PUB PRESCRIPTIONS
The Good Beer Guide produced by CAMRA is still worth buying, although it has one or two entries I would quibble with. Here, for what they are worth, are some of my favourite boozers and I would happily prescribe any of them as a cure for those who are tired of theme pubs, Australian bars, and cheap plastic gin palaces.
Burton upon Trent.
THE COOPERS. Cross St.
This unassuming mid-terrace local is truly a real drinking shop. When you think 'pub' this little gem ticks all the boxes. It serves Thomas Salt's Bitter and Bass regularly as well as two or three changing guest ales. The bar is tiny, dark and the counter barely big enough to stand four pints on. Handpump and gravity dispense are used and the bar staff are always cheerful. The lounge is bigger and simple and you can see the old push buttons on the walls dating back to the time when beer was brought to your table. Food is served at lunch times and at very reasonable prices. The whole place is a listed building, (grade 2 if my memory serves me well). Don't pass by a chance to visit!
THE BURTON BRIDGE INN. 24 Bridge St.
The home of The Burton Bridge brewery some of whose products will be on sale when you pay a visit. Bitter, Golden Delicious and Porter are regulars. The 17th century buildings have been renovated and there are two rooms to drink in. The bar is a little cramped when busy and is strictly utilitarian. Wooden benches provide seating. The lounge is well appointed and comfortable although it can get quite crowded. As well as the beers a range of home-made wines is available. Lunchtime meals are very good, try the oatcakes filled with cheese. The Bridge Inn also has a skittle alley which, I believe, can be hired.
THE PRINCE ALFRED. Derby St.
This pub is owned by the Bridge brewery and serves up their products but also takes guest beers from other small independent brewers. The beer is excellent as is the service. There are several areas one can drink in. The bar is lively but has a TV constantly switched on which I personally find intrusive. The lounge is a quieter room and is split level. The raised part is mainly used by diners who take advantage of the very cheap and cheerful menu. If arriving by car you will need to look out for the archway between buildings that leads to the car park as on road parking is severely limited. Recently refurbished it awaits a visit from me.
Lichfield.
THE QUEENS HEAD. Sandford St.
This popular one room town pub is just off the city centre and attracts an interesting and varied clientele who have one thing in common, a love of good ale. Being a Marston's house naturally it has Marston's Pedigree, (which I never drink), Adnams' Bitter and Tim Taylor's Landlord are regulars. It also has a couple of guest beers which are not from the Marston's list, some of which are from the local area. This is because it was set up as an experiment, an 'ale shrine' and probably is the only pub of its kind. Foodwise it has an excellent cheese counter which is always available, (try a platter for two), it also offers good value lunchtime meals. Can get busy on Friday and Saturday nights.
THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON Birmingham Road.
A large, out of town, eatery and while I have some reservations about the ambience of the place, it serves some of the best kept beer I have had the pleasure of drinking!, Timothy Taylor Landlord and one of the LIchfield Brewery ales are almost always on offer as well as Adnam's bitter. I can't vouch for the, (slightly expensive), meals but Bro has eaten there and assures me they are good. This pub is only a minute off the A38 Lichfield turn off and worth a visit.
STAFFORDSHIRE:
DERBYSHIRE
Derby.
THE BRUNSWICK INN. 1 Railway Terrace.
Splendid pub rescued some years ago from dereliction that has close associations with the railway. Photos line the walls showing the state that it was in before being renovated, which are quite remarkable. It has it's own small brewery attached which produces a range of very reasonably priced and excellent beers. It also sells a large range of handpumped ales, (16 in total), all of which are in tip-top condition. It can get rather busy at times but is an absolute must to visit if you are in Derby for some reason, it is only a good stone's throw from the new Westfield shopping centre.
THE ALEXANDRA HOTEL Siddals Road (next door to the Brunswick).
This two room pub, near the railway station and the Brunswick, is a haven for the real beer drinker. The Absentee Landlord, who formerly ran my local once held the reins and the place is still in safe hands. It has been decluttered but still has plenty of interest to look at while you down one of six ever-changing beers. As well as these there is a good selection of foreign bottled beers. Reasonably priced basic but good food is available as are four twin rooms should an overnight stop be required. There is a car park and a small outdoor drinking area. It is worth noting that when Derby County are at home it gets extremely busy as supporters tend to use the place before and after matches.
CORNWALL
ISLE OF WIGHT.
Porthcothan
THE TREDEA INN on the B3276 at Porthcothan
While this pub is popular with tourists in the region and specialises in food for them, it also has a loyal crowd of regulars and has managed to keep a nice atmosphere. The beers are expertly kept and served. Sharp's Doom Bar, Skinner's Betty Stoggs and St Austell Tribute are all well kept and worth trying. There is spacious bar and a dedicated restaurant and the food is excellent and reasonably priced, (around £8.00 for a main course). On a pleasant evening it worth sitting on the veranda to eat or drink Doom Bar and to watch the sun setting over Porthcothan bay.
Ventnor
THE VOLUNTEER 30 Victoria St.
As mentioned in my diary I visited this tiny boozer on my holidays and kept going back. It serves an ever changing range of beers and, if the lady wife is not drinking, fresh coffee. It frequently has live music and the regulars are just that, regulars. We used the small bar and even in the height of summer it did not become too crowded. This is truly a fine example of a good pub which knows it's clientele in an area not renowed for it's alehouses.
DEVON
Hele Bay (near Ilfracombe)
THE HELE BAY on the A339
As mentioned in my diary. This is an excellent pub with first class pub food. The landlord and his staff are very friendly, as are the locals. It is situated overlooking Hele bay, (pronounced 'heel'), and has a pleasant garden,and a skittle alley as well as a largeish L shaped room. Beers are Courage Bitter (pretty good), Old Speckled Hen (not recommended) and a weekly guest (well kept and served). The food is reasonably priced, (chicken curry for example is around £6), but is beautifully cooked and presented.
