Shoal Hill Tavern, Hatherton, Cannock

Official site of Shoal Hill Tavern - www.shoalhilltaverncannock.co.uk

Official site of Shoal Hill Tavern - www.shoalhilltaverncannock.co.uk

A fine pub situated on the outskirts of Cannock, on the road to Penkridge. I do get the impression this pub both suffers and benefits from its location. It is on the edge of one corner of Cannock Chase, but also next to one corner of Cannock, I get the feeling it therefore doesn't know which direction to go or the potential it may have. It could be a lovely country or it could be a community pub, but tries to be both. However, maybe I'm being a bit over critical on this one. Its in a fine setting and the outside areas are glorious in good weather, there is even a tethering pole for horses, which was in use during my visit. The inside is very modern, light patterned seating and modern furninshings and the majority is given over to dining, in fact as you walk in their is a sign saying 'please wait to be seated' - however I ignored this as I was only drinking, and they seemed fine with this. It is a fine pub, though I'm not sure I would particularly want to make the effort to go here if it were Winter, but again maybe over critical. Four Thwaites beers and my Bomber was good and Thwaites is rare for the area. Overall its a very pleasant pub and I think I just could see more potential here, though probably for my own particular taste.