Keg & Grill, Birmingham

The last time I called in here it was the Gough Arms. Can't add anything as they don't open till 5 and I was way too early - I'll time it better in the future!

I didn't mind this place. Two of the 3 real ales were from Sharps with the other being Butty Bach. It was quiet on this afternoon visit. A comfortable compact pub.

Despite the name, this modernised pub does feature three handpumps offering Doom Bar plus Butty Bach and HPA (£3.40) from Wye Valley. The 'L'-shaped interior is brightly lit and has been refurbished with light decor and plain furniture. Not many customers in the place, but I got the impression of a somewhat strained atmosphere which was rather off-putting.

This pub has only been open a couple of months, so thought I'd give it a go. The pub opens at 4pm during the week, we got there about 4.30 and the pub was empty. The interior was bright and comfortable, with upholstered banquette seating around the perimeter walls and plenty of tables and chairs. The pub was also carpeted throughout and the theme here was traditional. There was a Wye Valley Butty Bach on handpump, so we went for that. The barmaid poured out two halves, right to the top of the glass, which I thought was generous, but a bit difficult trying to walk to the table without spilling any beer on their new carpet. By the time I got to the table, the beer was flat, so I took it back and requested a sparkler on the pump to give the beer a bit of a head. The owner understood and poured a fresh glass and this time poured the beer from height to give it a bit of life. When I was back seated, Mrs A noticed pink lipstick on my glass, well it definitely wasn't mine, so I had to go back again, with another complaint. This was now my third glass of Butty Bach, which quality wise, was getting worse as the beer was on the end of the barrel no doubt. There is a menu on each table offering curries and kebabs.

While consuming a vast amount of quality real ale in the Craven Arms ,I enquired about where a decent curry could be had locally and like a shot the barman recommended the Keg & Grill,which left me a bit dumbfounded.However he explained that an Indian restauranteur had purchased the pub,done it up and was offering high quality Indian food within. On entering the atmosphere was very pubby with assorted punters quaffing mainly keg products although there was Sharps Doom Bar and Atlantic on handpump.There were a few folk eating,expecially in the rear section away from the bar and it was comforting to see a group of asian men also tucking in. I have to say the food quality was excellent,restaurant quality although from a short menu of curry house staples,but with fish options.No tandoor seemed to be operating.There was a Sky Sports screen by the bar and a friendly crowd within the L shaped interior. The real ale offering here will not cause the nearby Craven Arms any sleepless nights ,and I ordered a draught Cobra to wash down my curry ,but come in here for the food and you will be very pleasantly surprised.

Recently refurbished in a fairly nondescript modern style by the new owner, an Indian restaurateur. A few people were eating on our Thursday evening visit but the atmosphere was still pubby and friendly. The menu is short and not necessarily inspiring but our food was excellent and it was the best curry I've had for a very long time. The owner told us that it is very busy on weekend evenings with those seeking out quality Indian food and although you can book up to 9pm, you take your chances after that. We avoided the Sharps Doom Bar and Atlantic options for a pint of Cobra. I'd certainly return for the food, atmosphere and friendly service.