The Watts Russell Arms, Hopedale

"The Watts Russell Arms is a charming eighteenth century stone built inn" is how the website describes it and it is indeed a fine pub to look at and was a very welcome venue for our lunch after a 5-mile walk over from Ilam. "Charming" is, however, not an adjective applying readily to the people who run it. "Odd" would be nearer the mark. Having said that, they did come up with some fine ale (two from Thornbridge and one other from somewhere dark and foreboding) and the menu was excellent. Three of us went for goat curry, one for 'Lobby' (a beef stew) and one for a sweet potato stew. All were tasty, albeit a little cold. They also do a tapas menu, of an evening, at £4 a dish. The furnishings and decor are ramshackle but all the better for that. I'd go back.  


More information at: http://www.wattsrussell.co.uk/