The Riddins Tavern, Cradley Heath

Compact Banks's pub, somewhat hidden away behind the main road but accessible via a couple of gloomy footpaths and from the housing estates beyond. Partly opened-out inside to leave the main part of the bar at the front and two small seating areas going back on each side. Unfussy traditional furniture and decor, with a dartboard and a popular jukebox. Also has a rear room for events and a small side patio. No real ale from either of the handpumps, unfortunately, but I consoled myself with a keg Mild (£2.15).

What is a small detached cottage-like Banks's pub down a dead end street is deceptively larger. It is in white render and white painted brick, with a central bay window that was originally flanked by entrances into different rooms in the pub, but the one is now blocked reflecting the change in the interior. There is a rear patio area. The interior has a couple of rooms. At the back is a small family room, in white and beam look, with a TV - this wasn't on and there was nobady in at my visit. The main room is now a U-shaped room around the central serving bar (it was a lounge, bar and snug). The decor is a mix of red, cream and wood panel walls, with one chimney of brick and another in green (with a fireplace). The ceiling is in white and there is a red carpeted and part wood floor. There are blue seats and stools, and there are no real pictures on the walls, or other ephemera. At one end, there are a pool table and a dart board. There is a TV, which had Emmerdale on and there was no music. The service was fine and the locals were playing dominoes and so forth. Beer; usual tap stuff, with Banks's MILD, which was fine. No real ale. A nice feel to this place, especially as it was dominoes night. Happy to have stopped off for a swifty. Sad that it doesn't have a real ale on.

The Riddins has a strong focus on its surrounding community. The Pub offers a familiar, enjoyable and fun atmosphere for all – customers and staff. Over the years, the staff has been a key factor to its success! From drinks to Fri night karaoke & sat night disco unparalleled other pub entertainment in the area! All surrounded in a cosy local/workingman’s pub atmosphere, there’s something here to satisfy any appetite.