HALESOWEN.

Just off the A458 which is the main Stourbridge to Birmingham road. A traditional local from the outside, the inside is a bit different. A two-roomed pub, the central rough cut wooden bar serves both. The lounge has a tiled fireplace (not used). Seating is crushed velvet benches round the walls with red leatherette backs, chairs and mainly stools. Tables are a mixture of small and two large square ones at each  end. Decor is predominately brass on the walls and and a mixture of wallpaper (see photo). There were nine beers on at the time including Hampshire Lionheart, Tale of the Dragon and a couple of Wye Valley ales. The public bar has 2 distinct areas. The first that greets you on entrance is the pool area (darts is available near the toilets). The second is a lattice wood fenced area where there are some pews with cushions and square tables. The long bar area here also has stools at it. The toilets are accessible for the disabled (no disabled toilet), though getting there might be difficult. One thing to watch out for is the 'short measures' as the glasses say Banks' but they are not always lined. If you fancy a sing song, there is a Piano in the public bar. For the summer there is a small beer garden out back. No accommodation here.

	Symbols:		Open:	Monday-Saturday:	Sunday:	Map	Pics
				4.30-11 (12-11 Sat)	12-10.30	View

A pub situated right next to the Halesowen FC ground. It says 'freehouse' outside, but the beers on this visit were: Banks' and Everards Tiger. The Good Beer Guide says it serves Enville Ales, but no sign of them on this visit. A two-roomed pub with the lounge at the front (crushed velvet benches, square tables and chairs, some stools), has a central wooden bar. There is a tiled fireplace here, but no real fire. Access to the public bar from the lounge takes you down a narrow corridor to the right past the stained glass snob screen. The public bar has a plain bare floor and round tables with stools. Food (traditional pub fayre) is served lunch and evening and is good value. The quality is good too. Just down the road from the Waggon and Horses. Access for the disabled is possible as the front step is low, however, doorways, corridors and toilets are narrow. No accommodation here, but the number 9 bus stops almost outside the door and the last bus to Stourbridge or Birmingham is late.

Situated on the main road in Halesowen the Lighthouse pub provides a convenient meeting place for both the local community as well as workers from the nearby industrial estate. The Lighthouse comprises two small lounge areas, one bar and an upstairs function room. Car parking is available and the garden area is popular during the warmer months. Good pub food is a feature of this popular pub and we have continued our policy of supplementing the Brains Ales with a number of Banks' local brews and other guest ales.

With number 9 bus passing right outside its doors, this is a well visited place for many people from the Black Country and beyond. A veritable oasis, it has up to 15 real ales on at any one time, in fact too many to list. In any case, it isn't necessary as you are guaranteed lots of real ales even if you come on a Tuesday or Wednesday - usually barren nights elsewhere as custom drops off and they don't want the beer to spoil by putting it on so early. Not here - there is choice every night. Very much a locals pub you can always find the noise of banter between staff and customers. However, they welcome one and all to their hearts if you're drinking real ale. Reminiscent of 1970's decor inside, the tall entrance room is bare and reminds me of a mountain climbers chalet I once rested in - formica walls and simple benches set out facing each other. There is also a TV here (though not  in the chalet) which is always on. The floors are bare throughout and the main bar is to the right of the entrance down a slope. Room is tight and as the toilets are outside (chilly round the privates in winter) it is not recommended for the disabled. The  single long bar has beer engines dotted all along its length. The beer menu is behind you on the wall by the entrance. Prices are reasonable, though too many sparklers are in evidence and asking for a top up is necessary. The narrow bar area means that only small round tables and stools are available, though a couple of chairs have crept in - but elbow room is at a premium. Towards the toilet exit is a further seating area and wooden booths have been added near the fireplace. On Tuesdays they sometimes have live music in this area and on this occasion it was skiffle. Although hard to spot from the bus (not well lit), this is a hidden gem of a pub and lack of space to sit aside, well worth seeking out at all costs if you are in the West Midlands for any time. They now do bar snacks, but nothing substantial. No accommodation here.

	Symbols:		Open:	Monday-Saturday:	Sunday:	Map	Pic
[snacks only]				12-11	12-10.30	View

Also Try:

Somers Sports and Social Club, The Grange, Grange Hill, Halesowen. 0121 550 1645. 12 real ales on offer at all times. CAMRA visitors by appointment, so ring first.

Also The Weatherspoon: