The New Inn, Stainforth: The canalside community Yorkshire pub with a pocket-friendly menu

It’s in the first chapter of that much-loved classic The Wind in the Willows. And for many, the author, Kenneth Grahame, had it precisely right.

Grahame was referring to the sheer pleasure of being on the water, having nothing very much else to do than, well, go with the flow. It was certainly the case the other day at the New Inn, which is right alongside the Stainforth and Keadby Canal, which connects the River Don to the Trent, in Lincolnshire.

In this neck of the woods and on a sunny day, there are few better places to be than here, sitting at one of the many ample wooden tables under the veranda or next to the towpath. In this busy world, which seems to be getting more combative every day, folk at the Inn – both behind the bar and the customers - seem to be a lot more chilled, and they engage.

The skipper of the barge Waimarie gave several waves, and nearly everyone waved back. Inside the pub, the staff were preparing for an afternoon function, but they were still attentive and good-humoured.

There are two bars, one adjacent to that veranda, and the other (with a tiny serving area of its own, and a tiled floor) faces toward to huge car park and the road. It’s very much a community pub, and it has a pocket-friendly menu (the emphasis is on ‘pub grub’, nowt fancy-frilly), something to be appreciated in these inflationary times.

There are lots of good lagers, but sadly only one real ale, a Mad Goose, by Purity.

It's warm, hospitable, down-to-earth, and (as you might expect) very popular indeed with houseboaters. It’s also dog friendly, and a good many buggy-pushing parents make this a convenient stop.

Small word of warning, the grass bank toward the water dips quite quickly.

The New Inn, Stainforth, Doncaster, DN7 5AW.

Welcome5/5

Food4/5

Drinks choice5/5

Prices5/5