The Boat, Stafford

Another nice canal side pub about 10 minutes along the towpath from the Cross Keys. A couple of ales on GK London Glory and Purity Mad Goose. We went for the Purity which was excellent. Popular with diners by the look of it but still a decent pub.

The interior was a bit over the top for such a distinguished looking building. You enter the pub on the canal side and enter a bright orange painted porch. The main lounge and bar also had bright yellow painted walls and the front was tiled with modern patterned tiles. Four handpumps with two in use, GK IPA and Old Speckled Hen.

Traditional (almost) canal-side pub, with the main bar area along the road and a couple of further small seating / dining areas down a couple of steps parallel to the waterway. Refurbished at some stage, but the unfussy furniture and decor works well enough. Also has some wooden benches outside by the car park, but these don't fully benefit from the location. Three handpumps on the counter, offering Landlord, Tribute (£3.60) and Abbot.