Hand & Cleaver Inn, Stafford

A detached country pub/restaurant, with patio area at the front and rear beer garden. The pub is undergoing refurbishment - hence the difference in the pictures - the exterior is now cream/yellow with green paintwork, with a new modern bland sign. The interior has several romms/areas. To the far right on entry is the large dining room, in white - i didn't eat, so i didn't go in. The second area faced the bar itself. In white and black, it had a central undressed brick hearth feature and general prints, which still gave this part of the pub a traditional feel. To the left on entry are the areas that have been pained by the look of it. A small lounge/dining area in red and white (i think) then steps down into a bar area in cream and light green, which has a dart board. The service was really friendly and the clientele few, but mixed. Beer; tap stuff, with Bombardier, Peakstones Brewery's Nemeises and a decent Salopian Shropshire Gold. As a traditionalist, it seemed a nice place that may have started the move to a more modern look - only a regular would know. Really happy to have visited and would again, but i was left with the feeling that i wished i had come a few years before!

Worthy of its 4 stars. Extremely friendly. Very good ales. Check its website for opening hours and menus.