PUB OF THE MONTH

MARCH 11 - GRESLEY ARMS, ALSAGERS BANK

The Gresley Arms at Alsagers Bank, around 2 miles outside of Newcastle, is an old and traditional pub, which was built in 1803, and, as with many old buildings, it had an interesting history: a case in point being that, when the murder of Adolphus Fielding was committed in the village in the mid-1800's, his body was brought into the bar, and the inquest was carried out right there in the pub!

However, when entering The Gresley Arms today, you will be sure of a warm welcome and convivial company. There is no television or juke box to impede conversation, and this has only served to attract more customers of all ages, who enjoy a good chat and a fine pint in traditional surroundings. As always, there are six to eight real ales available, including some which are offered as low as £2.20p a pint (Editor's Note: This article was written before the January VAT increase). Furthermore, all the ales on offer are always in top condition.

A sympathetic renovation has been undertaken, with the former pool room being transformed into a smart lounge, containing comfortable wooden settles, new lighting and flooring. There is also a new menu, which offers good food at reasonable prices. These meals are served in the rear lounge, commanding genuinely spectacular views, (weather permitting of course!), of, amongst other things, The Cheshire Plain, Welsh Hills, Shropshire and The Wirral. In addition to all this, an exciting new innovation is planned for the summer, which is for a first floor restaurant to be constructed.

This must, in all honesty, be one of the most welcoming pubs in all the length and breadth of England and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone, of any age or disposition. The Pub of the Month Presentation will take place at around 1.30pm on Saturday 5th March; if you have not visited the pub before, come along and meet licensees Carl and Sarah Smith, plus all their clientele.

The above review was written by Bob Williams 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