Get a feel for an instantly recognisable landmark of a pub 'where everybody knows your name'

One pub which has worked hard to achieve this is the Royal Oak in Cannock, a pub which has become a landmark and an icon of the Staffordshire town, having been part of the town for a couple of hundred years and, previously, a brewhouse.

It's easily recognisable from any direction to those trying to find it, bedecked in white paint and black timber with the pub name visible from miles away.

Inside, it carries the feel of a traditional pub, with a wooden bar and checked tiled flooring, as well as plenty of space to sit down and have a drink, including a large outdoor area.

The general manager Michelle Edwards has a long history at the pub, having previously been a customer before going on to work at the pub. The 49-year-old said she had taken on the role of general manager eight months ago.

She said: "I'd been here for 15 years in various roles and I've had plenty of managers here, who have been great people, and for a long time, it wasn't the right time for me to run the pub as I had had young children.

"Now they are grown up and adults, it made the decision to apply for the manager role a lot easier after the managers who were here retired, so the company gave me the opportunity to put my plans forward to apply.

"Luckily, I passed the application process and I thought I was a good fit for the pub, which I haven't changed very much as it's very much a community pub - the customers like continuity and know what they want when they come in here."

Ms Edwards said she had quoted the 1980s TV show Cheers when she described the pub as a place 'where everybody knows your name' and she said that was what made it a special place for her.

She said: "Have you ever walked into one of those pubs, even on your own in a town that you don't know, and sit down and instantly feel relaxed?

"That, to me, is what you get with the Royal Oak as you can come in here on your own and sit down and have a chat with anyone at the bar, so it's comfortable and friendly.

"It's even the sort of place where a woman on her own can walk in, and I've had this issue myself where you can feel uncomfortable, but you can happily stand there, have a drink by yourself and feel comfortable and relaxed."

The drink selection reflects that comfortable feeling, with owners Stonegate providing a wide selection of beers, including lagers such as Carling, Cruzcampo, Birra Moretti and Peroni, as well as ciders such as Strongbow and Bulmers, a range of cocktails and spirits and John Smiths bitter on tap.

There are drink offers during the week, such as £2.30 for a pint of John Smiths and Carling for £3.05 during the day, and average prices for drinks is around £3.50 to £4 for a pint of beer, lager or cider and not much more for a gin and tonic or spirit with ice.

Ms Edwards said the pub was a place that kept the traditions alive, but was always looking to make changes if needed.

She said: "You always have to refresh if something is looking drab or dated and it's always good to do that, but I think that some pubs can take that too far.

"I think that if you can come into a pub and have a nice drink in the beer garden or come and watch TV and sit at the bar while the staff bring you a drink, then that sounds nice to me."