Johnys Micro Pub, Stoke-On-Trent

A pleasant little place on the Square opposite The Bulls Head and The Duke William. 4 handpulls with a good variety of styles - pale, stout, bitter - on my visit. Friendly, comfortable and, I thought, just nice. Will visit again when in Burslem.

A shop conversion but with a real pub atmosphere,there is a side walkway to the bar that stretches across the back wall,while seating is all traditional wooden tables,chairs and stools.There is a small log burner to the side,while a flatscreen will show Sky Sports but at a low volume.The landlady both serves and keeps a matronly eye on proceedings ,which is old school but reassuring. The 4 handpumps were drawing Sarah Hughes Surprise,Staffordshire Black Grouse Stout,Dancing Duck Ay Up and a very decent Cross Bay Zenith IPA.Great range of styles and strengths show a knowlegeable approach to ale selection marking this out as another pub that must be visited on a crawl,and is comfortable enough for a session.Virtually opposite the Bulls Head and a great triple header along with Hog Noggins.

The most 'micro' of Burslem's three micro-pubs, with just six tables in the single room with a counter along the back wall. The furniture may be a bit retro but the decor is definitely more traditional (except for three sports TV screens). Four real ales are offered on handpump: Slater's Haka, Cross Bay Zenith IPA, Dancing Duck Ay Up and Staffordshire Black Grouse Stout (£3.00).

With apologies for my review being over a year old: this is a nicely done shop conversion which was busy before the visit of Luton Town to Port Vale. My friends were surprised when, in the Bulls Head across the road from here, I started changing my shirt. "No away fans in Johnys Micro Pub", I informed them. Though the number of familiar faces when I made it through the door told a different story. Still, if no one's wearing colours who's to say which team they support. Football? No mate, just here for the beer. (And the team didn't turn up and we lost 4-0, but that's of no concern here.) There are four hand pumps on the bar here, all from well-respected breweries (see photo) and I enjoyed the North Star Porter, a former champion in its class. It would be nice to come back another day when there's no prospect of being beaten at football. Date of visit: 30th December 2017

A decent micro pub this one, where we were made most welcome from the friendly and chatty barmaid, along with the locals. This is a one room micro with the bar situated along the back wall. Four ales on hand pump, Cross Bay Zenith IPA, which Mrs A raved about. They also had Dancing Duck Ay Up, Slaters Top Totty and Staffordshire Brewery Black Grouse Stout. There was a lit log burning stove which was welcome on our cold Thursday Eve visit. Another welcome treat was some plates of pork pies and scotch eggs handed around.