The Market Inn, one of many pubs in the southern Lanes area, is a true hidden gem. As someone who…read morelives in the area, I have managed to nonetheless miss it for the better part of a year, and when I finally did go, I couldn't have been more impressed. The selection is excellent, the atmosphere delightful, and apparently one can also stay the night... an excellent addition to the area's pub scene.
Tucked away at the upper end of Market Street, The Market Inn is a quaint little pub, with much of the antique arrangement it seems to have had for the past couple hundred years. The atmosphere is delightful, especially coupled with the thin lanes of the area: it does feel a little like going back in time.
The ale and beer selection is excellent: as an ale drinker, I was very pleased with the available choice. I didn't see much in the way of wine and spirits, but wasn't looking very hard: I'm sure it's equal to what's available in the area. Beyond that, the food menu is great, a nice mixture of old classics that won't leave anyone wanting.
What makes the Market Inn stand out, however, is its relative quietness. It is never too busy: always bustling but never too full for a seat, which is a real boon in this part of town. Where other pubs seem like they are trying a little hard to keep the punters in this area, the Market Inn seems very happy with its lot, and their quiet superiority is an excellent alternative to the louder places nearby, such as the Pump House or the Druid's Head.
I strongly recommend giving the Market Inn a try: it is quiet, pleasantly old-school, and serves as well if not better than the other pubs in the area. I'd go again just for the ambiance: the quiet feel to the place is a truly calming addition to the otherwise very loud middle of town. Well worth a try!