The Red Lion, Solihull

Attractive old Ember Inn, remodelled inside and completely refurbished in the expected mix of traditional and modern but still retaining some character in the various seating / dining areas (especially just to the right of the front entrance). Very food-led of course, but plenty of people in and around the bar just having a drink. Ember pale ale, Brakspear Bitter, Bombardier, Sharp's Juniper Rising wheat beer (£3.65) and two from Purity - Pure UBU and Mad Goose - available from the two banks of five handpumps.

It looks like a proper pub from the outside - and still looks decent inside! It may be run by Ember Inns but still offers a good selection of ale.

An impressive, traditional building from the outside which gives way to a corporate Ember Inns interior. In fairness, it's reasonable quality but you can only imagine what it may have replaced. As expected, a fair bit of the interior is given over to eating and there seems to be some outside space as well but there is also a reasonable sized corner to the right of the bar given over to drinking only. On our Friday evening visit this area was very popular with the locals which made for a lively and busy atmosphere much more reminiscent of a weekend boozer than a gastro chain pub so don't be put off by the Ember Inns ownership if all you fancy is a pint. Beers on were a very quaffable St. Austell Proper Job, Brakspear Bitter, Ember Pale Ale brewed by Black Sheep, Rudgate Dick Firkin, Purity UBU and Doom Bar. Not a hugely imaginative list but with at least a couple of non-national choices. The service was friendly and efficient which was no mean feat on a busy Friday evening and although there was never much of a wait for bar staff, time was always taken to pour the beer well. The only real option for a decent pint in Knowle on our visit and I'd head here first if in town again.