Pub of the Week: The New Inn, Stainforth

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