The Throstles Nest, Buglawton, Congleton

Thriving local pub in the outskirts of town - really hard to believe this was shut for >15 years as it has been restored so well. Lots of dark wood and a proper pub feel. Five ales on with the regulars largely preferring classic bitters - my Bass was perfect. But keep in mind that it is a locals pub serving quite a large community; there were a few questionable characters plus feral kids running around the back room. A bit of fine tuning needed but that’s all.

This only came onto my radar because some of the pubs I'd planned to do in the town had either no real ale or had failed to open. It's a 10 or 15 minute walk, or there's a bus every half hour. The pub only reopened in May 2023, and looks very smart, once I'd overcome my aversion to grey paint. The interior is very traditional, with lots of dark wood panelling and dark leatherette benches. Six hand pumps on the bar which faces the front door, a cider and five cask beers (see photo). My half of Ossett Silver King was very good (NBSS 3.5). The pub received a special award as "best newcomer" from the local branch, and should be in the GBG if recent beer scores are anything to go by. Definitely worth getting out of town for.

Official site of The Throstles Nest - caldmoretaverns.co.uk

Official site of The Throstles Nest - caldmoretaverns.co.uk

Facebook page of The Throstles Nest - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Throstles Nest - www.facebook.com

Reopens today, after a significant refurb by new owners Caldmore Taverns.