These days, though, Ruddles County
is also available on handpump during the summer months from the
large bar 7 counter, which takes up most of the space in the front
room. Behind the bar there are splendid wooden shelves and fittings,
typical of a town pub of its era, which are still largely intact.
The Golden Cup has the distinction of being the last Hanley beer
house to obtain a liquor licence.Colin Steele, with wife Kay, have been the genial hosts at The Golden Cup for the last five years. Before then, Colin's father, Joe was landlord of the pub from 1990, until ill health forced his retirement in 1995.
Colin and Kay have maintained The Golden Cup's tradition of
being a 'community pub', and this
was recognised when they won the "Community Pub of the Year"
award from the Potteries Pub Preservation Group in 1998.In recent years some improvements have been made to the building - without spoiling the pub's character For instance, it used to be necessary to negotiate slippery steps outside down to the toilets at the bottom of the yard. Thankfully the toilets are now inside! Former living accommodation has also been opened out to make much needed drinking space.
The pub has a thriving pensioners' club, which meets every Tuesday evening, and holds a Pie 'n' Peas supper on the first Wednesday every month. Funds raised from bingo sessions, etc. go towards day trips to the seaside, a Christmas party and many other treats for the senior citizens' club.
The Golden Cup has been a regular 'Good Beer Guide' entry, and this looks likely to continue.
