The Insole

On first entering I was filled with a great sense of apprehension. You can easily tell its hyper-​local. The cartoons on the noticeboard. The banter that fills the place. The way that everyone was in the lounge, leaving the bar deserted. At the bar, the plastic glasses on most of the taps and the fact that the barman had to pour off a pint of Dark before serving me mine, caused further dread.
But as I plonked myself down on one of the comfy seats that line the walls, I found myself warming to the place. Maybe it was the beer or maybe it was the Stolling Rones followed by that track from Reservoir Dogs on the stereo, but The Insole didn’t seem that bad a place to be.
You’ll find a pool table in the empty public bar, a fruit machine and an It-​Box (shamefully switched off when I popped in) in the lounge and karaōke three, yes three, times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
I wouldn’t go out of your way to visit, but if you’re in the neighbourhood The Insole’s worth a pint of your time.

I went here for the first time about 2 weeks ago now and I have to say I really enjoyed the atmosphere. It was a Sunday afternoon and we were meeting up with friends who suggested this place. Its not the kind of place you would easily find or drive past which adds to its charm.
What I liked was that there were families there too, with the kids playing pool and everyone seemingly very friendly. We had a decent bite to eat before we left so we’ll just have to go back soon and check it was just the sun playing tricks on my view of the place.