The Crafty Flanker, Stoke-On-Trent

Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Crafty Flanker

It was a bit of a journey on 2 buses from Burslem out to this micropub in Biddulph, but it was well worth our while. Owned and run by Front Row Brewery, it has their beers on plus guests.

The main front bar is small and seating around the edge is laid out to encourage conversation. Two further rooms to the rear, one with a large rugby mural provide further seating.

We enjoyed good conversation with the barmaid and some locals, before the head brewer and owner of Front Row came in after completing some beer deliveries. We soon got engaged in conversation with them too.

Front Row beers on cask were Day of the Jackler, Not Straight & Arise Sir Kevin. Guests were Great Newsome Flanker, Goff's American Pale & Cromwell Best Bitter. Meanwhile a fridge to the right-hand side of the bar contained boxes of Rosie's Wicked Wasp & Black Bart, as well as various cans and bottles. A couple more Front Row beers were on keg - Beast & Hooker.

After a half of the Not Straight (a banana stout), we were about to leave when the Front Row owner (Lee) offered us a lift to our next planned pub. He was heading that way anyway, but it seemed like an excellent excuse to fit another half in. I chose the Flanker which was also in good condition.

The Potteries area may well seem a bit rundown in places, but there are some excellent pubs and we really did meet some friendly publicans. Along with the complimentary pork pie from Johny's Micro Pub in Burslem, we were really grateful for Lee's lift into town in the brewery van. He even took us on a diversion past the Titanic Brewery. It seems folk round this way are very friendly and hospitable.

Repeating what I said at the beginning, the Crafty Flanker is worth the trouble of getting to.

On 22^nd March 2025 - rating: 8
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