Spode Cottage, Rugeley

The Spode Cottage is a large and really nice looking pub from the outside,there is a also a nice looking garden to the front which would be nice in warmer weather. Once inside there are a few small rooms to the front,one of these has a pool table in it,the bar is in the very large barn like rear room which is so different to the front rooms,the bar is on the right side,the seating is normal tables and chairs and some pew seats,the room is bare boarded. There seems to be a country and western theme to the main room with american flags and posters advertising this theme,it all looked quite tacky in my opinion,but i dont like C&W music,those who do might well like this pub. There were three real ales on the bar,i had a drink of Brains bitter which went down well,the other beers were Springhead Leveller and Springhead Spice of Life. The real ale choice was different and the beer nice,i would prefer to sit outside in the garden and look at this nice pub as it was so dissapointing inside. Pub visited 7/3/2015

This pub has changed hands several time sin the last couple of years and has improved each time. The beer is now really good and the food reasonable if you just want something basic. The service is touch and go but certainly miles ahead of where it used to be. It is bright and clean and just fine for a quick drink.

A massive detached pub with white painted exterior and some black beams (i think, it was dark!). There is a large beer garden at the front of the pub. The interior is open plan, with a large main area that has a small stage area, a 'library' area, with half back leather seats and yes, books on shelves, a pool area. The pub seems to be aimed more for the food market. The decor is red and white, with some black beam and white and wood panel. There is a brick fireplace and there are some tradiional pictures and memorabilia dotted around. Background music was supplied by the radio and was easy listening at a decent level, service was ok, the small clietele mixed (for its size and being a Monday). Beer; tap tosh with, with Hobgoblin, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Pedigree and Abbotts on handpull, the Hobgoblin was so-so. It tries to blend the old and new, with limited success. I would eat and drink here before the Plum anyday, as the Plum is just too modern for me. However, based on the beer, I would carry on through the village to the Peculiar, or Crown.