The Cask Bar, Newcastle under Lyme

A fairly average and run of the mill micro pub with nothing outlandish in the way of features, apart from a large mural along the side wall depicting some barrels in a cellar. Five ales on handpump on our visit, two dark beers and three pale. I went for the Slaters Refresher, which didn't warrant a second pint.

This is a reasonable size micropub with mixed furnishings and a fairly modern interior. There was a TV on one wall showing something called the World Cup but with the sound off. A music track was playing. It has a small bar counter with 5 hand pumps carrying beer as listed below. I went for the Pale Rider which sadly wasn't very good. I suspect I caught the last one from the cask, at least I hope so as the reviews below are not critical of the beer quality. I'll give this one the benefit of the doubt.

Yet another micro pub,this one a short walk away from the town centre in a shop conversion in a small shopping arcade below some flats.The interior is colourful with a mix of furniture including sofas and it will appeal to a wide audience including groups of women.There was a friendly ,chatty welcome from the barmaid and the 5 handpumps were drawing Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby MILD,Slaters Refresher,Kelham Island Pale Rider,Fat Cat Milk Stout and an ever reliable Oakham Citra in good nick.I thought that was a decent line up ,making this a very worthwhile stop if crawling the area with the Greyhound and Hopinn not far away.

Occupying a double shop unit that was formerly a restaurant, the Cask Bar has been open since late summer 2017. Opening at 12:30 each afternoon, it was very quiet at the time of my tea-time visit and the owner occupied me in conversation throughout my stay. I was very pleased to see Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby Mild on the bar - it's a regular here - though perhaps it was not a wise choice for my ninth pub of the day (don't worry - only halves were drunk). Also on was Titanic Plum Porter, which the bar's owner augments with the addition of a bottle of port - he does this to every other barrel, so regulars are never sure whether they're going to get the regular beer or the spiced up one. The other three beers vary (see photo.) My only criticism of this place is that it still looks too much like a restaurant, though hopefully this will change over time.