Soho Foundry Tavern, Smethwick

Had this earmarked in Google Maps for a long time. Unsure why, need to keep notes. Probably because it looked so handsome and isolated. A proper pub with nothing on the same side of the road. Opposite are the gates to an historically important Foundry. Worth a quick google and read up. I ventured in. No cask but the Guinness was in good form and £4.60. Front bar quite busy, with loud TV on (horseracing, I think). A large back room. Seemed to be desi style food available (very cheaply) but possibly run as cuckoo operation by a separate vendor. A large and relatively tidy sun trap beer garden. Can't think why you'd end up in this part of the world and the pubs are incredibly limited. So give it go if you do find yourself here!

Good-looking pub buried deep in the industrial area between Smethwick and Handsworth, located opposite the grand gatehouse of what is still Avery's works (although not much else remains of the original buildings?). Basic bar with a pool table at the front, a larger lounge at the back and a two-sided servery in between. No real ale of course, and not even any John Smith's or Worthington's, so resorted to a quick Coors (£4.10) from the very limited keg options.