Pub Of The Week: The Staff of Life, Todmorden

It’s easy to drive past this pub, sitting as it does on an unglamorous winding stretch of Burnley Road just outside Lydgate, but you’d be missing a treat.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Jul 2012, 14:41 GMT

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This 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.

THE VERDICT

Welcome****

Drinks selection****

Atmosphere****

Food****

Prices*****

Related topics:TodmordenFood