In an era where the price of a pint continues to climb, with many drinkers regularly paying over £7 and the average now exceeding £5, one pub in the heart of the Midlands is bucking the trend. The Crown Wharf, located in the picturesque town of Stone, Staffordshire, and flagship venue for the Joules brewery chain, is serving pints at prices that leave visitors astonished.
Award-Winning Venue
The Crown Wharf was crowned Britain's best pub at the Great British Pub Awards last year. The venue proudly states that every Joules pint comes from "down the road in Market Drayton." As a seasoned pub-goer, I decided to travel from my home in Cheshire down the M6 to see if the pub truly lives up to its reputation.
Arriving on a sunny Sunday, I found the town of Stone bustling with activity. People were strolling along the canal, and a convenient car park was just a stone's throw from the pub. After a quick walk along the water, I entered the expansive venue, which even houses a community theatre that once served as a fire station.
A Pint for £3.80
Heading straight to the bar, I ordered a Joules Citra Blonde, described as a "light and refreshingly hoppy" beer, for just £3.80. For those wanting to spend a bit more, a pale ale was £3.90, and a Green Monkey lager was £4.60. Even as the bartender pointed to the card machine, I could hardly believe I was paying only £3.80 for a pint in 2026.
Beer in hand, I made my way to the beer garden overlooking the canal. The scene was idyllic: narrowboats bobbed on the water, walkers meandered along the towpath, and the occasional bark of a dog or chirp of a bird added to the ambiance. It was easy to forget I was in Staffordshire on an April weekend.
The Secret Behind the Price
Curious about how Joules keeps prices low, I learned that the chain has "no cans, no bottles, no supermarket shelves" to compete with. Each drink is only available at its own pubs. CEO Vicky Colclough recently told the Morning Advertiser that the company is determined to keep beers below the £4 price point, emphasizing the importance of the pub being an "everyday luxury" rather than a special occasion. She noted that the chain has "honed down on every recipe" to achieve this.
The quality was evident. While I typically prefer lager, the £3.80 Citra Blonde was enjoyable and the perfect accompaniment to a sunny weekend. After finishing my drink, I explored Stone, noting that the pub was already filling up with customers seeking Sunday dinners.
Having visited, I can clearly see why The Crown Wharf earned the title of Britain's best pub. It offers a spacious venue, fantastic beer, and, most astonishingly, a £3.80 pint.
