Chetwynd Arms, Stafford

Marston's pub that on a weekday lunchtime was being favoured more by diners than drinkers. It's quite a spacious pub with a number of different sections. Curiously, all diners had been seated in one particular corner. As the only drinkers, we had pretty much all of the bar area to ourselves. Marston's Pedigree & Thwaites Wainwright are the 2 regular beers. The guest beer was Banks's Amber Bitter. The pub is situated on the main A34 between Stafford and Cannock, with the number 74 bus stopping outside the pub (every 30 minutes on weekdays). However, most people seemed to have arrived by car. With our bus arriving 10-15 minutes late, it didn't leave us long to have a swift half of Pedigree before the next one came along. In all honesty, it wasn't worth getting off the bus for.

A nice enough place from the outside, with beer garden and childrens play area. This once pub and eatery, is now more aimed at the food side, though there is a bar area, but as others report, its far less noticable than it used to be. The interior is tidy, with wood beams and plain walls and lots of tables. The staff were friendly, but pushed, as the place was packed, it being a hot day. The food - its a two for one place - was fine, but not exactly copius amounts and if you were on your own - you would feel miffed. Beer wise, usual taps, with Banks's MILD on hanpull, along with Pedigree, Jennings Cumberland Ale and Brakspear Hooray Henry. The Cumberland and MILd were very good. If i were after a drink alone, i wouldnt bother really, as Brocton its out on a limb. Eating with the family is a different thing. It was, over all, fine and a couple of regular handpulls makes it a safe place to go, so yes, i would revisit

A recently modernised pub. Bears no traces of its old self. Tasteful decor providing plenty of small areas where groups can be comparatively private. Good ales and good food, but no longer a pub for dogs, hikers and sporty types. Better than its neighbours and will be a success as a gastro pub.