The Bailey Head, Oswestry

Renowned cask, craft keg and cider pub on the square near the castle remains. Opened out at some stage to leave a L-shaped arrangement of four seating areas, with counters on opposite sides of the central servery. Nicely traditional in all parts, with a few tables out front if the sun makes a rare appearance. Interesting choice from a very wide range of styles, but after a chat with the owners I went for their regular Station Bitter from the local Stonehouse Brewery (£3.90, an in excellent shape) from one of the six handpumps at the front (with the five at the back dispensing cider).

A revitalised freehouse (formerly Marstons) run by the people who previously had the CAMRA award winning Orpington Liberal Club. A bit of a mish-mash inside, presumably from old refurbs and indeed the genial and engaging licensees told us that the place is a step-by-step work in progress; it certainly does need a bit of licking up in places. Six pumps with beers from unrecognised micros plus eight kegs and proper cider. I went for halves of Turning Point Soothsayer (NBSS 3) and Chapel OMG (NBSS 3.5). Also sampled some very nice local scotch eggs. Was really impressed to see each local who popped in getting a personalised greeting and enquiry about their general health, very rare to see that. Well worth a visit, this is one that will be on the national radar before long if the current trajectory is maintained.

This was called The Castle Tavern the last time I was here. One of 3 in a small square this is quite a good pub. The I terior is basically the same as before with an L-shaped lounge. 5 handpulls with 3 Marston's beers and one each from Purple Moose and Crwr Iâl. A good place for your pub crawl.

Official site of The Bailey Head - baileyhead.co.uk