Black Boy, Solihull

Canalside pub (supposedly dating from 1793) run by the Rugby family since 1993. Visited on a Monday, when the staff were being rushed off their feet as everyone seemed to have come out to eat on a fine summer evening, but all was (just about) under control. Plenty of space inside the various seating and dining areas, but understandably the beer garden was the busiest place. Not a great beer selection, but the cask Tribute (£4.50) proved quite acceptable.

Mr. Fastard paints the picture well below. Approaching from the canal this is an appealing, traditional boaters pub. Once inside it's a cut price eating barn which has had any charm that it once possessed systematically stripped and it now feels like an atmosphereless canteen. Beers on were London Pride, a cold but drinkable St Austell Tribute and Wye Valley Butty Bach. A point for each of the beers on offer.