The Green Man, Tamworth

Official site of the Green Man - www.thegreenmanmiddleton.co.uk

Official site of the Green Man - www.thegreenmanmiddleton.co.uk

A good review from Staaly. The place does indeed look like a Georgian, former farm building, complete with out houses and patio area. It is a part of the Vintage Inn chain and is in undressed brick, with creeping ivy and a slightly scary sign! The interior is open plan curving U-shaped around the bar and in typical Vintage Inn style has lots of nooks and crannies. It is all foody without any real clear 'bar' kind of area for those simply wanting a drink, which is disappointing - hence i retreated into the patio area. The decor sees the common enough mix of red, green and white, with some undressed brick, beams and wood panel - don't get me wrong, Vintage Inns are one of the few chains that keep a real feel about their buildings. There is a nice fireplace feature and as well as old photos on the walls, there are jugs, plates and other bits and bobs to offset the piles of chopped wood (Ember Inns style) and candles. The service was fine and the clientele mixed and the place was rammed out. Beer; tap stuff, with Deuchars IPA, Sharpes Doombar and an OK-ish Pedigree on handpull. I agree with Stally on this one, not a place to come for a drink alone - this is aimed purely for the food market - other Vintage Inns at least have space at the bar, or a small drinking area where you have some space from diners. I would like to eat here, i would just go elsewhere for a drink alone.

The Green Man appears to be a much altered 18th century farm house. It has a brick frontage with a small garden to the rear. The interior is based around a U shaped bar with additional 'extensions'. It is half-panelled and bare brick. I would not class this as a 'pub'. It is much more an 'eatery' that serves beer. I would not settle here and spend hours drinking. I would come here with a group of people to eat and drink. To have a three course meal costs about £22 a head. The food is very good pub grub. Not had a bad meal in here. Now for the alcohol! You get the usual stuff on tap, an array of wines and three real ale taps. Tonight they had Sharp's Doom Bar, a 'special' brew by Greene King called Father's Day Ale and Pedigree. Pedigree seems to be the regular, the other two taps are guests. I tried all three beers tonight and the Father's Day was by far the best - nice caramel taste. The other two beers were fine. This is a great place to come to for a meal in a pub in beautiful countryside in a pretty village. Its not really a place to come to for just a drink. Great place, but for a specific occasion.