STONE.

Just off A34 in Stone near to Trent and Mersey Canal. The pubs decor is fine. One long room with real fires both ends! Disabled access fine as only one entrance and tiny step (1") to negotiate (help always available). There is a bar by the entrance, with a second serving area just around the corner. It's all one large room but 'E' shaped without the middle stroke of E (middle is the bar). Beer garden accessible through the bar. Toilets available through the bar or beer garden (ladies, gents and disabled). Large beer festival held in July each year based on an area and small breweries (last year based on beers from Devon and Cornwall). Bar staff are experienced and very friendly and helpful but ask as even experienced staff are not mind readers! I have used the pub for quite a while and have learnt by experience. Always 10 real ales. Always small real ale breweries. Joules (Stone, Staffs originally) now brewed under license. Organic beers common and the quality is high, tastings available, and changing beer is no problem, as with a top up without hesitation, but do ask. Too many people complain when asking does not hurt, believe it or not many want quite a big head. Beer on at the time Old Priory (Joules) 4.4%, Knotty 3.6% (Joules) (£1.25 a pint), Victory  (Joules) 5.2%, Swan  (Joules) 4.2%, Old Smokey 5% (Stonehenge), Heel Stone (Stonehenge), Honeypot 3.8%, Gunpowder Mild 3.8%. Food is served only at lunchtimes (cheap breakfasts 10-12noon, lunches 12-2.30pm and Sunday buffet 12.30pm). Freshly cooked food kept at a simple level but of good quality. On a Sunday lunch there is a totally free buffet, not snacks like peanuts, crisps etc but a full blown buffet. Food usually includes cheeses, bread, black pudding, prawns, mussels, scampi, lobster tails, chillies, ham baps, etc but regularly features fresh crab, lobster, smoked salmon, langoustines, rare cheeses, Melton Mowbrey pies, etc. Yes that is really true TRY IT!  I'm a happy drinker at this establishment who enjoys good, home cooked food! No accommodation here but why miss out on a great pub with just about everything going for it. The ambiance is superb. Expect to hear many topics of conversation and expect to be included in it without a second thought! Do not be easily upset, the locals here will include you in the chat but will insult you at the drop of a hat (all very friendly - if you can take it). On the other hand you can sit back and just listen. Be prepared for live music on Weds and Thurs, and a quiz on Tues (prizes for all, but also a jackpot, best so far £450). The worst could be the live music and quiz if you do not like that sort of thing. If you have a problem choosing the beer try a taster first. It is busy in evenings so it's not easy to get in or get drinks.