The Albert, Newcastle - Excellent corner local run by friendly tenants, attracting all ages; one small bar and a meeting room behind. Lunchtime snacks Fri and Sat.

The Albion, Newcastle - This two-roomer is one of only two Marston's town-centre pubs. Opens 9am Mon-Sat for breakfast.

Blue Mugge, Leek - Corner local with several rooms radiating oft an island bar, much larger inside than it appears outside. It stocks ever-changing guest beers.

Butcher's Arms, Reapsmoor - Moorland gem with several drinking areas; characterful and atmospheric, this is no identikit pub. Superb value food; Sun lunches served. Camping for tents only (free to customers). It can be isolated during severe weather.

Corky's, Stoke - Large but friendly pub, it boasts a snooker room with two full-size tables, plus a pool room. Excellent Thai food available (not served Tue). Children welcome.

Cricketer's Arms, May Bank - Traditional local on the edge of Wolstanton Marsh. Comprising an entrance hall, bar, pool room and a comfortable lounge. Understandably, it bears a darts theme as it is owned by World Darts Champion, Phil Taylor. Ever changing guest beer.

The Crossways, Newcastle - Busy, town-centre pub; one large bar with an adjoining pool/games room. The house beer, Bear Cross, is brewed by Coach House.

Cushion, Kidsgrove - Small well refurbished pub which reopened as a free house in 1997. One bar, but gives the impression of two rooms, it has a remarkably rural outlook for a town pub.

Den Engel, Leek - Authentic, single room Belgian-style bar, with waiter service, where the large range of draught and bottled beers are always served in the correct glass. Good range of Genevers. A Flemish restaurant upstairs offers beer-based specialities (Wed-Sun). Can be busy at weekends.

Duke of Wellington, Blythe Bridge - Village pub built in 1851. Its friendly atmosphere attracts all ages. Lunches are served in both the bar and lounge; crib, darts and pool are played in the bar.

Hogshead, Hanley - Large, city centre house with 15 handpumped and 4 gravity dispensed ales, plus a large range of Belgian bottled beers.

Ironmarket Hogshead, Newcastle - Well-run Hogshead Alehouse, offering the widest choice of beers in town and can get extremely busy Fri and Sat eves. Open 10am for breakfast.

Marquis of Granby, Penkhull - Red-brick, corner pub, opposite the church; a large, comfortable lounge and a busy public bar with fine etched windows. A well-appointed beer garden and outdoor drinking area complete the picture. Table skittles played.

Old House at Home, Hartshill - Popular, two-roomed main road pub; a comfortable lounge and a basic public bar with an emphasis on games (including Conkers!). Regular drinkers are also strong on quizzes. A locals pub, but welcoming to all.

Paradise Inn, Tunstall - Friendly, welcoming town centre inn with a single U-shaped room, stocking rare brews for the area.

The Plough Inn, Bignall End - Popular roadside hostelry, catering for local and passing trade in a traditional bar and a split-level lounge. The beer enthusiast landlord ensures constantly changing guest beers. Excellent value meals (not served Sun eve) 1995 Pub of the Year.

The Plough, Etruria - A pleasant atmosphere, combining cask-conditioned ales and home-cooked food from an extensive blackboard menu.

Rising Sun, Shraley Brook - Welcoming, traditional country pub. It stocks a wide range of malt whiskies, cider and foreign bottled beers. Folk club meets upstairs.

Royal Oak, Harriseahead - Busy genuine free house in a semi rural location on the Kidsgrove side of Mow Cop folly (NT). The lounge is noticeably free of muzak at most times.

The Swan, Leek - Three-roomed former coaching inn; the lounge is given over to non-smoking diners at lunchtimes. The palatial function room hosts the Cuckoo's Nest Folk Club and mini-beer festivals. Diverse ever changing guest beers are stocked.

Tontine Ale House, Hanley - Cosy, one-roomed, town inn, serving home-made meals. At least four guest beers and an extensive range of malt whiskies also available. Quarterly beer festivals held. A friendly welcome to all.

The Vine, Burslem - 1930s pub converted from a few small rooms to one medium sized lounge, but it retains a local pub atmosphere.

White Hart, Tunstall - Single (split) room pub just off the town centre. Friendly atmosphere, even when Port Vale have lost.

White Swan, Middleport - Popular friendly free house, serving Vaux beers (rare for Stoke on Trent)

Wilkes Head, Leek - Whim brewery's only tied house increases the choice in the best drinking town in North Staffs. A welcoming, basic, three-roomed, Real Ale-led house where the beer is king (four Whim beers are usually on tap).

Yew Tree, Cauldon Low - One of the most characterful pubs in the country and winner of many awards. Objects from a bygone age feature in profusion: polyphons, pianolas, grandfather clocks; note the Acme Dog Carrier. A visit is a must. Snacks available most times. No expensive drinks sold.

...and finally

Malt 'n' Hops, Fenton - not included in the guide due to an administrative cock-up, but a Real Ale pioneer in the Potteries and a former "Pub of the Year'

OTHER ARTICLES IN ISSUE 86 OF POTTERS BAR

Front Page From the Editor Campaigning Issues Pub of the Month Pints of View

Potteries Pub Preservation Group Belgium in a Bottle Pub News

Potters Bar Back Issues.

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