The Blue Bell, Stoke-On-Trent

The pub has an attractive canalside location although the canal is not visible from within on account of a large hedge. The bar is on a side wall as you enter, then a side room is divided by a large sadly unused fireplace. Beyond to the rear is another room which can be seen from the side room via a pair of leaded windows. The walls are roughcast, painted white and there is a white beamed ceiling. Partly carpeted, seating is reassuringly traditional with banquettes and small chairs. A CAMRA award hangs on a wall adjoining the bar. An excellent range of beers in here, there were six on, Whim Arbor Lights, Acorn Gorlovka, Winkle Lord Lucan, Cottage Honey Bunny, Three Tuns Rantipole and one called A Fist Full of Hops, brewery not noted. Ciders and perries available also from the likes of Biddenden and Westons. An excellent pub serving a great range of non-mainstream beers, although still closed on Mondays they now open from 12 from Thursday to Sunday.

The Blue Bell really is a gem and it is well worth a detour to make a visit. Small and traditional it was full and busy even on a rainy Tuesday evening but with a friendly and buzzing atmosphere no doubt induced by the imbibing of quality real ale. Six rotating beers are on which included Cheddar Gorge's Potholer, Weetwood Oast House Gold and Salopian Ironbridge Stout. An intelligent and varied selection. All that we tried were in top nick and flew down. Go there.

Official site of the Blue Bell, contains real ale details - www.bluebellkidsgrove.co.uk

Official site of the Blue Bell, contains real ale details - www.bluebellkidsgrove.co.uk