PUB OF THE MONTH

NOVEMBER 2010 - COCK INN, LEEK

cock innBang in the middle of the town, at 19 Derby Street, stands The Cock Inn, once a Bass house but since 2009 owned by Joules of Market Drayton. Joules is a small pub company of around 15 pubs which owns the rights to the Joules brand, and by the time you are reading this they should have opened their brand-new £1.6 million brewery behind the Red Lion in Market Drayton.

The licensees of The Cock are Lynne Ward and husband Alan who are very experienced, having previously run the Roebuck opposite for some 20 years. A success story at The Cock is the improving volume of cask ale sales, and the increasing variety of such beers. A rarity in Leek nowadays is Draught Bass, which is always available at The Cock. (Is it me or has Bass improved in recent times?) The other 4 pumps change frequently, to name but a few of the guests:- Adnams, Brysons, various Titanic beers, Wickwar, St. Austell, the list goes on, and of course Joules beer to come.

The exterior of The Cock belies the interior, with light oak wood panelling and much Joules brewery archive material. The pub is female-friendly and provides a comfortable, safe environment to enjoy a drink, a meal, or both. Food is served from opening time every day until 2.30 pm and from 5.30 to 8.30 on Tuesday to Saturday evenings. The Cock can cater for parties and buffets, and a hog roast can be arranged during the summer months. Opening times are 10 am to 11 pm Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 12 midnight Friday and Saturday, and 12 noon to 10.30 pm on Sunday.

I would highly recommend a visit to the Cock to enjoy the ambiance and friendliness of the staff and clientele, and, when there is so much doom and gloom in the pub trade nowadays, it's great to see a success story.

The Pub of the Month presentation will take place at around 3pm on Saturday 6th November.

The above review was written by Dave Washbrook 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

 

©CAMRA Potteries Branch 2011 - The views expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Campaign For Real Ale Ltd and whilst we try to ensure details are accurate and up to date, no responsibility for errors and omissions can be accepted.