The Swan Hotel, Birmingham

Well described by Soupy below. Only Pedigree available on my last visit but it was a decent pint. Very friendly and chatty manager - I would happily call in again.

Official site of Swan Hotel - www.stonehouserestaurants.co.uk

Official site of Swan Hotel - www.stonehouserestaurants.co.uk

This is a terraced hotel, pub and carvery, opperated by the Crown Carvery chain. It is an c18th Georgain building, in white render, with a moulded central entrance. The most interesting feature is the projecting and bracketed cornice, but it has quoins, sash and a row of dormer windows. The interior is an irregular shape, but has, in general, the front half given over to a bar area and the rear to the carvery. The carvery area is in coffee and patterned wallpaper, with a white ceiling and bistro art on the walls. The bar area is in a mix of colours; red, white, green and coffee, fpr example, with a fireplace or two. There are a mix of bench and comfy seats, with TVs (showing footy) and some old photos on the walls. A kid's grabbing machine is available. The service was fine - both for beer and the food, and the food itself was pretty decent. The place was busy with a mixed clientele, including a guy with his whole head tattooed. There was no music. Beer; usual tap stuff with 3 handpulls; EPA. Pedigree and Everards Wonderland, which was fine. The best experience of a Crown Carvery that I have had. I would try it again.

Large hotel in the centre of Coleshill with car park at the rear. There is a large public bar/restaurant with half given over to a cavery, but plently of space available if you were coming just for a drink. Nice blend of tradition and moderisation, some beams and window seating on the high street side. Seams popular both for food and socialising. I'm not the biggest fan of pubs given over to restaurants but this one seems to have the balance right and I find it nicer than the more formula Harvester in the town. A couple of real ales including Greene King IPA kept ok and very good value at £1.75 a pint. Its not out of this world brilliant, but it feels like somebody has tried to think how we can make a living but without being boring or over pricing. Worth a punt