The Yew Tree Inn

Cauldon Lowe, Staffordshire

01538 308348

This 300-year-old freehouse is admired for its fascinating collection of artefacts which include pianolas, grandfather clocks, two pairs of Queen Victoria's stockings, penny farthings and a crank-handle telephone, not to forget the award-winning landlord, Alan East, who's been there for 44 years.

East says: 'I like to call it a museum with a licence. We don't do meals you come here for a drink and a look at the antiques. The drinks are cheap too, I don't want to rip anyone off.

Located just under five miles from Alton Towers, East managed to source a number of old seats from rides at the theme park, which now hold a prime location by the bar.

East adds: 'I have not changed anything in my 44 years here as the building has plenty of character, so why ruin that?

Don't be put off by the plain exterior or the pub's position, tucked between enormous cement works and quarries, and almost hidden behind a towering yew tree, as there is clearly more than enough going on inside. Indoor entertainment includes piped music, darts, shove ha'penny, table skittles, dominoes and cribbage.

Local breweries supply many of the beers, such as Gray's Mild, which East sells for a bargain £1.52 a pint. However, he refuses to sell any RTDs or pre-mixed drinks, which, he believes, attract the wrong sort of customer and encourage binge-drinking.