The Cross Keys, Penkridge

What a shame - lovely canalside setting but I can't see us ever stopping here agin. We moored up right outside on a sunny Sunday afternoon just wanting to sit outsIde with a pint. We couldn't sit in the nice seat overlooking the canal due to the foul language of the group of men gathered there- not the pubs fault possibly but we found that wherever we sat the 'f' word was liberally sprinkled into every conversation. The bar service was appalling - so off-hand & our question about what red wines were on offer seemed to fox the barmaid. Eventually she pointed to 2 opened bottles & said 'it doesn't say but I think one's sweeter than the other'. Eventually after studying the labels we were informed they were both Shiraz. We had to return the lip-stick encrusted wine glass with a request for a clean one - no apology. Banks Bitter was not awful but not good either. Bar area smelt of disinfectant but the corridor down to the toilets was musty & dank. Although the loos themselves were clean the hand dryer was not working & had been replaced by a grimy towel.
The place is obviously a local pub for local people. If you're on a boat keep on going to the Boat just after Penkridge lock or even better take a 5 min walk to the Star Inn

13 Sep 2010 08:32