Old Stone Cross, Tamworth

This one is clearly marked as a Craft Union pub which is a lame camouflage for the Ei Group (formerly Enterprise Inns). It's been given a very modern makeover into an open plan L shaped room with the bar counter on the corner in the middle and a pool table at the rear. There is a decked area at the rear. There were TV screens everywhere but with the sound off as there was a soundtrack of old pop songs playing. The bar has two hand pumps which had Hobgoblin Gold and GK Old Speckled Hen turned. The Gold (£2.00) was in good nick but not quite as good as in the Penny Black. I can't say I'd return here but I'd like to know how the Ei Group can throw a load of money at a pub in Tamworth and then charge half or less for a pint than they do in their London suburban outlets.

Basic Craft Union sports pub, with an opened-out 'L'-shaped interior, plenty of TV screens and a pool table down the far end. Modern furniture and mostly unimaginative decor, although there are a few B&W local history photographs on display. Somewhat unexpectedly, there are two handpumps on one part of the counter, offering Doom Bar and a surprisingly good pint of Lancaster Bomber (especially as it cost just two quid, cheaper than the 'spoons).