The Bridge, Cannock

Another pub that is a little out of the centre of Hednesford, being located next to a busy roundabout with views over open fields. The single, large room was busy when we walked in. Most customers seemed to be an after-work crowd. Although some of them seemed to have knocked off work a little early! Football was showing on multiple TVs and it was reasonably noisy. I couldn't help but noticing that tables and chairs were in fairly odd positions where we sat. It almost felt as if there'd been a brawl in there at some point during the afternoon! I couldn't fault the beer selection. It definitely exceeded my expectations with two banks of handpulls, one at the front of the quite lengthy bar and one to the side. Banks's Bitter is the regular ale. Guests were Thwaites Wainwright, Twisted Wheel A Nod Is As Good As A Wink, Ossett White Rat, Oakham Citra & White Dwarf & St Austell Proper Job. The CAMRA website mentions that a real cider is offered. Unless it was hidden away behind one of the pillars at the bar, I don't think they had any. Nevertheless, I thought the real ale selection was well above average and would happily return here.

Roadhouse in a prominent position beside a large roundabout; with rather off-putting signage that does, however, mention real ale several times. The interior comprises one large bar with limited seating, but there are alcoves for the dartboard in one corner, the pool table in another and a modest lounge area at the back. Basic decor throughout. Fortunately, cask beer was indeed available from four of seven handpumps when I visited: Banks's Amber, Castle Rock Elsie Mo, Oakham Citra and Salopian Vanishing Point (£3.00).

Entry in the 2017 Good Beer Guide. It doesnt look much from the outside and the signage is a little off putting. If you are going to advertise Real Ale, you don't really want a logo for Coors and Carling on the same hoarding. However, looks can be deceiving. Huge interior - cracking juke box (rare Ian Dury anyone?) and six real ales on. A couple from Banks but around the bar corner, I found a Otter Summer Light - a Pale Ale never before found. And I thought I knew all the Otters. Delicious. The food was also fantastic. A simple home made burger and chips but at a price where you wonder how they make a profit. A great experience and a reminder not to judge books by their covers. Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2s7X86n