The Hop Pole, Crewe

The Hop Pole has been knocked through and now has an island bar in the right hand side and two long seating areas in the left separated by a central wall that runs right to left down the centre of the pub. The bar has a premium and standard keg selection and supports three hand pubs. Wainwright was available and two handpumps were off, one of which was Sharps Doom Bar. Food is available, a plain burger with chips is £8. Televisions are located throughout and the pub was busy with a football crowd during my visit on Saturday afternoon. I noted that Rugby Union Champions Cup games are listed alongside upcoming football fixtures. When the football had finished the televisions were muted and some background music was put on. Out the back is a terrace area and a huge lawn that were popular with young families. I found the service to be friendly and think that this is a well-run pub, however the historical interior has been ripped out, which is a shame.

Side-street pub with some heritage interest, particularly the central servery between the two bars. The counter by the main entrance also serves two further rooms; a lounge and another front room that is dominated by the pool table. Two of four handpumps in use when I visited, dispensing Marston's 61 Deep (£3.20) and Robinson's Trooper. Surprisingly busy on a Tuesday night, with a real community feel, both of which are good signs for any pub.

A multiroomed pub that has been opened out in a relatively restrained way, leaving several distinct rooms. A central bar serves all areas and there are four hand pumps, though just two beers available when I was here: Salopian Shropshire Gold and Sharps Doom Bar. My beer was in good condition but lacking in taste and originality. This was a pleasant enough pub that I wouldn't be too disappointed to live nearby, but I couldn't recommend it to any passing beer tourists, should any make the mistake of coming to Crewe. Date of visit: 14th January 2017