All Nations

Old victorian pub situated near Blists Hill victorian village. Set back from the road so a little walk up some steps is required. Atmosphere is exactly what you would expect from a victorian pub. Brew their own beer too which is available on tap.

Historic brew-pub – one of the original “famous four” remaining in the 1970s. Now brewing their own again (since 2016) after new equipment was installed in the brewery (out the back). To clear up any confusion, the brewer is still Mr Brough who no longer has his own brewery. Normally I like to start my reviews with brief directions of how to get their. However, this time I can’t because I was given a lift. All I can say is that it is halfway up a steep hill ! There’s a sign by the road, but the building itself is half hidden up a bank, requiring a fairly stiff climb up some steps. When we were there it was the tail-end of Covid restrictions so a one way system was in place. We had to enter through a side door, where there was a serving hatch. You gave your orders and went through into the main room where the bar is. This has a beamed ceiling, a cracked red tile floor and is plainly furnished with long weatherworn tables and settles. Old prints on the wall. There are also various seating areas outside, but using these would defeat the purpose of the visit. I must say they seem like an excellent sun trap though. As for the beer there are four cask ales available on handpull – with the highlight being their own Bitter. This was in excellent condition and very good value. Also a couple of lagers on tap, including the (getting somewhat) ubiquitous ABK. I don’t recall there being a cider. I am told that the essential bar snack is a cheese and black pudding toastie. However, I was unaware of this at the time of my visit so didn’t order one. Wonderful to know that places like this still exist !

One of the Famous 4 brewpubs mentioned by Michael Jackson in his 1976 book The English Pub. And after a brewing hiatus it appears brewing is once again taking place behind the bar, the equipment you can view when visiting the outside toilet. I thought it would be rude not to try their own house bitter, brewed on site with outside help and although light it was great to actually try a bitter brewed onsite for once. £2.80 a pint! Three other local bitters on cask, plus a box cider. The pub itself stands proud on a small hill with steps climbing up from the road below, hedge either side. It seems to have been built as a house in 1789 before being converted to a pub. Basic in feel with original furniture that seems to have been here a while, including a 70s era menu board. Ageing chap behind the bar seems right at home pulling pints and chatting to locals. Some picnic benches scattered about outside. A really pleasant historic pub to spend an hour.

Visited on Sunday 31st January 2016. Pretty small, single roomed pub, set back off the road and up a little path. 4 beers on tap including a house beer from Broughs. The brewery isn’t up and running as yet but has the gas connected so should be a couple of months I was told. Beer quality was excellent, service good. Place was busy and the locals moved around to let us sit down. Will go back once the brewery is in full swing. A lovely old pub.

This is in a quiet rural area. Inside is quite small, two cozy rooms, but the outside space is large and well utilized. The brewhouse was being refurbished when we stopped by, hopefully ready later this fall. Pies were very tasty, so were the beers.

Visited here with the family after our annual visit to Blist Hill Victorian village which is only a few minute drive from here. They had four cask beers on all from local microbreweries. One being from Broughs who will be brewing here shortly. One cask of Rosie pig and a few macro lagers make up the rest. Lots of outdoor seating in different areas. Very friendly service at the bar. Enjoyable visit, I will be back whenever I am in the area.

Cracking Victorian boozer very close to Blists Hill Victorian Town. 4 handpulls, 1 by Shires and 3 guests (New Plassey, Rowton and Three Tuns on my visit). Well worth a visit.

The All Nations has been a firm favorite of mine for years, I first used it back in the late 70’s and still pop in whenever I can. Set back off the road, up a steep hill, with the brewhouse is behind in the outbuildings, next to the toilets which are also outside. A single room, with a small bar, a real fire and a warm welcome is what this place is all about. No fancy gimmics or bright lights here, no twee pictures or posh mirrors, just bare painted walls and four handpulls selling three of their own beers and one guest ale. There is a large field out front for sunny drinking and an area near the toilets which has a few old benches to sit on, if you feel the urge to drink outside. I have taken mini-bus loads of people here and per-ordered ’Black Pudding, raw onion and cheddar cheese sarnies’ (all in the same ones). They complement the beer, no honest they do! everyone turns their noses up at first, but once they have tried one, there is no stoppong them. This brewpub is a throwback to years gone by and should be treasured. It is by the locals, and being in a ’World Heritage’ site, it should stay this way for years to come. The brewery out the back is currently ’Shires’ and has been moderised since the kit was unused for a few years: their beers are fine and difficult to find anywhere else except festivals or the very local area, so get here to try them if you can.