The Drawbridge, Solihull

Official site of The Drawbridge - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Official site of The Drawbridge - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Large, estate-type Greene King pub with Flaming Grill branding, recently reopened after a refurbishment and notably busy early on a Wednesday evening. Not sure what it was like previously, but the various seating (and notionally dining) areas now have a light semi-modern look. Also has an area with a popular pool table and a dartboard off to one side. Five real ales offered from the two banks of handpumps: IPA, Belhaven Elephant session ale, the seasonal Ale Fresco and Un-Beer-Leveable plus Landlord as a guest.

Enjoyed our Robinsons Dizzy Blonde while sitting outside in the garden by the canal watching the narrowboat folk operating the drawbridge. Friendly staff and customers inside, but we spent our time enjoying the afternoon sun in the garden. Good atmosphere.

Well described below, this is a Flaming Grill Pub Co pub and it doesn't disappoint. Outside is large, modern, red brick and characterless with the bonus of a concrete terrace overlooking the canal which was well used on our sunny lunchtime visit. Inside is open plan, carpeted with plenty of benches and nondescript furniture. It feels much cleaner and fresher than many pubs of this type whilst still being firmly of the type. The barmaids were chatty, attractive and friendly which made our visit much more pleasurable than it would have been and whilst the beer choice isn't wide with Doom Bar alongside Tiger, the Tiger was in very good shape. Well worth dropping in for one if you're passing.