Duke William, Stoke-On-Trent

Large pub with an interesting heritage interior featuring two bars separated by a lobby with an old off-sales hatch and two further lounge rooms off to one side. Traditional furniture and decor in all parts with just a few modern features such as a couple of TV screens. Also has an upstairs restaurant, although "sorry, no chef today" was a blow when I enquired since none of the town's other pubs appear to do food. Five of eight handpumps in use, offering Abbot, Titanic Steerage, Backyard Half-Wit, Oakham Citra and Alton Abbey (£3.10).

I was glad that Luton Town's visit gave me the chance to visit this pub with Regionally Important Historic Interior, though with the burgeoning pre-match crowd it was difficult to give it the appreciation it deserves. Also I was only able to photograph five of the eight beers on at the time of my visit (see photos), because of the crush around the bar. See the review by Pub Sign Man below for a description of the pub: my notes made at the time just say "real fire" and "nice old screens". Or better still, come and see for yourselves. Date of visit: 30th December 2017