The Trumpet, Bilston

Absolute gem and long may places like this continue. A tiny Holdens pub and they need to compete with the 'spoons opposite by offering something different. They do this with live jazz - advertised as seven nights a week. I was there on a Saturday afternoon, but the locals were encouraged to take part in pseudo karaoke. This involved signing over fleetwood mac backing tracks whilst the landlord was on the tomtoms and/or drums. Better than it sounds. A single long room - with the "stage" at the far end - the walls are covered in music paraphernalia, which could be investigated for ages. This includes a placard from the International Slade Fan Club. The landlady was lovely and came over for a chat to make a stranger feel welcome. Beer - All Holdens (but the Special was off). My Black Country Bitter was not in the best condition. Everyone else was on Keg. I will be back to this place - worth investigating, not least for the former pub opposite.

Cosy little Holden's pub with a small stage at the back, renowned for live jazz but also offering four good Holden's ales on handpump, including Mild. The one room is decorated with numerous pictures, flyers and other memorabilia from the many bands who have played. The dark green ceiling and limited windows gives a rather cavernous feel to the place but it is very comfortable when the live music is not on.

I find it hard to judge this place as it is essentially a venue for live jazz. It's a small single room with a small bar area to the left as you enter and the stage for the live music right down the back. On my Saturday afternoon visit there were a few old duffers in and no jazz but there was a music system playing some sort of Latin American sound track. I don't know if this was jazz but it sounded pretty awful to me and was far louder than it need be. The bar had all four Holden's beers on offer and I went for the Golden Glow (£2.60) which was in good nick. I wouldn't like to come here when a live performance is on but it does sell all four Holden's beers which is a plus point in itself so I won't be too harsh with the score.

A modern looking pub and nothing special from the outside. Not large, Its a jazz venue with live music daily performed in the top corner. There is the added benefit of Holdens beers. My afternoon visit the pub was occupied by various locals and was welcoming and pleasent for a stop off.