Pub Of The Week: The Staff of Life, Todmorden
It’s been trading as a pub since 1836 as some of the many sepia photos on the thick stone walls attest, and I’ll wager that much of it hasn’t changed; think big flags, beams, stone lintels and some original tongue and groove on ceilings, and a vaulted corner which was once part of the beer cellar. All this and the Knitting Club meets monthly; a case of knit one slurp one?
Choose from several comfortable rooms; my favourite is the snug by the bar, with old banquette running round three sides. Furniture is largely mis-matched, with the odd oak settle in a cosy corner; there’s lots of space to kick back and read the paper.
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Hide AdThis is a proper beer drinker’s pub, with Timothy Taylor Landlord and Golden Best along with Moorhouses Blonde Witch on permanent tap; three guest beers change weekly. Locally brewed organic bottled beer is available too.
Food includes gammon and eggs, ham and leek pie, fish and chips at a tenner, or suckling pig ribs at £14. At lunchtime, hot sarnies include roast beef and onion and a belting BLT which comes in at a keen £5.75, including a bowl of good chips. A small portion of fish and chips is £7 – a great idea since a plate full can be too much.
AMANDA WRAGG
The Staff of Life, 550 Burnley Road, Todmorden, OL14 8JF. 01706 819033. Closed Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes. Wednesday and Thursday: 12-3pm and 5pm-late. Friday, Saturday and Sunday: open all day, food all day.
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