SNUG IN THE PUB!
16 venues with an open fire to visit during the winter
AS the colder weather starts to settle in there is no better way to spend the evening than cosied up by a fire in the pub.
We all love the summer months enjoying beer gardens around the county but there is no denying the comforting feeling of donning your warmest woolly jumper and heading to your local.
Getting away from the cold by settling in around a roaring fire, warming your hands around a hot drink, or warming your heart with a tipple or two, and feeling so cosy inside and out.
Taking advice from the best critics around, we’ve put together a list of the cosiest pubs in North Staffordshire.
Here are some of the top picks:
THE TALBOT, BIDDULPH
The Talbot Arms was first mentioned in 1818, when Ralph Lowe was the publican, though it is thought its history could predate even this time.
Close to the beautiful Biddulph Grange Gardens, the pub, above, sits in the perfect location to offer an escape from modern life.
The menu is full of hearty favourites and pub classics, as well as seasonal spring dishes which can be enjoyed by the crackling log fires.
THE STAFFORD ARMS, BAGNALL
Situated in picturesque Bagnall, the 16th century Stafford Arms has been at the centre of village life for hundreds of years, providing a social meeting place for an informal drink, a light lunch or a full a la carte meal.
This country pub – complete with log burning open fires and homemade grub – offers both diners and drinkers an easy, relaxed atmosphere.
THE LAZY TROUT, MEERBROOK
This gastropub is the perfect place to relax after a winter walk around the nearby Tittesworth reservoir.
The venue, above, is dogfriendly and has a large beer garden, where you can enjoy amazing views of The Roaches and Hen Cloud.
In the colder months, there is usually a roaring log fire, and plenty of entertainment such as live music.
THE STAR, STONE
The Star in Stone is right next to the canal and has lots of outside seating for those warmer days. But for the winter days there is plenty of room inside, with a cosy real fire. The pub specialises in real ale and also has free wifi and holds regular quiz nights – perfect!
THE COCK INN, LEEK
The Cock Inn, in Leek, is a Joules owned pub in Derby Street. A pub has been on the site for over 300 years and part of the timber structure is still visible in the front bar.
The pub, above, features oak panelling, leather settees, oak floors and a wonderful open fire. It also serves real ale.
SLATER’S COUNTRY INN, BALDWINS GATE
Converted from a working 18th Century farm, Slater’s combines classic rural charm with traditional values.
It has a choice of real ales and fine wines and also serves food. What more could you ask for?
THE RED LION INN, BOUNDARY, CHEADLE
A country pub with a country feel, the Red Lion Inn boasts a log burning stove. The interior is cosy and welcoming.
The pub also has an extensive food menu including Sunday lunch and has a wonderful, friendly atmosphere.
THE ROYAL OAK, DILHORNE
Over the past few years, the pub has undergone extensive renovation work. As well as a huge choice of food, there is also a fabulous menu of good, homemade dishes.
THE REFORM INN, THORNCLIFFE, NEAR LEEK
There are plenty of cask ales on offer at The Reform Inn including regulars Abbot and Pedigree.
But it is not just real ale that is on offer here, as the pub also boasts a great wine list from around the world too. It also serves up an impressive menu.
THE RISING INN, SCHOLAR GREEN
Just over the border in Cheshire, this cosy dog and child-friendly pub lies close to walking routes along the canal. Why not warm up by the open fire?
JOLLY POTTERS, HARTSHILL ROAD, HARTSHILL
Recently under new management, this traditional corridor pub, above, has an oldschool layout with a charming Minton-tiled floor.
There’s plenty of real ale and a log burner. Perfect for those cold evenings!
THE GREYHOUND INN, PENKHULL
Originally built as a Yeoman’s House in 1540, this pub has been at different times a court, a butcher’s, a slaughterhouse and even an oatcake shop.
With its real fires, quality home cooked food and great rotating cask ales, it is the perfect place to while away a few hours.
PLUME OF FEATHERS, BARLASTON
Set up by actor Neil Morrissey, this country pub, above, has a lovely location next to the canal. Once you’ve returned from a stroll, it’s the perfect place for great food and a drink by the fire.
THE FURLONG, TUNSTALL
With a large selection of cask ales and home-cooked food, who needs to head out of Stoke-ontrent to find a cosy pub with a wood burner?
THE ROEBUCK INN, FORSBROOK
Situated in a small village, the Roebuck Inn serves a range of six Cask Marque ales along with fine premium lagers, ciders and a craft ale selection from around the globe to enjoy with a freshly stone baked pizza.
THE RAILWAY INN, HALMEREND
It’s possible to enjoy an al fresco pint on the veranda but if it gets too cold, be sure to head inside to feel the warmth of the fire.