The Queens Head, Congleton

There has been a serious spruce up both inside and out since my last visit and part of the building is used for B&B ,so the Hotel part of the name is accurate.The front door opens into the main lounge with a traditional fireplace,upholstered bench seating and round tables while at the rear is a raised dining area and some nooks and crannies.Carrying around the island bar,the corridor takes you to a pool room with darts and flat screen.This was formerly the public bar ,and there is a further snug with it's own counter but with the dividing doors removed years ago.However the interior layout is still very traditional. There are eight handpumps but I felt the range was not that well thought out with serveral national brands ( ie GK Abbott ) and the only dark option being Old Peculier.The barmaid offered a taster of an obscure micro brew but told us that Bass and Joules Pale Ale were the best sellers and this proved good advice, both were spot on. Food features large here and brought a good lunchtime crowd into the lounge,while the bar stools proved popular with the regulars.Muzak in the public bar was much too loud but there were some display cabinets with interesting collection of beer mats and pump clips. Outside there is an impressive decked patio and a large garden.There are steep steps down to the towpath of the Macclesfield Canal which need care if you want to avoid a long drop when well oiled. A good place for a couple of pints ,a higher rating would have been awarded if a better range of ales were available in this 2013 GBG entry.

The Queens Head is very close to the canal and well away from the middle of Congleton. This pub has Ansells signs outside so i was'nt that hopefull of getting a decent drink here, i was very wrong i counted 7 handpumps and all had micro brewery beers on i car'nt remember what i had to drink here but it was a really nice drink. This is a good pub to end a Congleton pub crawl its close to the train station and has a great choice of beers.

Official site of the Queens Head Hotel - www.queensheadhotel.org.uk

An excellent pub around 3/4 mile from the town centre. 8 hand-pulled ales, along with the usual array of lagers etc. First-rate home-cooked food served from 11.00 (12.00 on Sundays). Kids and WELL-BEHAVED dogs welcome. In both the Good Beer Guide and the Good Bed & Breakfast Guide. Large beer garden with kids' adventure playground. Canal boat mooring. I love this pub when I'm in the area!

Official site of the Queens Head Hotel - www.queensheadhotel.org.uk