Princess Royal, Stafford

A slightly weird town pub consisting of a Victorian house with a 1970s extension at the back, which makes it feel a bit like a factory club bar. Inside though ti seems to work – there is a comfortable traditional bar at the front, formed from 3 conjoined original rooms, while the extension houses a large lounge bar. The servery is in the middle, split level as the extension is about 2 feet higher than the front bar, the two joined by steps. There is a pool table and dartboard, gaming machines and TV screens showing football. Six handpumps were evident, though only two ales on, Wainwright’s Golden Beer and Banks’s Amber Ale, both in good condition and served with a smile. It’s a decent no-frills local, worth a revisit for the ale and the welcome.

A decent enough place that was friendly enough. A few cask ales with one rotating guest, on this occasion Slaters IPA.