King Edward VII, Birmingham

This is a detached pub, with patio area, and a courtyard cafe (yes, called the courtyard cafe and housed in the old courtyard). The pub was built in the first years of the 1900s, replacing the Water Works Tavern that stood on the same spot (which had a horse trough outside!) The pub is in the typical red brick of the period, with moulded stone around the doors and windows. The outstanding features are the oriel windows and some glazed tiles in the passageway. This pub is due for demolition (the gaffer moving to the Aston Tavern) in order to widen the road. The interior of the pub has a few rooms, but these were in darkness except for the bar area - which was so gloomy, i nearly asked for a candle. The room is tidy enough, in wood, red and green (i think!), with a few old local photos sparing placed on the walls. There is a dart board and a TV was showing one soap, followed by another. The wood bar is nice - not too ornate. The service was fine and a few locals were in, chatting away. There was no music (must hear Eastenders). Perimeter seating, with tables and chairs was the order of the day. Beer; no real ale, so the usual tap stuff, but the M&B MILD wasn't on - i had a shandy. A basic pub, but a nice building - only locally listed, I believe - not that it would have made any difference.

Went on match day and jammed to the gills with middle aged Villa fans. No real ale on pumps (though pumps in evidence), only Speckled Hen in bottles and they kept that in the fridge. Shambles but got drunk anyway. My bruv and me must have been the only West Ham fans in there. All barmaids out of the same factory, loads of make up , stacked and fixed lipstick grins. Nice if you like that kind of thing I suppose. Avoid

This pub actually ran out of real ale when I recently visited the place. In terms of beer - nil points. Decor was bog standard city centre - nil points. Service was poor with no alternative beverages offered - staff had little (if any) idea of the drinks on offer! - nil points. For some reason this is a popular house - beats me why!

The King Edward V11 is reopening On the 19th December 2008 Now doing fantastic Sunday carvery