Inn on the Green, Birmingham

I hadn't visited this much improved pub for about 10 years. A bank of 6 handpumps but only 1 on serving HPA. The barman noticed me looking at the pumps and quickly explained that there were 2 others on which he was about to pull through. He even fetched me a pint from Abbeydale brewery straight from the cellar. It is good to see someone passionate about their beer and the 2 we tried were spot on. Great service, great beer and a Camra discount - I won't leave it another 10 years!!

CAMRA Birmingham pub of the year 2015. Nice interior - L-Shaped layout with one corner setup for live music/entertainment, the other setup for drinkers. They have regular beer festivals (according to signage/research). On a normal day, they had three real ales. Two from a little brewery in Wales and one American Ale. I went for a welsh Golden Ale and it was superb. £3. Worth checking out and I would come again. Some photos at my walking blog - http://bit.ly/1PKX4UZ

Substantial corner pub with a rather austere polygonal frontage which has space for a little outside seating. Once inside you find quite a cavernous bar in an overall ' L'-shape underneath a noticeably high ceiling. Limited, alehouse-type furniture and generally dark decor enlivened with a bit of breweriana. Offers a mix of sports TV and a variety of events during the week (including a quiz night, darts night, live music and karaoke). However, it was relatively quiet when I called in on a Monday evening, with boards for pub game being readied for a group of older blokes. Six handpumps on the counter, offering Wye Valley Supreme, Dove Special, Spring Steels The Boss, Blackjack Dark Specials Porter (£2.80 with Camra discount) and two ciders. The management obviously make a good effort to appeal to those with different interests, and it is certainly worth a visit if in the area.

This pub is in the 2015 Good Beer Guide and I had never been before, but called as there was one of many beer festivals being held there. Large bar area with 6 beers available on handpull from Windsor & Eton (2), Rock & Roll, Redemption, Fixed Wheel and Vibrant Forest plus another 6 beers on stillage in a small serving area between the large bar space, and a smaller lounge area. On stillage were beers from Winning Post, Friday beer Co, Brass Castle, Longman, Late Knights and Firefly. Tried 4 of the beers and all in good condition and had CAMRA discount too. Heard there could be a brewery starting up Bad Rabbits Brew Co in the New Year,. They have a function room, and hold karaoke and live music nights. A few TV's around and they have live sport. Bus route 37 from city and on circular 11 bus route'

A detached pub, cafe and carvery, with patio area. The pub started life as the New Inn, over the road, before moving to its present location (still called the New Inn) around the 1930s, when the traffic island emerges and this becomes the focal point of the community. It is in a 17th century style, being in plain brick (some white painted), with tall stacks and some stone moulding around the doors and windows. The interior has a carvery room (i didn't see) and a main L-shaped bar. The bar is in mixed wall colours; brown, light blue, mustard etc, with a white ceiling and general carpet. There is a mix of seating, with patterned perimeter, wood bench and general tables and chairs. The walls have a mix of arty art and old photos on them and there is a DJ booth area. The TVs had the footy on and there was no music. The service was friendly and the place had a mixed crowd of locals - most watching the Celtic game. Beer; usual tap stuff with M&B MILD. On handpull there was Salopian Lemon Dream and a decent enough Wye Valley Butty Bach. There was a real cider too. Certainly a better experience than i expected and i would pop back for one.