Regulars in the County Ground Hotel celebrated a special anniversary on 2nd November, 1997 as this grand old pub notched up a century of service to Swindon drinkers.
The year that it opened is commemorated by a terracotta plaque on the side of the building which includes a portrait of Queen Victoria who was celebrating her diamond jubilee in the same year.
Arkell's bought the land from C Williams the year before and had a ready-made licence thanks to the demise of a pub in Highworth. The Rampant Cat was closed by a relieved James Arkell - son of John Arkell - who lived nearby at Redlands and was annoyed by the rowdy behaviour of some of the regulars. So the County Ground got the licence and one of the town's landmarks was born.
The County Ground continues to be a favourite watering hole for football fans whenever Swindon Town are playing at home and a down-to-earth 'local' when they are not.
In fact, the pub's favourite sport in modern times has been boxing, having been equipped with a gymnasium and former licensee Pete Neal a well-known former boxer.
Outwardly, The County Ground Hotel is largely unchanged from how it looked a hundred years ago, though alterations and extensions in 1921 and 1954 mean that it is not wholly Victorian.
115 County Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 2EB
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01793 423343
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http://www.arkells.com/pubs_more2.php?id=598
Facilities include: Real Ale, Outside Seating, Fruit Machines, 2-5 Rooms, Snooker table, Beer, Wine, Cider, Tea & Coffee,
Mon - Sun: 11:00 - 23:00
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