I visited this once lovely little pub on saturday 12th april and was extremely saddened to find it full of unruly underage drinkers. I found the atmosphere threatening and that neither the management or the staff were in control of the situation. This used to be a well run gay bar which was also used by nice locals, this is definately no longer the case and I will definately not be returning.

We now consider this to be our "local" even though we live the other side of town. Its hard to find a pub these days where you are greeted by name as you walk through the door, the bar staff say "the usual?" I know it sounds cliche but its true.

The food is back on form again now since the new girls have taken over from the previous owner.

The Sunday roasts are as good as your mum or gran used to cook.

On reading recommendations from trip adviser (which we frequently base our choices on) we booked to go for the Sunday roast. Whilst the pub was friendly and staff tried hard to please, unfortunately that's where it ended for us. We were looking forward to the meal but unfortunately when it arrived it was not like a home cooked Sunday pub lunch but looked and tasted more like a pre-packaged frozen one apart from the veg which was fresh but very hard. Meat and roast potatoes in particular disappointing and I left most of it. We did not complain but having experienced the lunch declined dessert and made a quick exit to another venue for this. The food certainly does not live up to the rating on trip adviser in our opinion and certainly not value for money.

The Load has changed hands relatively recently and has improved tenfold.

The staff are welcoming and friendly, the food is fresh and great value - huge Sunday roasts for £8.95 are amazing!

On chilly days, a table near the open fire is an extremely cosy haven!

There's also a decent sized beer garden

If you're wondering where to go for lunch? Get yourself to the load of hay!
The foods fantastic and such good value! It's under new management.
Give it a try you won't be disappointed.