The Forge Hammer is one of a select few pubs that prides itself on being accessible by kayak. It’s a mere 100m from the River Wye, whose valley is an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and situated in the village of Lydbrook, the kind of place that is referred to by locals as being ‘three miles long and three yards wide.’ These country pub credentials are backed up by an on-site microbrewery called Lydbrook Valley Brewing Company. This produces two cask ales (an IPA and an English ale) both of which are vegan-friendly. In addition to the local brew, there’s also a range of draught lagers and ciders and soft drinks.
Food comes via River Spice. There’s everything you’d expect to see from an Indian menu - golden oldies, chef’s specials, tandoor and biryanis. Starters include the usual bhajis and samosas as well as Thai-style paneer tikka. For mains roasted sea bass sit alongside bhuna, rogan josh and tikka masala. These, like all mains, can be ordered with either chips or a range of rices. Many dishes are also offered as vegan, as shown by the dedicated menu. The notable addition here is the Bombay Flame, a spicy potato curry cooked in River Spice’s special chilli sauce.
River Spice operates as a takeaway, but dishes can be ordered to eat either inside The Forge Hammer or in its spacious beer garden. Dining or drinking here offers the chance to take in the Gloucestershire countryside before setting off for the River Wye. From Easter until the end of September, this area also plays host to a gourmet burger van, for those after something more transportable to eat as they take on the Wye Valley.