Waggon and Horses  

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 11 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 décor 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 and on a slope. Room is tight and as the toilets are 'outside' (chilly round the privates in winter).

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. 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.

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 12-6.30 Monday to Saturday.

No accommodation here.

Comments
 

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.



We are sorry to announce that Don Dykes the manager has died in 2008. He was instrumental in the real ale choice.



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