The Park Gate Inn, Cannock

A good review below by Danny Like Danny, i put this down as former farm buildings - detached L-shaped brick builds, with a couple of beer gardens, one having a childrens play area. There is a dining conservatory and a marquee for outside functions. The situation, as Danny says, is lovely - tweeting birds (not on mobile phones) and the iron-age hill fort, with medieval hunting lodge remains is just next door. Peaceful. The interior had two rooms. The bar was in cream, red, with white ceiling and wood panel and had a brick fire range with stove. There were a couple of nooks and crannies, as well as a dart board, bottled beer collection - the bottles un-opened and many years old, some brass ephemera and saddles on display. It had a half tile and half wood floor - it felt traditional enough, even with the rock music in the background. The lounge was the opposite. In cream, beige and wood panel it was irregularly shaped and had a dining area and a sofa area, with arty pictures on the walls. I didnt eat but the food seemed a decent choice and many main courses at some £7.50. Danny hit the nail on the head when he said that "Inside the pub itself its a great example of how a restaurant pub can still work as a place just for a drink". The service was good and although quietish - the clientele was mixed. Beer; tap stuff, with Pedigree, Everard's Tiger and a decent Holden's Golden Glow on handpull, with Young's Gold as the guest ale. A decent choice. The last time i visited here, some 15 years back, it wasn't much to write home about - this time i was pleasantly surprised - worth a visit, either to eat, or to drink - even better on a summer's day and you can wander outside.

If theres a better located pub in this area I'd like to see it! Lovely old building, presumably a farm house, its situated next to the ancient monument Castle Ring, an iron age fort. Ok, the fort is so old it appears to be just a ring of raised soil, but it does offer views for many many miles over North Staffordshire. You can also see the odd Pendolino or two in the distance. The history of the fort is definately there. From the front of the pub itself you can probably see for 20 miles or so to the West Midlands connurbation. Shame the car park is on this side really, would make a lovely spot to enjoy a pint. Inside the pub itself its a great example of how a restaurant pub can still work as a place just for a drink. The restaurant is off to the right & leads to a large garden as well. Very comfortable but havn't tried the food. The bar is to the left as you enter and has an olde worlde feel with a large real fire at the end and two inglenook seating areas. Beams, bear brick, traditional tables, its not large but has a lovely feel. There are 4 real ales, Everards Tiger/Pedigree/Holdens Golden Glow & a guest. Quality was good though not excellent. A lovely pub, will have to return in summer or to try the food.