The Navigation Inn, Stafford

An excellent canal side pub, popular with boaters and locals alike, the pub currently owned by Punch and family run. Ales on were Wainwrights Gold, Banks's Amber, Speckled Hen and a draft cider. The beer, all of which we sampled, was in in excellent condition. There was proper pub food, simple, well-cooked from fresh, good portions and reasonably priced. A pool table, tv screen and gaming machines provided entertainment, but the pub was surprisingly empty. The staff were friendly and welcoming, particularly to our dogs. Strangely, though, some of the other guests (not locals) were fairly hostile. I'd be very happy to come back for a meal and a few drinks next time I'm passing, and it makes the nearby moorings an attractive place to overnight (assuming you have a boat, that is).

A large detached canal-side pub and eatery in a coffee render, with chocolatey coloured paintwork. There are outbuildings and it would be interesting to know the history of the place, presumably it dates to the 1830s when the canal was opened. There is a rear conservatory, a patio and kid’s play area. The interior has two rooms that i saw. I entered via the main door at the side. To the right is the bar/lounge, which had a TV and was in a white artexy decor. I went into the lounge/dining area, which is the the left. This room is on two levels and extends into the conservatory. The decor is yellow and white, with a white and beam ceiling. There are several old photos on the walls, as well as a few general kind of prints – animals being popular. I didn’t eat here, but the menu seemed fine and there was a 2 for £12 offer. The service was fine and the clientele mixed and it was quite busy. There was general background music played at a decent level. Beer; usual tap stuff with Banks’s MILD, bitter, Abbot Ale and Rev James on handpull. The MILD was a little flat. A decent pub and eatery with a nice setting, like it’s neighbour, the Boat, either of which i would be happy to visit and eat at.