The Boat Inn, Lichfield

Upmarket 'restaurant & micro-farm' that that still looks like a pub from outside. However, despite being 90% a dining establishment, there is still a small (if fancy) general seating area round the far side of the bar. Unfortunately, the pair of handpumps are disused, but finding a couple of Belhaven beers - Black (£5.50) and Saltire - on the keg taps was a bit of a novelty this far south.

Official site of The Boat Inn - www.theboatinnlichfield.com

Official site of The Boat Inn - www.theboatinnlichfield.com

I visited this pub a little while ago after its refurbishment and was not impressed at all, in that I just wanted a drink & was frowned upon for not wanting food. However, I decided to pay another visit seeing as it was in the good beer guide 2010. And I was pleasently surprised, the welcome was much better. They were busy taking food orders at the bar, but soon had attention and an apology for the wait, and there was no problem with just having a drink. Don't get me wrong, this is still a food orientated establishment, but the area to the right as you walk in can be used for drinking and is very light, airy and modern, with the odd wooden bench thrown in. There are maps on the wall, always a winner with a map-geek such as myself, and it was comfortable and relaxing. 3 well kept real ales & I can see why it would make it into the GBG. The only problem for me was the strong wiff of scampi or fish. Nice place to visit, especially if you are after an interesting food menu.