The Butler's Bell, Stafford

From the sub-Spoons across the road to this ex-Spoons was but a short walk. It was disappointing to find no cask beers on the bar, but the young man there told us it was expected to be back on Friday. Not much use to those of us who had made the journey to Stafford for a day's pub research, as I explained. Two gave up on the place while one went for a bottle of a Davenports beer from the fridge and I, along with the fifth member of the group, went for a keg beer from the same brewery. I found this undrinkable - cold and fizzy just like keg beer is reputed to be. I left two-thirds of my half pint when we left the pub, so no one can say I didn't have a drink. I would agree that I didn't have a very good drink, but that's a misfortune than could befall the best of us.

Official site of The Butler's Bell - thebutlersbellbydavenports.co.uk

Official site of The Butler's Bell - thebutlersbellbydavenports.co.uk

I’ve no idea why anyone would choose this Wetherspoons over the far superior Picture House at the other end of the high street, but many had because the Butler’s Bell was very busy during a recent late midweek afternoon visit. Most people seemed to be eating so maybe the food is better in here? Tim Martin seems to have made his choice though because there’s a for sale sign up on the wall out front. This is actually quite small for a Spoons, and I wasn’t a fan of the décor which includes some 1970’s crystal lights above the brown Perspex fronted bar counter that runs up the left wall. There’s standard seating by the entrance and at the rear. High tables run down the centre opposite the bar and some booths run along the right-hand wall. FA cup football was being advertised. The bar counter supports standard and premium keg alongside two banks of five identical hand pumps. These were drawing Ruddles, Sharp’s Doom Bar, GK Abbot Ale, Black’s Irish Red and the Flack’s Irish Porter was off. A very disappointing line up, probably the worst I’ve seen in any Spoons. It certainly feels like this place is winding down when it comes to wet sales. I’ll not be visiting here again before it’s sold, which is no loss to me.