White Horse, Birmingham

Proper old school, maybe even a stereotypical old man pub. Eight hand pulls on the right hand bar, seven of these on at the time of my June visit, including one Lilley's cider (Bee Sting). Ostlers ales apparently brewed on site which is definitely a bonus to get something a bit different, but some of the other ale offerings were more mainstream. They also had some craft key keg ale, but unfortunately the one I tried of theirs wasn't up to much. I was expecting a bit more excitement on the ale front, and have to admit to being a little disappointed after I'd been wanting to try this place for a few years. I daresay I may give it another go if I find myself in the area again.

Excellent Ostler's real ale pub just off the High Street, with a traditional two-room interior and a front patio terrace. You enter the main bar, with further seating at the back, but there is also a compact lounge off to the left. With seven cask beers and a cider from the two banks of four handpumps on the main counter, and another from one of the seven on the bar-back round the corner, the choice was tempting. However, I went for the 'house' Terry's Gold (£3.20), brewed out the back of the kitchen somewhere.

Probably still the best pub in Harborne. Certainly the best ale choice although for some reason I didn't note them on my last visit. I have never had a bad drink in here and I always call in when I am in the area. Well worth a visit.