Bird in Hand, Stafford

A detached corner pub in white render and black beam exterior, with a good rear patio area. The interior has four rooms, each with a distinct character, which, like the four countries of the UK, don't really sit that well together, but hey - interesting experiment. The main bar room is at the front. It is traditional and is in yellow and fake beam decor. Along with a dart board, there are lots of old Stafford pictures and it always seems to attract the mature regulars whenever i have been in. Sitting next to it is a small lounge, in white, a bamboo colour and beams that look so fake, it was a scene straight from the 80's. There is an equally fake fireplace and again, old Staffs pics adorn the walls - i liked this little room, where i sat alone! At the back there is a games room, with a couple of pool tables and a dart board, along with sofas bizarrely - again, the decor was a bamboo colour. The large lounge is modern, with tables and sofa. It has DJ equipment and charty music pumping out - i didn't stay in here, a room more for the younger crowd, but the decor seemed to be red and pinkish. The service was fine - i had to return a pint as too cloudy, but it was changed without quibble. Beer; tap stuff with Bombardier, Moorhouse Blond Witch (changed) and a decent Courage Best on handpull. I like this place, it is different. I always pop in for one.

the Bird is a decent town centre boozer with 4 bars and a garden. It seems much larger inside than it appears, possibly because of the four separate bar areas which don't flow well together but do add to the interest. The landlord is friendly and welcoming, while the clientele is varied - a mix of locals, students and tourists, although it doesn't get too crowded. No food on when I visited. Four beers on - I had both the Bass Premium and a pint of Wells's Bombardier, both well kept and enjoyable. It's worth including on a crawl and I'd be happy to pop in for a pint, particularly at lunchtime.

Typical Spoons fare with outside drinking & smoking area. Tables also available on the station concourse. On my visit a lack of staff left tables cluttered and service on the slow side.

A mixture of old and new, always a nice pint and friendly staff, large function room and games room at the rear with pool table, The bar has a very traditional feel very warm and friendly, at the back of the property the pub has a very large beer garden that incorporates a massive screen for watching sport etc, and on June 14 2008 the pub is holding a festival called (EVERY CLOUD) FROM 3PM TILL LATE INTO THE NIGHT with music from bands and disco, well worth a visit to stafford on that day, should be great fun. Also every tuesday evening the pub holds a great karaoke night from 8 till late! UPDATE Eddie and Mandy are now the new landlords and the pub is still just as good.