The Railway, Birmingham

A right old-school pub, rather run down and somewhat isolated in an industrial wasteland, but thankfully still going... Plain, traditional bar plus a pool room down a couple of steps. No handpumps on the counter, but the M&B Brew XI (£3.10) from what appears to be a keg tap looked and tasted more like a cask beer when poured. Hobgoblin IPA also available from a shiny fount.

This is a corner pub, in cream and red, with a nice choo choo picture on the front, though the paintwork of the pub is looking a little in need of a touch-up. The interior has a couple of roome, although i only saw the bar room. This is an L-shaped room in blue and white, with a white and fake beam ceiling and a red lino flooring. It is a 'spit n sawdust' kind of place, with a dart board, pool table and a TV, showing a western 'B' movie. There was no music. Train pictures and old signs are on the walls, as per the pub name. The service was friendly and just one bloke was in. Beer; usual tap stuff, with Doombar on handpull - a new edition since my last visit - and it was fine enough. All-in-all, i was happy to have popped in for a swift half, but the real ale fans will head to the Black Eagle.