Ye Olde Windmill Inn, Rugeley

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There are surely few pubs in the world that can boast an actual windmill in their gardens.

But then the clue is very much in the title of this historic hostelry in the heart of rural Staffordshire.



Ye Olde Windmill Inn, which can be found in the small village of Gentleshaw, near Rugeley, is a 400 year old country pub and restaurant.

Although the windmill is sadly now disused, it certainly makes for a focal point for the pub which is situated opposite the entrance to Gentleshaw Common, a site of rare lowland heath. No wonder the pub announces that it is 'dog friendly'.



But as well as being something of a landmark attraction, the windmill is also said to have a sinister past.

According to local legend, the windmill, which sits next to the pub's crown bowling green, was built upon an ancient pagan burial ground and that two children of an early miller tragically died after falling through an open trapdoor on the upper floor of the building.



There have reportedly been sightings of ghosts and other strange activity within the pub, although that may be due more to the amount of alcohol drunk on the premises.

Certainly there was nothing spooky or untoward going on when I visited.

The historical significance of the pub can be seen around the premises with framed deeds written in olde English from the 18th century, as well as other artefacts, dotted here and there.



But, as well as its history, today's Ye Olde Windmill also prides itself on the range and quality of the food and drink that it offers, particularly welcome for any patrons who have been trekking around the Common.

The pub serves a great selection of guest beers from both local and national breweries, including traditional cask ales that are changed regularly.



And, on any day of the week, the Ye Olde Windmill also provides a wide variety of home-cooked meals and pub classics - ranging from baguettes, sandwiches and salads to appetising pies, pasta, steaks, chicken and even curry.

A traditional Sunday lunch is also available at £7.95, while there is a separate children's menu appropriately named Windy Miller's Kids Cuisine.



As previously mentioned, there is a bowling green right next to a seating area where pub customers can enjoy a drink or meal while watching a game of bowls. The pub even has its own bowling team which apparently competes at county level.

But if bowls are too lively or competitive for you, there is also some seating on the other side of the pub in front of the main entrance.

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