Vine, Rugeley

I recently moored up my narrowboat in Rugeley and spent a good hour trudging around the town for a pub that sold cask ale. I eventually stumbled upon the Plaza, a Weatherspoo pub, I bought a pint and went to settle in the beer garden. I sat next to a gentleman and told him of my disappointment in the standard of pub in the town. He asked me if I liked Draught Bass, I replied that it was one of my favourite ales.
Shortly afterwards, he led me to the vine which was only 5 minutes away. I have to say that not only was the Bass one of the best I have ever had but also, the company was as friendly as you will find anywhere.
I strongly recommend this pub to anyone who likes a traditional pub serving excellent ales accompanied by friendly and good humoured locals.

21 Jul 2010 16:42

The Minster Inn, York

As someone who lives and travels around the waterways on a narrowboat, I get to visit a fair number of pubs. How lucky I was to have recently visited The Minster Inn, I have to rate it as one of the most friendly pubs I have had the good fortune to drink in. It was not just Dave and Sal, the landlord and his wife but also the regulars who were so welcoming and friendly.

I generally visit a pub in the afternoons to do my 3 P's - Pint, Paper and Pipe, so on the three occasions that I visited the Minster, I spent my time in the small, mainly covered, area in the back set aside for smokers. Well, I never got to read my paper or do the crossword, instead I was drawn into conversation with the regulars. Now that is what I consider the sign of a good pub, it is all about, a good pint and friendly company.

So, if you are not too bothered about the absence of piped music, if you don't fret about being in surroundings that haven't changed much over the years, if you prefer beer that comes from a brewery rather than a factory, if you prefer good conversation to soap operas then, I humbly suggest that you place The Minster Inn on your 'Must visit list'. I give it top rating.

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention, the Minster is a "Dog friendly pub', my pooch will have to go on a diet after all the nibbles he was given. Cheers.

14 Jun 2010 01:35