The Red Lion, Solihull

Typical Ember Inn inside, modern contemporary furniture. All rather boring, but is a step up from the nearby Wilsons & Greswolde, especially as it has around 7 -8 real ales. However the choice was rather standard and the quality average, but at least they are making an effort. One for the family food trade.

This Ember Inns chain pub is a very old building and most attractive from the outside.The internal decor is less interesting but does at least contain several different sections as you wind round the inside.The bar is to one side of the building and the section closeby with views over the street has a flatscreen and seems to be the drinkers corner.Food can be consumed anywhere from a very standard chain menu ,but on my Friday evening visit most people were just drinking which gave it a very genuine pub atmosphere,it's popular with the locals. However the chain vibe is never far away and chronically slow service from a very unfocussed head barman who then uttered the question that should never be asked..."who's next ?" was just plain annoying.The 20p CAMRA discount offset this up to a point.The pub is in the 2014 GBG and the range across the three banks of three handpumps was decent (with some doubling up) being GK IPA and Purity UBU as regulars with guests Rudgate Ruby Mild,Liberation Ale,Wold Top Marmalade Porter and Oakham Citra as guests ,the last two in decent shape. As it turned out this was the best place for real ale in Knowle,and this is a pub I would return to when next in town.

The Red Lion official page, contains menu and real ale details - www.emberinns.co.uk

The Red Lion official page, contains menu and real ale details - www.emberinns.co.uk