Thorn Tree, Langley Mill

The Thorn Tree is a long established road side inn on the A610 at Woodlinkin between Langley Mill and Codnor. Like many similar pubs, it fell on hard times in the 1990s and probably would have been closed and demolished by now if it had not been taken over a few years ago by George's Tradition, an East Midlands chain of fish and chip shops. After extensive refurbishment it re-opened as a fully licenced fish and chip restaurant and has gone from strength to strength from there. There is even a take-away if you're in a hurry.
Needless to say, the fish and chips etc are first class and reasonably priced – especially the children's meals. There are three hand pulls – when we visited last Saturday only one was clipped – for Dancing Duck Sapphire, which was excellent too.

The staff were really friendly, helpful, efficient and genuine, rather than being the brainwashed, pre-programmed zombies employed by some other outlets. The major downside is the road access from the dual carriageway. No problem if you are heading towards Codnor on the A610, but in the opposite direction you need to overshoot the pub and use one of the authorised U-turn locations. Ditto if you are continuing towards Langley Mill after your visit.

6 Oct 2015 05:19

The Wheatsheaf, Stoke on Trent

At first sight, this is a bog standard Wetherspoons outlet, but where it bucks the trend is the excellent service, not normally a feature of Tim Martin's establishments. On a busy Friday lunchtime, I was served with drinks almost immediately, the food soon followed. The tables were cleared (and cleaned) very promptly. There were 12 hand pulls in use – three or four the usual JDW suspects, but also a good selection of guests from near and far. I opted for a Marston's Old Empire – one of my favourites and I wasn't disappointed.

There certainly did not appear to be too much evidence of the Stoke lowlife frequenting the pub, the major downside was running the gauntlet of the smokers gathered around the entrance.

3 Oct 2015 23:30

Duke of Wellington, Acrefair

We called in here in August after a very pleasant cruise on a narrow boat along the Llangollen Canal across the stunning Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and back. Only a short distance from the boatyard, this is an unspoilt friendly two room pub located in a short layby off the A539. Only Doombar and Bombardier available on hand pump, but my two pints of the latter were excellent and were served by two very pleasant ladies. We didn't eat here but the menu looks amazing – nothing poncy – just bloody good honest home cooked pub food. The size of their all day breakfast at just £5.00 is unbelievable !!! No wonder it seems popular with the locals

1 Oct 2015 01:14