BARTHOMLEY.

Real Ales on Tap: Hancocks H.B. Fullers London Pride Bass Adnams Mayday Wye Valley Mayday Mayday Shepard Neame Spitfire Thwaites Daniels Hammer.

Nearest Accommodation: Travelodge Junc 16, M6/A500, Alsager Road Barthomley Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 5PT 01270 883157.

A black and white thatched pub dating from 1614. According to local records a major battle of the British civil war took place opposite where the church now stands. Easy to find as it's situated just 5 minutes off the M6. The entrance is into one of the many rooms of the pub where you can sit at thick wooden tables on either benches/pews or chairs/stools. The floors of all rooms are bare wooden but don't make you think of other pub chains who use this. Here there is a real olde worlde feel. Mind your head at all times as the ceilings are low and doorways are narrow and there are steps everywhere - not a good pub for the disabled really as the only bar is to the left on the picture and you have to step down into it. You will also find a real fire here and the pub cat - friendly. Tables here are both two and four seaters, all with chairs while those against walls have pews as well. The walls are covered with pictures and notices and the beamed ceiling creates a friendly and cosy atmosphere in which to sample the real ales - all from Burtonwood (Buccaneer, Bitter, Top Hat). Occasionally there are guest ales too. In addition, the leaded windows spread beams of light across the interior of the pub, dragging you back in time. Food is also served at lunchtimes only (limited menu around new year). Prices are reasonable £3.50 for a beef baguette (centimetre thick beef!), £1.80 for cheese oatcakes and beans, both with salad. Other rooms in the pub are small with two or three tables only. Both toilets are outside, with the gents across the courtyard. There is also a patio/beer garden out here next to the stream. You can also sit outside the pub front in summer and walkers are welcome. Bunkhouse accommodation is available here - bring your own sleeping bag. No music. Open Mon-Sat 11.30 (5Thu)-11; Sun 12-10.30.