The Red Lion, Tamworth

Surprisingly large pub for such a small village (especially with the Tame Otter nearby), but I suppose that the adjacent Birmingham & Fazeley Canal is the explanation? Anyway, this is much more of a local than the other establishment, with a busy public bar (comprising two small semi-separate rooms) along most of the frontage and a bigger lounge / dining area to the right-hand side. Also has a large waterside beer garden. Bar and (thankfully) Tribute (£3.80) available from the bank of handpumps on each counter.

Great locals pub with outstanding Bombardier and Pedigree when I visited. Friendly and polite barstaff and a nice chatty buzz around the smallish public bar. Arrived on a friend's narrow-boat - this and the Tame Otter either side of bridge over canal - Red Lion was much preferred for beer and proper pub feel.

A detached brick building, dated at 1903, with lots of flowers and hanging baskets. There is a large beer garden next to the canal, over the bridge from the The Tame Otter. Also a Sunday night music venue. A central door gives you an outdoor serving hatch, with etched glass doors allowing access to the bar and lounge. The lounge looks as if it has been refurbished recently; having plain walls, wood panel and modern pictures. The bar is traditional. It has a well trod wood floor, green and white walls that have seen a few better days and memorabilia on the walls. The service was very friendly and the clientele more mature.Beer; Bombardier and Pedigree, along with Ansells MILD and bitter on keg, plus usual tap stuff. Worth a visit.