Red Lion Inn, Tamworth

Set back from the main road, and probably even older than it looks, but the opened-out interior has been given a plain, sparse, semi-modern makeover at some stage. No cask ale available (despite the external signage), so just a quick Worthington's (£1.70, half) before moving on.

Set back from the road,there is a very traditional exterior and a pleasing mix of different sections internally.The tap room to the right has a darts board and a flatscreen above a small Victorian fireplace with a few tables and chairs knocking around and this is where the regulars congregate.Behind the L shaped bar there is a small lounge with a banquette and it's own bar access together with french windows onto the outside yard.To the left of the interior there is a pool room,while to the left rear is a dining room with tables set.The menu is pub grub orientated with most mains around £6.A refurb has resulted in a lot of flock wallpaper,but overall this is a neat and tidy interior.There is an excellent juke box with the landlady selecting some 60's classics which created a great atmosphere.Only two real ales available with Doom Bar and Hobgoblin Gold (£3 ,fair condition) on my visit.A more adventurous ale line up would have resulted in a higher rating,but overall it's worth popping into.