The New Bell, Birmingham

A 60s looking detached estate pub, that at least has some character, in undressed brick and some white render. Also has a patio. The pub is a chain pub, i think part of the M&B group as it does a value menu - the Drakes Drum, up the road, has the same menu and decor and it will close in late July for a week after which it will re-open as a Sizzling pub. The interior has two rooms; a bar and a lounge/dining area. The lounge is open plan, but has a couple of areas. It is in toffee, green and yellow, with green patterned, cream patterned and brown patterned wallpaper - a change from the pure plain wall look. There is a main wood and ceramic tiled fireplace feature and another smaller one as well. The walls were adorned with old photos of Great Barr. I didnt eat, so cant comment on the food. The bar was in toffee, cream, yellow and red patterned wallpaper, with darts and sporty pictures and trophies. There was a TV and the music in this room was somewhat louder. The service was fine and the clientele mixed. Beer;tap stuff with a decent enough M&B MILD. On hadpull the Brains SA was fine, especially at £1.59, the Pedigree and Bombardier were not on. I enjoyed my visit here, although for me it is a one pint place - it will be interesting to see if it will be Sizzleised in the coming weeks like the Drum. I would