The Lymestone Vaults, Newcastle Under Lyme Central, Newcastle under Lyme

This Lymestone pub was originally a wine bar so whether it was an original pub is unclear. It's tucked down an alley at the West end of the pedestrianised High Street. Inside it's a long narrow room with the bar in front as you enter and a square room at the right side away from the bar. The interior is clean and modern rather than old and worn but it's still a very pleasant place to stop for a drink. The bar had seven Lymestone beers and three guests one which I didn't get to note, a rugby themed one and Muirhouse Summit Hoppy. I went for the Lymestone beer I had never seen before the Abominable Stoneman (£3.30). This was an excellent old school 7.0% strong ale but not too sweet and at a very reasonable price. This is one not to be missed especially if you're not that familiar with the brewery. It also does a number of ciders and is GBG 2016 listed.

Excellent pub and obviously an outlet for Lymestone Brewery. 7 of the 10 pumps dispensed Lymestone beers on this visit.

This 16th century Grade 11 listed building is housed in the former Wine Vaults on Pepper Street,and as Alan Hurdle points out there were 10 casks on the go including various rotating guest beers.Past the bar area on the right is a smart lounge area with a few leather seats a selection of books that are mainly Good Beer Guides and other ale related literature. Definitely worth a visit