The Blue Bell, Hardingswood

Since taking over the Blue Bell, Dave and Kay Washbrook have sold approx. 200 different beers from regional and micro breweries, many of which are new beers, writes David Lycett

I had the privilege to attend the Dave and Kay's opening night on the 7th April 1998, and I have been going back regularly ever since. The reason for this is because the quality and range of beers is good, imaginative and constantly changing. Dave's philosophy is that he does not sell beers which he would not drink himself, The house beer is Thwaites Bitter (3.6% abv) of Blackburn, and up to five other Real Ales.

On the day of "researching" this article, Hampshire Ironside (4.2%), Burton Bridge's Porter (4.5%), Dick Barton (4.5%), Stairway to Heaven (5.0%) and Robinson's Old Torn (8.5%) were on offer. Dave states that of the beers most frequently requested Whim Hartington Bitter (4%) and Hanby Cascade Bitter (4.5%) come near the top of the list.

Dave's choice ensures that most palates are catered for in terms of strength and taste, Also available are farmhouse ciders and perries from artisan producers such as Dunkerton’s and Franklin’s, These start at about 6% abv, and are not to be confused with the much inferior fizzy keg ciders.

The beers on sale are written unfussily on a blackboard and updated if a beer is changed, clearly displaying the strength a price (a pity more licensees don't do this).

Ask to see the foreign beer menu, then choose from over 20 Belgian beers which reflect the wide variety of beer styles on offer in that country, plus wheat beers from Schneider and Erdinger of Germany, all served in their own dedicated glass. Non alcoholic Belgian fruit juices by Looza are very popular, particularly the passion fruit!

The history of the pub shows that there has been a pub on this site since at least 1881, prior to which it was two cottages. It is reputed that the trap door in the ceiling was used by Harecastle tunnel "leggers" to gain entry to their lodgings upstairs via a ladder! For about 80 years the Colclough family were owners of the Blue Bell, and sold beers from Dix and Co. of Shelton prior to the Parker's of Burslem 1921 take-over.

An original Dix & Co. stone and cement sign, subsequently used by Parker's, has been uncovered during renovation work, and must be unique as Dix only had a maximum of 31 pubs in their estate.

An early photograph of the pub donated to the Washbrooks by the Colclough family clearly shows this sign.

From the 1950s until the 1990s the Blue Bell saw a succession of owners. It was noted as having the first floodlit howling green in North Staffordshire. This is now the car park!

Unfortunately, when Whitbread bought the pub in 1986 it steadily declined until its closure in 1996.

It is fortunate, therefore, that long standing CAMRA members, Dave and Kay decided to purchase the property in 1997, and proceeded to restore it to its former traditional glory in line with their own ideas of what a pub should be.

The Blue Bell comprises a bar with drinking space, plus two rooms off the ban Scenes of Kidsgrove and Joules advertising prints adorn the walls.

A third room acts as an overspill area on busy weekends and is available for meetings, etc. One room is non-smoking, and is pleasantly self policing.

Due to the Blue Bell being surrounded by the Trent & Mersey and Macclesfield canals, it has been dubbed the "pub on the isle". It attains a rural aspect, despite being 50yds from the main A50.

There is no Juke Box, Pool Table or Fruit Machine and the folk or classical music is kept low enough for easy conversation.

The pub now attracts a good cross section of beer lovers from Kidsgrove and the rest of the North Staffs & South Cheshire conurbation, and has a loyal regular trade.

Dave and Kay also run day trips to visit breweries, cider mills, beer festivals and of course other worthy pubs. Check the notice board for details or ask at the bar

By Bus: Kidsgrove is served by Buses from the Potteries, Newcastle & Crewe by services 20, 21, 22, 6 & 37.

By Train: Kidsgrove station is 5 minutes walk along the canal towpath, Tel 01345 848950 for time table information.

By Car West out of Kidsgrove on A50, turn left just after railway bridge, over first canal bridge and turn left signed "Hardingswood" Car Park at rear must be used.

CAMRA (Potteries Branch) will be making the Pub of the Month presentation on Thursday 15th April at 8:30 pm. Everyone is welcome

OTHER ARTICLES IN ISSUE 86 OF POTTERS BAR

Front Page From the Editor Campaigning Issues Local 1999 GBG Entries Pints of View Potteries Pub Preservation Group Belgium in a Bottle Pub News

Potters Bar Back Issues.