We thought we would take my elderly father out for a Xmas meal, contacted the Malt Shovel to…read moreenquire, we were told you needed to pre-book which we did 2 days in advance, detailing exactly what we required starter, mains and sweet. £18.95 each so expectations were high. Arrived a good 15 minutes before our booking time and informed the staff who asked if we were ready to start our meal which we said yes. Nearly an hour later after 3 separate enquiries about where 2 prawn cocktails and a soup had got to? no sign of any starters. Others who we noted had come in some time after us ordering "on the day" from the "normal" non Xmas menu were started and finished before ours made an appearance. Needless to say we left angry and hungry, we shan't be bothering again. Staff are totally lacking any form of management, what appeared to be the "Manager" was downright rude and each time he came out of the kitchen was filling his face with food (lucky him) the bar staff didn't know what a medium wine the bar maid said wines were'nt her thing!! Don't deserve the trade - AVOID!!

This is a hidden gem in a predominately industrial town.The Malt, as it is affectionately known, is…read morea friendly country pub on a busy High St. It was, in years gone by, a cinema but has been very tastefully and convincingly renovated and turned into the popular place it is today. The current licensees Simon and Belinda ensure that customers both old and new are made to feel welcome and will do their best to ensure your visit is a positive one. They are backed by an excellent staff team who are knowledgable about the range of real ales stocked and the excellent food served. The Malt is divided into two bars; one side is a working mans bar (but girlies are welcome!!) where for the price of a couple of pounds you can become a member and enjoy discounted beer prices. and; the other side is the lounge, traditional in style and serving food where children are welcome (during food serving times.) In addition to the two bars, the upstairs of the Malt houses a snooker club (again with bargain membership and beer prices.) There is a small beer garden and smokers are catered for with a covered area. Real ale buffs will be in heaven here!! There is always a marvellous array of ales, some resident and some guests but all expertly kept and served. The Malt also hold regular beer festivals and is a member of CAMRA, often winning awards for excellence. Added to these is all the usual range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages you would expect to see. The food is all home made and cooked to order (real chips and vegetables, not frozen!!) The menu is extensive and most people are catered for including vegetarian. There are often specials and mon-sat tea-times are a real bargain with two courses for a fiver or one for three quid. On Sundays the chef serves a choice of roasts and booking is advisable as it is very popular!! There aren't really any negative comments one can make, maybe that people in wheelchairs may find it a bit difficult to access the toilets without assistance, but otherwise disabled people are made very welcome. All in all, the Malt Shovel is personally highly recommended. Little touches the current licensees have added like the 'book swap shelf' have made it feel homely and serves to reinforce the country pub feel. If you want good food, a nice pint in a relaxing atmosphere and value for money then head there!!!

A really good experience if you like good food at an affordable price. Extensive menu with specials…read moreboard a welcome extra. Also a good selection of beers and wines. Plentiful staff so you are not kept waiting especially between courses. It has become a firm favourite of ours

Been to the Bird in the Barley and felt the food was delicious and also the service was fantastic…read morekeep up the good work excellent would come back again.