So what is it about the Blue Bell which made so many CAMRA members vote for it in August’s postal ballot? What is it, which makes this pub succeed when so many others are struggling?

First, take a few things away. It doesn’t have a pool table, gambling machines, juke box or loud intrusive ‘pop’ music blaring away continually. It doesn’t do food, apart from filled rolls at weekends. It doesn’t sell national brands based upon multi-million pound UK advertising budgets.

It also has real ale in abundance. At least four constantly changing ales are available on handpull to complement the ever-present Thwaites Bitter. Ciders and perries from farm and artisan producers are also a feature. The bottled Trappist and fruit beers from Belgium are very popular, whilst even the fruit juices are genuine Belgian imports.

Sometimes folk, jazz or classical music will play at a discreet volume level over the pub’s music system, and live music features at weekends when local ‘minstrels’ wander in and play for their own, and everyone’s, enjoyment.

The pub is part open-plan, yet it gives the impression of separate rooms, including the smoke-free area, which is pleasantly self-policing. A separate room at the back is available for meetings or for use just as additional drinking space at busy times.

CLASSLESS

It is a comfortable, classless pub, and on fine summer evenings you can sit outside and watch the boats on the Trent and Mersey and Macclesfield canals (it is possible to circle the pub on a boat -so it must be on an island?). Don’t be surprised if you find classic motor bikes outside or MR2s on the car park - it’s that sort of place.

The pub doesn’t open on Mondays, and Dave often uses this free day to arrange coach trips to interesting breweries, cider farms and towns of architectural interest. The visits to Dunkerton’s & Hereford, and Hook Norton & Worcester will take some beating! If a trip is proposed, get your name down early - they often sell-out!

STALWARTS

Dave and Kay Washbrook are both stalwart CAMRA members, and served on the Potteries Branch committee for many years. They made the Blue Bell into what they consider a traditional English pub should be, and the popularity of the place is unquestionable.

Their concept has worked and, quite rightly, CAMRA has adjudged the Blue Bell to be the very best in Staffordshire.

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