PUB OF THE MONTH

AUGUST 2011 - SWAN, BIGNALL END

The Swan at Bignall End is no stranger to readers of Potters Bar, but, after Carl and Sarah Smith left some time ago, standards fell. It is good to report that in October last year new licensees took over, and the Swan (the Duck to you) is back to its old self.

Paul and Linda Shaw ran the Audley WMC for three years, but had only one real ale on, and really wanted to spread their wings. They’ve chosen the right place. In the public bar you are faced with a line of ten pumps, seven for beer and three for cider and perry. The three regular beers are: Bass, Oakham Inferno, and Dartmoor Legend. The last one is new to me, but Paul says it is nearly driving Bass into second place with his customers. There are always four guest beers on, selected from among medium-strength bitters, a mild, a stout or porter, light beers, a golden beer. Three pumps serve Weston’s Scrumpy, 1st Quality and Country Perry, with Thatcher’s Cheddar Valley available behind the bar.

Food is served Monday to Friday, from 5pm to 8pm, when the deal is: two people have two courses for £8.99. On Wednesday, you can “Eat for a Pound” (varies weekly – it may be curry one week, full breakfast the next, and so on). There is a purpose-built barbecue outside, which will be in use on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, when the weather encourages it.

On the games front there are two dominoes teams – one has just won the Newcastle League – playing on Monday and Thursday. Paul is looking to start a darts team. Tuesday hosts a quiz night, featuring “Deal or no Deal”, and the third Friday in the month has a vocalist performer. Pub owner, Dobiere, wants the pub run as a true local, so will not be having constant music, which is music to my ears.

Presentation of the Pub of the Month trophy will be on Saturday 6th August at 1pm. Address: 58 Chapel St, Bignall End, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 8QD

Opening hours are: Mon-Thu 12-11; Fri, Sat 12-12; Sun 12-10.30. Tel. 01782-720622

The above review was written by Ken Lee for the current edition of the Potters Bar. Pick up a copy in one of our local pubs now.

For earlier reviews, please visit the Archive Section