The Staffordshire Bull, Parkside, Stafford

A typical modern 60 - 80s style, unaesthetic, pub/eatery in undressed brick and white panel, surrounded by a shopping centre car-park. The interior is open plan in a rough L-shape around the wooden serving bar facing as you enter through the main door. The décor is red and cream, with a couple of nice fireplace features and plenty of old photographs on the walls of the local area, as well as some coloured glass – all of which gives the impression of an older interior, if you hadn’t seen the pub on the way in! The room has a raised area, which I think is for dining – I didn’t eat so can’t comment on that. There are a couple of TVs, with Sky Sports News on at my visit and there is a pool table and dart board. The service was fine and there was a small mixed clientele. There was no background music. Beer; tap stuff, with no MILD and Pedigree on handpull. I had a pop. The location, dull exterior and lack of MILD and real ale go against the pub, the nice enough interior and facilities go for it. If you are not bothered about real ale and not put off by the car-park, it seems worth a try. I am pleased I visited, but for my personal taste, it doesn’t have enough to warrant a return.