Poetry in the Pub

Poetry in the Pub runs on the last Wednesday of every month at The Pulpit in Old Town, from 19:30 to 21:30. It's an evening of poems and good company presented in association with Poetry Swindon, and hosted by Maurice Spillane and Tony Hillier. The night welcomes everyone, whether you want to recite, read or just listen.

It takes over the pub's Wednesday night, replacing the usual music session with a space where residents and guest poets meet. The Pulpit itself opened at the beginning of April 2025 when owner Jason Bayliffe took over the former Little Hop. Since then it's been named Pub of the Week and earned a place in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2027 among 812 new pubs, cited for its ever-changing line-up of cask ales and weekly live entertainment. Pub manager Linda runs the events, and the venue collaborates with the neighbouring Arts Centre, offering a 10 per cent discount to theatre ticket holders.

The night is for adults (18+), and entry is free. You'll find it at The Pulpit, 7 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BJ, on the last Wednesday of the month from 19:30 to 21:30.