Picks, Halesowen

Used to be called the Lyttleton Arms but was renamed a few years ago as a nod to former owner - Billy Picks. Currently closed and the future is uncertain.

Old-fashioned (in a good way) two-bar pub in the middle of the pedestrianised town centre. Basic and worn furniture, but all tidy enough, and some old pictures and breweriana about the walls to add a bit of interest. No handpumps, but Banks's Original Cask (£1.35, half) is available from one of those old metered electric pumps that I haven't seen for decades. Equally, if not more surprising, is that there were eight different ciders available from the keg taps. The landlady and regulars indulged in some good-natured banter but were notably friendly to a casual visitor too, so that's definitely worth an extra point...