Horse & Jockey, Stafford

Comprehensively described by BF and Soupy, below, this is an excellent local pub, the sort that every town should have. The regulars were tolerant to the point of acceptance, the landlady greeted us as old friends. The TV in the lounge was showing horse racing, while the the one in the public bar was screening the news. There was a roaring fire going, adding to the convivial atmosphere. The music was a real plus, and included Jethro Tull's tribute to our respected correspondent Aqualung. Ales on draft were Butty Bach, Beowulf's Dragon Smoke and Castle Glass, all in good condition though maybe a bit too chilled. This is a proper town pub, the sort of place you visit to enjoy a relaxing evening with friends.

This is a really nice locals pub in the centre of the town. I was here just after opening time and there was a bunch of apparent regulars gathered around the bar, members of the leisured class spending their well-earned state pensions, I would guess. The landlady was friendly and welcoming and served me a well-kept half of Fullers Damson Porter - Titanic Plum Porter was also on, and I had a little joke with her about having two such similar beers on at the same time, but she said they go in five minutes. The others were Wye Valley Best Bitter and Old Rosie Cider, split across six hand pumps between the two rooms. The public bar was deserted, but the lounge where everyone was congregated had the character of a tap room to my eye: the wood panelled bar had a foot rail and the room was generally comfortable but a little rough around the edges, which is as I like it. I'm glad I made an unscheduled stop here on my way to Ironbridge. Date of visit: 8th November 2017

The pub has had a recent makeover ,done in a tasteful manner thankfully.There is a seperate public bar to the left of the entrance,quite small and with a flat screen while to the right is the lounge with a small snug with a couple of circular tables and stools while the main part of the lounge had banquette seating,and a small two sided fireplace with some exposed brickwork between the snug and lounge.The low ceilings add to the charm.The lounge bar had two handpumps serving Banks's Mild and Old Rosie Cider but it is worth finding out what on in the public bar ,a well kept Marston's EPA and Hobgoblin on my trip. There was a flat screen in the lounge with daytime TV thankfully mute while the musak was quiet and inoffensive.Food is a focus and the pub staples on the menu looked keenly priced between £5-£6 with several daily specials at the same price point. I noted two big speakers mounted to the lounge wall,so volume may be cranked up in the evening,but my lunchtime visit was thoroughly enjoyable.