CROFT.

High on the hill overlooking Croft and the river bridge, the Heathcote Arms is a whitewashed building with an inner courtyard that doubles as a car park. Not easy to get to from the road if you miss it and drive past as the access lane is a very tight turn on a narrow road and may take two attempts in larger vehicles. Try to spot it early and take the slip road access - it's easier. Once you have negotiated that, park in the courtyard and enter from the rear into a small lounge bar area with wooden backed and padded benches at two to three large tables. There are also some bar stools here, though the bar is small and this makes it difficult to get served at busy times. There beers on are from the Everards range, usually three, plus a guest ale. On this occasion it was from Moles (Holy Moley 4.4%). All were served with sparklers, though they take it off if you ask and fill the pint rather than short measure you. From here you move through to the games room - a large space with a pool table, darts and TV. The floor is bare and a number of people congregate here of an evening. Moving through, you get to the bar at the front of the pub, which is the hub of the pub. Here you will find that the beamed ceiling and leather backed settles give a timeless feel to the place, complimented by the old pictures of Croft on the walls. Food is served here only at lunchtimes and is traditional but wholesome food, pretty similar to the rest of the chain. For the summer there is a split-level beer garden with great views including the quarrying. In the courtyard you will also find a skittle alley for those special events and it can be booked for corporate events or just a birthday party. Access for the disabled is good, though negotiating the bars once inside is near impossible due to the lack of space between tables and corridors which are always full of people standing around. Children are allowed in until 9pm.