INDEPENDENT free houses in Swindon like the Hop are doing well because of the variety of choice they offer compared to chain franchises.

Jack Arnold has worked behind the bar in the Devizes Road pub since it opened seven years ago.

He said: "We started a trend in the area and paved the way for other places like the Tupenny and the Eternal Optimist to open and they're doing well.

"There are a lot of brewery-owned pubs out there so we decided to do something different and it paid off.

"We're going from strength to strength and have just opened a second business, The Little Hop, so it's been really successful.

"It's always nice to see pubs opening rather than closing but there have been a few shutting in Swindon. It's been good for microbreweries and craft beers, though."

Staff at the Hop estimated that they've stocked around 3,000 different beers over the years and credit this with helping them keep a loyal following in the town.

Jack added: "We have the freedom to get whatever drinks we want and not be tied to particular brands and breweries so there's a much wider selection than at franchised pubs.

"Whenever a barrel empties, we swap it for a different beer and try not to repeat any so it's like an ongoing beer festival.

"New ones are opened every week so it keeps things fresh and different and customers get to try something new. There have been so many that I don't have a favourite."