Goats Head, Rugeley

Facebook page of Goats Head - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Goats Head - www.facebook.com

Fine-looking black-and-white inn at one end of the Market Place (now the village green), this one retains a public bar and lounge / dining area; fully separated, although the two counters are linked behind the scenes, and all is more basic inside than one might expect from such a building. Just Landlord (£3.70) available from the bank of three handpumps on each side.

A substantial barbecue was being assembled at the front of this impressive-looking building. We entered a covered outdoor area through the courtyard at the side. There was plenty of seating undercover, with further seating in a large garden beyond. A band was setting up and despite all but one table being empty, we were informed that the pub was fully booked. It appears that the band and barbecue were due to start within 30 minutes-1 hour and that all tables had been pre-reserved, presumably by those in the know. After explaining that we were only passing through, we were allowed to occupy a table. Any later in the day and I fear we would have been turned away thirsty. Butty Bach was the solitary real ale, with the landlord explaining that it wasn't worth stocking them as they had to keep pouring them away. Of the two pubs in the village, I much preferred the Crown, but my opinion may have been different on a more ordinary day.

Hosted Dick Turpin when he stole Black Bess. Good selection of 4 ales. Stopped in for lunch at 2.30, but only served the dinner menu, even though website advertises light snacks.

Likely on the site of older foundations, the pub possibly dates to the 17th century and is certainly in that style. Datached, with a beer garden, the pub has the traditional white and beam exterior. Amazingly, it isn't in the GBG 2010, despite holding annual beer festivals. The interior has two rooms in general; the bar and lounge. The lounge is in fact set up as the restuarant and is in green, peachy colour and brick, with supporting and ceiling beams. The bar, which has a TV (watched a bit of the World Cup) has a wood floor and is in red, peach and wood panel, with brick fireplace. There are masses of brass ephemera and other electic stuff, with lots of photos and prints on the walls. Service was fine and it was busy enough, with diners of a more mature outlook at my visit. There was quiet general background music. Beer; tap stuff, with Pedigree, Black Sheep, Bombardier, Abbots and an excellent Timothy Taylor Landlord on handpull. A delight to visit, a place that can successfully combine food and a bar. A must do in my opinion.