Venue review
In an area where pubs are closing all the time (The Werneth Arms and The Smutt Inn to name two), it's good to see a venue that seems to be thriving.
Easy to find, you park right outside to unload, and the load in is up two steps through the double front doors and straight across to the raised 'stage' area. Big car park to the side once your done.
The stage is quite a big one, but unfortunately (and this is my only criticism) Dave the landlord has a large 'DJ' plynth at the back of it, so even Kingpin (who are only a four piece) were slightly squeezed. A five piece with a 'normal' sized kit would have severe problems!
Plenty of power around the stage and also plenty of in-house lighting!
The beer was good and the prices reasonable, and Dave couldn't do enough to help us.
The crowd on Saturday were definitely up for live music (I haven't been before so I can't say if this is the norm or not) and not shy to sing along and dance (even on chairs!). They also weren't in any hurry to leave.
This is one of the few venues I've been to where a young lady from behind the bar manned the doors for us when we were packing up, keeping them clear and opening them for us.
All in all, a great venue I would recommend to any band.
AYP