Old Bulls Head Inn, Newcastle Under Lyme Central, Newcastle under Lyme

Compared to the modern craft bars and micro pubs that both preceded and proceeded our visit to this one you cannot get more traditional than the Old Bulls Head. The dark low hanging beams, the quarry tiled and wooden flooring, the period fireplace with large opulent mirror above and quant snug section of this reportedly oldest drinking establishment in NuL have all been well described below. Plenty of Joules brewing memorabilia about the place and some humour shown in the sign directing you towards the sun drenched beer garden only for you to find one of the smallest enclosed outside courtyard drinking areas to be found in any pub. My half of Slumbering Monk was perfectly fine but I also am not a great fan of Joules beers so it was a bit disappointing to find no guest ales on for our visit. But despite that the Old Bulls Head is still a fine traditional pub in the middle of NuL.

Tucked away near the main shopping area,this old pub has been restored by Joules.The main tap room is to the left of the entrance with an extremely low beam at the corner of the L shaped bar requiring major ducking.To the right there is a charming snug corner,with a small range,traditional furniture and good wood panelling.The pub had a town centre boozer vibe but the presence of a baby in a buggy with family members milling around gave the impression that strangers are tolerated,if not celebrated.The 5 handpumps were drawing an Olde Rosie cider along with Joules Pale Ale,Pure Blonde,Slumbering Monk and Royal Ale (average) .I'm not a fan of Joules ales and it was a shame there was no guest.The pub is rather over restored,and I will probably leave it to the regulars next time I'm in town.

This one wasn't a planned visit as it's not on the Joules list of pubs but I was fed up with staggering about in the rain. I'm glad I did include it as I thought this was probably the best Joules pub I've been to. As mentioned below it's a long single narrow room with a low ceiling and beams, a wooden floor and real fires. The six hand pumps had the three permanent Joules beers, Pale, Blonde & Slumbering Monk as well as a seasonal Beer Tonic No. 37. The two guests were Six Bells Dark Angel and from Devon Hunter's Full Bore. I went for the Dark Angel (£3.30) which was superb. I would definitely return here especially as it's only yards from the Lymestone Vaults.

Nice old style pub. Serves a few Joules ales plus guest beers. 3 guests were on on my visit. Low beamed ceiling so handy for smashing your head on.