The Junction, Stafford

A canal side pub popular with the boating community, more those whose lifestyle it is rather than the tourists and leisure boaters who presumably keep the place afloat during the holiday season. The smaller public bar had a pool table, dart board, switched-off TV screen and a collection of sports trophies, while the lounge was more of a dining area. There was a live owl supervising the bar, which made the dogs feel slightly ill-as-ease. The welcome was warm and genuine from staff and regulars alike, though there was a hint that nonsense wouldn't be tolerated. The food was outstanding – very large, tasty pies, good meat, everything well cooked with good ingredients and in very healthy portions. Proper pub food, in other words. The ale was excellent too: Junction Best Bitter (a special from Cottage Brewing), Hobgoblin Gold, Ringwood Fortyniner and Banks's Mild, all well kept and most enjoyable. I'd be very happy to stop here next time I'm passing, both for food and drink.

A canalside Marstons pub with a large dining room to the left leaving a traditional bar area for the drinkers to the right. Even on a Thursday lunchtime there were a few locals, regulars and boaters in the bar and with a friendly welcome and various nods and 'hellos' on entering it feels a very comfortable and pleasant place to be. Although on a chilly day, a lit fire would have been a bonus. We didn't eat but the menu has a decent selection of pub grub and there's also a specials board. I'd guess from what was offered that the 'specials' at least may be home cooked. Beer on: Junction Bitter (brewed by Coachhouse), Banks Bitter and Mild and an outstanding pint of Double Thumper, a collaboration between Marstons and Shipyard of the US. The barmaid said that the locals favourite was Old Empire IPA but that the Double Thumper was going down well. I'd guess from that that the fourth pump is reserved for a stronger brew from the Marstons range. A well located, friendly and comfortable pub which I'd happily return to.

Canalside to the Shropshire Union at the bustling Norbury Junction ,this pub still retains a two room layout.Public bar to the right has two leather bound banquettes with views over the canal,a pool table,darts,flatscreen,juke box and a community feel.The lounge to the left is essentially for dining and extends a good way to the rear at different levels with food being a popular reason for a visit served daily 12-3,6-9.There is a terrace to the front under an awning and a substaintial pub garden at the rear. The fireplaces burn logs and the welcome was friendly.There seems to be a Marstons tie,but a house Junction Bitter is brewed by Coachhouse.The other regular ales are Banks's Bitter and Mild while a strong option is usually available which on my trip was the excellent collaboration brew from the US micro Shipyard called Double Thumper 5% costing £3.25. The small hamlet is augmented by many folk who live on boats,and passing canal trade is also strong.This pub serves all comers very well and is the best canalside hostelery for miles around.Well worth a visit ,and probably an extended stay.

This is a detached canalside pub and eatery with a great beer garden that has a kids' play area and a well feature. The pub is in white render and undressed brick, with covered entrancce. The interior has a couple of rooms. To the right on entry there is the bar. It is a square room that is in cream with a tile floor, along with a painted mural on the wall depicting a horse-drawn barge. It has a pool table and dart board, along with a TV on the wall. The lounge/dining room is to the left. It is also in cream, with some wood panel and with a red carpet - it extends to form a bit of an L-shape, though the lights were out in the far end. There was no TV here, or music. We ate in this room and i had a really nice staek. Landscape and canal photos and ephemera decorate both rooms. The service was really good and there was a good mixed clientele, many boat people i guess as loads of boats are moored-up at the Junction. Beer; usual tap stuff with Banks's Bitter, a decent Banks's MILD, Coach House Brewery's Double Decade, which was really nice and an untried Junction Inn Bitter, brewed by the same brewery. A really nice place to visit and eat, with nice views, good beer, pub games and good service. I will be back - visit it if around.

Official site of the Junction Inn, includes menus - www.norburyjunction.co.uk