The Coachmakers Arms, Stoke-On-Trent

Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Coachmakers Arms

My train journey from Chorley back to London was meant to be a swift change in Preston (and as on the way, a swift half or two in the Old Vic). However, after discovering there was a trackside fire in Cheshire on arrival in Preston, we were sent to Manchester after the inevitable drink in the Old Vic. With no late trains from Manchester to London, Birmingham was the furthest south I could manage. Luckily I managed to book a coach from Stoke to Heathrow and after a quick transfer from Stoke railway station to its bus station, I found myself desperate for a pee in the bus station, where the toilets were closed. Luckily, I spied the Coachmakers across the road.

My last visit here was at Christmas 2010. I very much remember the pub being under threat of closure due to the redevelopment of the area, perhaps when the bus station was built, as I don't remember that being there in 2010.

The pub is a timeless classic with 4 small rooms, 2 either side of a central corridor. The small bar at the front left was busy and after ordering, I retreated to the rear left room where quite a few people were packed in watching England's World Cup game with Norway. There was one spare seat, enabling me to watch England's first goal. After relieving myself in the outdoor toilets to the rear, it wasn't long before I departed the area on a Flixbus!

Draught Bass is the regular cask ale here. Guests were Oakham Citra & Peakstones Rock Pugin's Gold. I chose the latter, which wasn't my favourite but served a purpose. There was also a good range of bag-in-the-box ciders.

If you ever find yourself in Stoke bus station, this or the Victoria Lounge Bar provide very good reasons for missing your bus.

On 3^rd August 2026 - rating: 8
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