Today, however, apart from the odd commercial craft, the waterway is devoted to leisure. But at the New Inn along with the passing (floating) trade, there is also a good crowd of locals.
Unless you get an exceptionally mild day at this time of year, it’s not that wise to sit outside, so the L-shaped bar is often pleasantly busy in the winter months. There are pictures of the area in times gone by and a few drink-related quotes on the walls, but that is about it, for this easy-going, cheerful pub is a place for socialising and unwinding.
Abbeydale’s excellent Moonshine was perfectly kept and served, and an added pleasure came from something as simple as a pulled-pork baguette, which overflowed the sides of the plate and could have served as a full meal, rather than the anticipated snack.
There’s a wood-burning stove for chilly times, lots of floral decoration on the sheltered patio on the towpath, and a fine view of a stretch where local fishermen demonstrate their infinite patience on the bank opposite.
This is a place to meet your chums, or to sit and do the crossword, or to set as a destination at the end of a dog-walk. The New Inn has no pretensions, it is just lovely place to be, whatever the weather may bring.
• The New Inn, South Bank, Stainforth, Doncaster DN7 5AW, 01302 841614.
WELCOME 5/5
DRINKS SELECTION 4/5
ATMOSPHERE 5/5
PRICES 4/5