The Grapes, Bilston

Substantial suburban pub with two slightly porticoed entrances, although one is no longer in use (or perhaps it was just an architectural flourish to add symmetry in the first place?). That said, the interior layout is probably little altered with the central bar, a smaller room (with dartboard) to the left and the lounge / rear dining room on the other side of the main door. Relatively plain, semi-modern refurbishment in all parts. Rear patio and grass beer garden, plus a few wooden benches out front. No real ale, unfortunately, so made do with a Banks's Mild (£3.30) from one of the keg founts.

A large detached undressed brick pub and eatery, with patio areas. It looks 1930s, hard to tell in the dark - but has an ornate columned entrance to add a bit of character. The interior has three areas. To the left on entry there is the bar. It is a two-piece room. The main part is in green and white, with red ceiling and has a dart board, a TV (had Come Dine With Me on) and a fireplace, with a nice fire going - the other part, in white and a coffee colour looks like it was a little pool table annex once, but now has a dart board as well. Sporty stuff is on the walls and this part of the pub was very busy with a mixed clientele. To the right on entry there is a lounge area, which had a couple of people in. This area is in coffee, pale green and a silver wallpaper with red pattern on it, along with a white ceiling and a fireplace with a small fire. There was a TV, but not on. General Victorian styled prints were on the walls. Further round, at the back there is the dining area, where i did not wander and as i didn't eat, i can't comment on the food. There was general music at a decent level and the service was friendly. Beer; no real ale, all the usual keg stuff, but they had Banks's and Highgate MILD, which was pretty good for keg I liked this place more than i expected, considering i go for real ale first - it had clear bar, lounge and dining areas and a good atmosphere - i was more than happy i had popped in.