The Beehive, Stoke-On-Trent

The Beehive is a Joule’s pub with an L-shaped bar counter that faces a table to the front and seating up the right. There’s military memorabilia throughout and on the front table are a couple of ghostly figures, not sure what that’s all about. Some steps lead down to the left-hand side of the pub that was lights out. I did spot some clingfilm covered sandwiches down there so it looked like something was happening that evening. All but one of the tables were taken, I was actually surprised how busy it was for early on a Tuesday evening. One of the locals has a very good taste in music because the jukebox was playing some 80s tunes that I haven’t heard for ages. Available from the bar were Director’s, Bass, Pedigree and Landlord on cask and standard keg alongside Madri. The Bass was on good form at £3.70 a pint. The polite service and welcoming atmosphere would have me returning if in the area.

Decent pub, located most of the way up one of the steep hills between Stoke town centre and Penkhull, but well worth the walk. Features a traditional interior with two bars around the central L-shaped servery and a side room down a few steps. The largest room has plenty of smart furniture but the smaller one opposite the entrance just has a couple of tables. With five handpumps divided between the two counters, I found Slumbering Monk and Shropshire Hop (on offer at £2.50) from Joules, Bass, Pedigree and Brunswick Railway Porter.