The Cock, Birmingham

The only pub of any real age in the district, albeit substantially remodelled, extended and anonymously refurbished at some stage so there no character left inside unfortunately. A pool table can be found by the side entrance, with the area at the back dominated by a large screen to supplement the various sports TVs scattered around, and a beer garden is advertised. Very modest menu, and a solitary and sadly very disused handpump on the counter, so Worthington's (£2.50) it had to be on my short stay.

This is a detached pub with patio area. The pub is at least Victorian, although it has been added to. It is a multi-building pub, in white render and is a welcome change for an area that generally has functional estate pubs. While the exterior retains some pedigree, the interior has been modernised, with all internal walls removed and so creating a U-ish-shaped room broken only by a hearth feature separating off the pool table area. There are lots of TVs showing sport and the music was via a jukebox, at a decent level. The decor is white with pale green wood panelled walls and brown carpet. The pub has a feeling of space; with sofa, high stool and comfy chair zones, as well as the pool area. Some arty art is on the walls, along with general advertising posters, but there is a little bare feeling about it. The service was fine and a few locals were in. Beer; no real ale, just the usual keg taps with M&B MILD. I just had shandy. As a building, the exterior is nice, the interior generic. It just has nothing beerwise for a real ale fan.

The pub is currently closed for a total refurbishment. Due open before Christmas, will be interesting to see what the new owners have to offer.

I remember this pub years ago has a farmers pub, now it's a yuppy pub.