Category Archives: Staffordshire

06/09/25 – Congleton, Biddulph and Knypersley

I spent a day exploring pubs and taprooms around Congleton, Knypersley, and Biddulph, each with its own charm and history. From the quirky Wonky Pear with its shopfront roots to Beartown’s lively taproom, I sampled unique local brews like “Lit” and “Bobby Dazzler.” Cosy stops like The Prince of Wales and The Foundry showed how tradition meets community spirit, while newer spots like R&G’s Tap House and HopLab added fresh energy. In Biddulph, On Tap and The Crafty Flanker brought creativity and warmth. Back in Congleton, pubs like Throstles Nest, BarleyHops, and The Queens Head rounded off a memorable tour.

21/02/25 – Wolverhampton and Codsall

The Great Western in Wolverhampton started out as an ale house back in 1849 and has seen quite the transformation thanks to railway growth. Now, it’s a Grade II-listed pub celebrated for its deep history and great cask ales. Other standout spots include The Lych Gate Tavern, which boasts beautiful Georgian architecture, and The Posada, a Victorian gem filled with original décor and historical importance. The Crown in Codsall, with over 180 years of history, has been revamped to blend modern vibes with its classic roots. Plus, micropubs like Hail to the Ale and Keg & Comfort bring their own unique flair and a variety of ales, making the pub scene in Wolverhampton and Codsall even more lively.

25/01/25 – Burton-Upon-Trent

Burton-on-Trent was historically significant in the brewing industry, known for its mineral-rich water that contributed unique flavours to beers like IPAs. While over thirty breweries thrived in the 18th and 19th centuries, post-World War II mergers and changing preferences led to many closures. Local pubs like The Elms, Burton Bridge Inn, and The Olde Royal Oak showcase the town’s brewing heritage, each with unique backstories, while newer establishments like Beeropolis and Inn Uendos reflect a resurgence in craft beer. The combination of historic charm and contemporary offerings illustrates Burton’s rich brewing legacy and evolving pub culture.

17/05/24 – Tamworth and Lichfield

Started in Tamworth, a popular market town in Staffordshire. The town takes its name from the River Tame, which flows through it. Started here with “The King’s Ditch” Micropub before heading over to “The Tamworth Tap”, CAMRA National Pub of the Year for 2 years running. Over to Lichfield next, known for its medieval 3 spire cathedral, the only one in the UK. Here I started at “The Whippet Inn” Micropub, onto “Beerbohm” and out of town for “Trinity Brew Co”. Finished with “The Bittersuite”, “Brewhouse and Kitchen” and “bod – Lichfield”.

29/03/24-31/03/24 – Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Wolstanton

For my 4 day trip around Staffordshire I was based at The Borough Arms in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Over 3 evenings I visited a number of micropubs, traditional pubs and craft bars in Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Wolstanton. Newcastle-Under-Lyme features The Hopwater Cellar, Bridge Street Ale House, Ten Green Bottles, Mellards, Crossways, The Crows Nest, Boat & Horses, Castletown Distillery, Cask Bar & Kitchen, Hopinn and The Greyhound. Wolstanton features The Whippet Inn, 4 Candles and The Archer.

29/03/24 and 31/03/24 – Tutbury & Hatton to Stoke-on-Trent by Train

My day today takes me out to Tutbury & Hatton by train from Stoke/on-Trent and working back calling off at Uttoxeter, Blythe Bridge and Longton. Started the day at Stoke-On-Trent visiting “bod” which is located on the Railway Station. 3 pubs in Tutbury, “The Hourglass”, “Cask & Pottle” and “New Inn”. Uttoxeter started with visiting “Night Inn” run by Uttoxeter Brewery, and onto Micropub “Horse & Dove”. Onto Blythe Bridge to visit “Crossways Micropub”, the tap for Peakstone Rocks Brewery. Longton next to visit “The Strand” and a bus out to nearby Meir to visit “Swiftys”.

30/03/24-31/03/24 – Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Hartshill and Etruria

My first call of the day after jumping on the number 3 bus from Hanley Bus Station is to “The Bulls Head” in Burslem. This pub acts as Titanic Brewery’s Tap and was the first pub that they opened. The pub itself is thought to have been built around 1832, and Titanic Brewery running the pub for over 30 years. A great central bar with a room either side and a large outdoor seating area at the back of the pub.

28/03/24 – Stafford and Stone

The start of a 4 day trip to Staffordshire. I started today in Stafford, a stop on the West Coast Mainline from Glasgow to London Euston. Visited some traditional style pubs alongside a couple of new craft bars. I then got the train to Stone, a lovely canal town. Some more great bars here aswell as visiting “The Borehole”, home of Lymestone Brewery.

12/03/22 – Burton-on-Trent

After arriving in Sheffield, purchased a Derbyshire Wayfarer ticket and headed for the EMR train to Derby (and change there for Burton) And a 10 minutes change at Derby onto the Birmingham train, calling at Burton-on-Trent Burton Town Brewery First call in Burton was “Burton Town Brewery”, who first started brewing in 2015 (and createdContinue reading “12/03/22 – Burton-on-Trent”