The Packhorse is an old-timer that's been taken over by youthful music fanatics.

The Venue
The Packhorse looks like an old-timer refurbished to the point where it looks new even though the renovation happened a couple of decades ago. But the age of the building isn't really important. What matters is the fact that this is a regular pub that's clearly inspired by tradition but with an ear for current music. The main feature, in fact, is the series of prints on canvas immortalising all the music icons from John Lennon to Bjork and Mick Jagger, Morrisey and Kurt Cobain.

The Packhorse is more of a music venue than a pub but the only problem is finding it since it's tucked away in Woodhouse Lane. It has a secluded backyard with a few plants and an ornate gate on one side.

Over its two floors you'll see wood panels, wall couches as well as simple chairs and tables in the separate dining area and a couple of stools for those who feel like drinking alone. Upstairs the place has a more theatrical nature. There are stage curtains to hide staff-only areas and overall the effect is that of a life-size Punch and Judy theatre. The slated roof with wooden beams is visible on both floors and the bar has a stained-glass panels. It sounds has if the place is old but everything looks in great shape.

The People
The regular music nights are the reason why The Packhorse is a familiar place for many Loiners. This place is a good spot to catch local acts who are beating a path to bigger things. There's a bit of everything gracing the stage from acoustic solos to rock, indie and soul. The crowd of regulars isn't fazed by the different genres as this unpretentious lot are just eager to hear live music.

The atmosphere is friendly but don't expect to talk to people much as the place often gets too busy when there's live music – and there is often live music.

The Food
The menu includes light bites (£4 to £5), burgers (£5), mains (£8), sides (£2 to £3) and desserts (£3). It doesn't stray from traditional pub fodder and the best picks are the loaded skins with tomato, mozzarella and basil and the Packhorse Monster Burger made with half pound of Aberdeen Angus beef. The quarter pounder Mediterranean vegetable burger, the giant Yorkshire pudding with chips and gravy (£5) and the giant haddock with chips are also worth a try. There's also homemade steak and ale pie, ham and eggs, chili con carne, scampi, sausage and mash.

The Drink
Drinks aren’t exactly cheap here and half a pint will cost you £1.60. The house wine, though, is just £8 a bottle, re-establishing some balance. Within the beers you can choose from Boddingtons, Green King IPA, Staropramen, Becks Vier and others. There's only beer, wine (there are seven to pick from, all from the classic wine countries) and spirits to choose from.

The Last Word
The Packhorse is a great destination when there's live music as the nights are frenetic, sweaty and the music disappoints only rarely. But avoid it when there's nothing on as the atmosphere becomes slightly sad.

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