The Navigation

This is a nice pub serving quite a few ales, although nothing particularly surprising when I dropped by. I went for their house beer, Navigation (brewed by Marstons). Found it to be middling, but followed it up with the more interesting Black Diamond by Banks’
Being a long term major R.E.M fan I couldn’t resist going for the Lightin’ Hopkins burger, named after the same blues singer as the R.E.M track. I was a little nervous given that the menu describes it as very hot and my ability to stand the heat has waned dramatically since I turned 30. However despite the deep fried red chilli, chilli paste and jalapeños present, the kick was thankfully nothing I couldn’t handle. The burger was really rather nice and they have an impressive depth of different burger choices if lightin’ doesn’t hit the spot for you
There was a lot of visible evidence that live music plays an important part in this pub’s existence

Haven’t been here for years and it’s changed quite a bit; atmosphere better than I remember and seems bigger too, though that may just be that the bar billiards table has gone. Had a few excellent pints of Sneck Lifter (a beer I haven’t had for years either); several other ales on offer too. Food was also good though the wait was long (it’s popular). Live music on later but didn’t stay for much of that (too loud to talk over and work in the morning so didn’t want to drink too much).