The Bunch Of Bluebells, Saltwells, Dudley

This is a good example of what looks like a 1930s pub (judging by the houses around) with a little bit of individual character. It is a detached pub with a rear patio area. The buildings have steeped pitched roofs, one with dormer windows, which, along with the front gable in the main building give a slightly gothic and church-like quality. The pub is in exposed brick, with mock-tudor stone windows and two rounded rough stone columns supporting the projecting upper storey. The interior has a couple of rooms, although one is separate at i didn't even know it was there until i left! The main room (see Del's photo), is an open-plan irregular shaped room that starts with a bar/lounge area, narrows as you pass the bar and leads to a games area. The decor is red and cream with one exposed brick wall that has a nice fireplace incorporated. The ceiling is white and the floor stone flag, with some patterned carpet. In the games area there is a pool table and a punch=bag machine. There are some vases dotted about (not to Ember Inn's level) and a couple of pictures on the walls, for interest and there was a TV (showing Emmerdale at my visit). The place does Sunday lunches and a pizza menu (£5), although i didn't try it. The service was friendly and the clientele locals, from lads to a family - a good mix. Beer; all tap stuff, no real ale - sadly the Banks's MILD wasn't on so had Tetley Bitter I liked the pub and the feel to it - a good locals place that were happy to see a stranger too. Sadly, the beer choice isn't to my taste (no real ale/keg MILD), otherwise what was still a nice stop-off would have been even better. If you are happy with keg drinks, drop in!