The Valiant, Leek

The Valiant is a single roomed pub with an L-shaped serving counter that faces banquettes under the front windows and up the right-hand wall opposite. My visit was on a recent Tuesday evening when there was some background music playing for the enjoyment of the local pissheads who had assemble in their local. Premium keg was available alongside three hand pumps, one was being used as a blue roll holder so the available cask options were Pedigree and Directors. There’s a dartboard to the left of the entrance and out the back is a beer garden that is surprisingly large considering the small size of the pub. It was a bit of a contrast walking into here after spending some time in the subdued Den Engel next door, this isn’t a journey I will be repeating.

A proper locals boozer unusually located right in the middle of town. Only one small bar, with just enough room for a dartboard on one side of the counter, and a slightly bigger seating area to the other. Wasn't necessarily expecting any real ale, but one of the three handpumps was in use, offering a fair pint of Courage Directors (especially at just £2.90).