The Thurlestone, Birmingham

Typical estate pub that is a little rough around the edges. A few locals in and the service was friendly. I preferred my visit here to the 2 soul less foody chain pubs around the corner!

Fairly basic twin-room estate pub, albeit with the lounge in darkness when I stopped by. The main bar is plainly furnished, with just a long staple-shaped padded bench under the main windows offering a modicum of comfort. Decor limited to various, mostly sports-related, flags. The good news, however, is that it still does real ale, with Tribute (£3.05) available from one of three handpumps divided between the two counters.

This is a detached 1960s estate pub, with patio area. It was built a little later than the surrounding houses, but is typically bland as befitting the period. It has a low-level extension to a central 'house' and is in brick, with white and blue paintwork. The interior has a couple of rooms served by a central island bar, but the lounge was in darkness and i didn't see it. The bar has pool and darts, along with a TV showing sport. The square room is in white and brown painted wood panel and there are some footy scarves, shirts and assorted flags dotted around. There is a perimeter seat in green, along with blue sttols and red chairs. The service was friendly and the place had a mixed, local clientele. There were no real pictures. The music was mixed and at a decent level. Beer; usual keg taps alnog with a more than decent Wye Valley HPA on handpull. Having put-up with the new plastic places around the Longbridge redevelopment, this was a more than welcome change. Pleased i popped in.