The Holly Bush Inn, Stafford

due to open march 1st

A lovely detached thatched white rendered and white painted brick cottage-styled looking place, with front patio, nice flower baskets and a beer garden. The interior is open plan, but with three areas. It is all food based, and was very crowded that meant that i retired immediately to the patio area as there is no real bar area inside, making this really, in my view, a restuarant the sells real ale and not a pub. Be that a question of semantics, or not, it is still a nice place. The first area, mainly in undressed brick is to the left on entry. The middle area is in white and beams, generally, with settles and a stone fireplace. There is also a far end, as you go past the serving bar. There are lots of general prints on the walls, along with brass and other ephemera. There was no music, or of course, TV. The service was fine and the clientele maturer people, which of course, were all eating - and as i said, it was rammed even on a Monday afternoon - not a shock as it was voted Staffs dining pub of the year a few times. Beer; tap stuff, with Pedigree, Sheppy Neame's Whitstable Bay and Adams Bitter, which was decent enough. This is aimed at the dining experience, and i would love to eat here. The problem is is that i don't want to be surrounded by diners if just having a drink on a wet evening when i can't go outside. I really am not sure why it is in the GBG 2010 either.

A very pleasant pub in a tidy village just outside Stafford, the Holly Bush in Salt (NOT to be confused with the Hollybush in Seighford a few miles away) is well worth seeking out for both its food and its beer. The food comes in enormous portions; a main course will easily feed two normal-sized people and is usually tasty and well-cooked. The beer is also well-kept, and the reception is always friendly, especially from the landlord. My last visit saw off pints of both Adnams and Pedigree, both most enjoyable. I would recommend this pub for both quiet lunches and evening meals.

A recent visit found Adnams and Pedigree available as standard ales and Monkey Stout as a guest. Had a Pedigree and it wasn't good enough to warrant a second. Food however was very good and wine is obviously an option. This is a great pub for a meal but on my experience really doesn't warrant its' GBG entry so if you're looking for a session it's propably worth trying elsewhere.

Official site of the Holly Bush Inn, includes real ales and wine list as well as menu - www.hollybushinn.co.uk