Malt Shovel

The cheery licensees at this spotlessly kept and friendly pub serve particularly well kept Fullers London Pride, Greene King Abbot, Everards Tiger, Wadworths 6X, Wye Valley and possibly a guest such as Black Sheep, and most of their dozen or so wines are available by the glass. Mahogany-varnished boards through to bright carpeting link the entrance with the bar counter and its lined-up stools on the right and the blazing log fire on the left. The central area has a high-pitched ceiling, milk churns and earthenware containers in a loft above the bar. Three steps take you up to a little space with some comfortable sofas overlooked by a big stained-glass window and reproductions of classic posters. Dining is as important here as the beer, and at the other end is a busy eating area with fresh flowers on the mix of kitchen, pub and dining tables; piped music, darts and games machine. They will keep your credit card if you run a tab outside. The springer spaniel is called Rosie and the jack russell is Mollie.