a place again. I've regularly enjoyed a beer or two at the Minerva since its re-opening.

New ales find themselves on the bar regularly and the staff are more than happy to let you sample before committing to a pint. Alternatively, you can choose to buy a sample trio with three ales of choice in, what appear to be, 1/3 pint measures. The only negative feedback I have in regard to the ales is that sometimes they're not as fresh as they could be (for this a star is lost), but there is never any problem in returning a pint if it's not to scratch.

Recently, Charlotte (Land Lady) filled the back of the bar with about 30 different varieties of gin. I'd recommend the Pink Pepper with its distinctly noticeable pink pepper taste. Ask Charlotte about them and she'll tell you all about them with enthusiasm. In addition to a vast array of gin the bar also offers a good selection of rum.

The menu is sufficiently varied and food has never disappointed. There is a dining area but meals can be eaten in any of the rooms or alcoves of the pub.

Very good, highly recommended.