Cock Inn, Stafford

Official site of Bistro Le Coq at the Cock Inn - www.bistrolecoq.co.uk

A detached undressed brick cottage style restaurant/pub, which goes by the name of the Bistro Le Coq and is French themed. Ivy clings to the outside and there are flowers and a nice patio. Note – it styles itself as a restaurant/bar – so the food takes preference. The interior has two areas. The restaurant is on two levels and is in white a cream and wood panel, with some undressed, wood beams brick and wood floor. There is a little waiting area with a wood settle. The bar area is also in white, with a tiled serving bar. The art suits the theme here, which is arty bistro pictures, but as it is the theme of the place it goes well, unlike all the food factories where it doesn’t. There are a few jugs and plates – bits of ephemera to add to the ambience, as does the music, soft easy listening a la bistro style. The service was very good, the clientele mixed. Beer; tap stuff with Peroni. On handpull there was Marston’s Burton bitter and a reasonable Wye Valley Butty Bach. Whilst the décor and style of this place wouldn’t be first on my list, as a traditionalist, it isn’t a cheap attempt at a gimmick. It has class. Although I didn’t eat, I wish I had and will bring Mrs Soup back here – assuming she drives.

Official site of Bistro Le Coq at the Cock Inn - www.bistrolecoq.co.uk