BARKBY.

Not too far from Syston, this is a village pub that's something special. Quite a large pub with its grounds, you cannot gain access to it from the front. You have to enter via the car park. Here you pass the beer garden under cover of a stable block roof. Heating is provided for those chilly autumn evenings. On entering the pub you move via a corridor to the bar area. This is not a large room, but there is a separate area off of it that is used mainly for diners. The 'U' shaped bar is now smaller than it was and new carpet has been laid. The Shovel serves up to 7 real ales with three of them rotating guests. All were served well, with or without sparkler. Service is swift even when busy and staff are only too willing to help. The decor is very much old fashioned in a village pub sort of way - pictures of the local cricket club and other local things adorn the walls. Lighting is subdued which adds to the ambience and there is a fireplace to keep you warm in winter. Seating is at various styles of tables, there is a big round table near the door, but most are oblong and square with a mixture of chairs, stools and velour covered bench seats. The separate eating area has an olde worlde feel to it and is in a room off the bar. This can be used as a seating area when food is not being served. Access for the disabled is possible, though space in the bar is at a premium at all times. The toilets are basic and semi-outside, which makes them cold in winter. Food is served (seven days a week) lunchtimes and evenings until 9pm. The choice is traditional pub fayre and reasonable prices for steak and fish - two choices were available for vegetarians. Sunday is quiz night. The Malt Shovel is well worth a stop if you are around. Also try: The Brookside Inn.

	Symbols:		Open:	Monday-Saturday:	Sunday:	Map	Pics
				11-11	12-3; 7-10.30	View