psPubs - Loughborough

Seeing as I spent 3 years here, did a lot of drinking and numerous pub crawls, I couldn't not write about the place which may well end up being that where I sunk the most alcohol.

The Phantom (Town centre, near the multi-storey) - Yes, it's a 'Scream' pub and yes it's not much to look at but I have so many fond memories of this place that it's become, probably, my spiritual drinking home. The best thing that place ever did was give us a 4 pints for a fiver sponsorship card. Very cosy feel to it in the main and the food whilst very greasy, is exactly what you need if hungover. Oh, and Rik Waller did the mixed grill challenge there but he wasn't very good.

Student Union (Campus entrance) - Well, it's not really one bar but many. Great in summer when the Union seems to turn in to a hub of activity and Bocca Bar generally do the best Nasties** which can be supped on the roof patio. Mmmm nasty**.

JC's (Campus entrance) - OK, this is actually in the Union but it's the best part of the Union. On the walls it has lists of Loughborough achievements and it has a really student feel to it. Shame they took away the long wooden benches but they were kind of falling apart with Nasty** rot (what about the students though??!).

EHB (Campus...up the hill I guess) - If you're after a more relaxing pint, go here. Several pool tables, loads of tables and new renovation looks very impressive. Also good for cheap food.

Elvyn Bar (Next to ER halls) - good if you live in Elvyn. Pretty turd otherwise.

The Griffin (Town by Sainsbury's) - Funny one the Griffin. Landlord's a stereotypical Northerner but you sort of never know if he's joking or not. Not the cheapest but it has character which a lot of pubs tend to lack. Good for football so try and get requests in for obscure games!

The Generous Britain (On Ashby Road on the way to town from campus) - never went in there a great deal because I never lived round there but they put on our ill-fated cup tie with Luton on the big screen for two of us pretty much so credit there. Other students seem to like it there.

The Garton Inn (between the multi storey and Forest Court) - Really expensive beer, always short on what we want and offensively loud should you have the misfortune to witness the DJ. Leave this one alone.

Newshouse (opposite Paget) - Staff always a good laugh which seems surprising as it is one of the more 'towny' pubs that tend to be more aggressive. Also first place that the GMR was conceived and any place that does that will always be redeemed. A little small perhaps.

Orange Tree (next to Newshouse) - In contrast to the Newshouse, the Orange Tree staff, one can only assume, are all brothers and sisters that have lost a family member before each time I have visited. Either that or they have just learnt about a spectacular English football failure just before they serve me. Good music and decent but pricey cocktails but it wouldn't hurt to be friendly once in a while.

The Hobgoblin (Next to Rileys in town) - To be honest, if you behave in here, it's a decent local pub. Sport on the telly, decent prices and decent beer. If you try and hit on someone's missus whilst they are standing next to her then, as my friend found out, it's less friendly.

The Gallery (Town by Echo's) - No point ever going here. It's like a disco gone wrong on a weekend. They sponsored us as finalists yet we never went there. Very dear too.

The Unicorn (Right by Echo's) - Probably the place to go to have a bizarre encounter with a native. Decent prices and ok for a warm up before Echo's but you can't guarantee whether the enocunter will be fun or not. Go there as a group and you'll have a great time butt hen this applies to most places.

**Nasty - Mixture of a shot and a bit of Blackcurrant syrup and then roughly half and half with cider and lager. Turbo nasty variations include the weak option of half a nasty with a Smirnoff ice in or the hard option of a shot (or double) of vodka in a nasty.