British Oak, Stirchley, Birmingham

Substantial 1920s pub with a rather austere brick façade, albeit with some interesting detailing if you a little time to look. The doorways may have been opened out at some stage, but the original multi-room Camra national inventory layout seems largely intact. The lounge (with its impressive front bay window and fireplace) to the left and former Smoke Room behind the main bar to the right (with dark-wood panelling and another small counter) are particularly fine. The rear patio has now been covered, and the bowling club's green behind the tatty beer garden is still in regular use. With five of the seven handpumps in use, I found Landlord, Wye Valley HPA (£4.10) and Titanic's Raspberry Pale being dispensed, along Old Rosie and Rosie's Pig ciders.

Impressive looking pub with 3 ales on. Purity Mad Goose, HPA and Brummie Gold from the nearby brewery. I went for the Mad Goose and it was fine. Not a bad pub.

Official site of The British Oak - www.britishoakstirchley.co.uk

Official site of The British Oak - www.britishoakstirchley.co.uk