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Reviews Now here's an absolute winner - located almost at the apex of the long steep hill of Southover Street, if approaching from the bottom on foot the walk take its toll on the less fit amongst us, but happily the rewards are self-evident upon arrival. For at the Napier there is a range of 5 excellently-kept cask beers (4 from Fullers including 2 derivative Gales ales, and 1 guest - on my last visit the exquisite Okells Bitter which had travelled extremely well), home-made sausage and mash with the speciality being a variety of interesting sausages, friendly service and generally jovial and convivial chat. On Saturday afternoon there were groups of locals, visitors, and, almost predictably, Morris dancers, who can always be found where there is good beer to be swilled. The trick here has been to maintain a sense of local identity while clearly coming under the Fullers fold; most Fullers pubs, though usually worthy, can tend towards the urban towny end of things and do not always make the most of each house's individual character. This one does, and fortunately the licensees are given the autonomy to see that it stays that way. There are other pubs worthy of attention on this street and those nearby, and clearly the Napier falls within an area where it could feature as a drop-in en route to several of its neighbours. But trust me, it is a tall order to leave after just a quick pint - especially if you have slogged all the way up the hill to get it! Allow time for an extra couple here and perhaps leave out one or two of the less-merited competitors further down the slope, and you should not leave disappointed. A cracking local boozer. Excellent landlord and bar staff and good and well-kept beers. Very much a locals' pub, it is nevertheless friendly to visitors. The pub interior is wonderful and should be listed. No music in the evenings, no one arm bandit and tv rarely on. The only noise is the constant debate about almost any subject you care to name. Catch the Daily Mail quiz with the Five O Clock Gang for a real hoot. Yet another of those really great Hanover pubs. The choice is vast and you could spend each night in a different pub for months. This is one you would be happy to spend more than one night in however. Nice!
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