Sharmans Cross, Solihull

Substantial single-storey Sizzling pub buried deep in suburbia, with a slightly split-level arrangement of various seating / dining areas (all with the expected semi-modern furniture and decor) in an overall 'L' shape. Three of the five handpumps appeared to be in operation as I approached the bar; but, annoyingly, although perhaps destined by fate, the January Blues from St Austell had gone off earlier, and this just left Doom Bar and Proper Job (£3.40, and close to the end of the barrel too...).

Official site of Sharmans Cross - www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk

Official site of Sharmans Cross - www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk

I will assume I was unlucky on my visit as there were no beers on! I had a swift Hophouse and moved on.

Large Estate pub with average layout and decor & set up of a chain pub. So chainy I couldn't even tell which one, but presume its still a Marston's value pub as below. Absolutely nothing of interest abiout the pub, its purely a suburban eating house. There is a large outdoor space. Real ales in the form of Brakespear Oxford Gold, Marstons EPA and Purity Ubu again of average quality. £2.20 a pint is good value though

A large detached modern Marston's pub/eatery with exterior covered areas, patios and beer garden. The hub of the building appears to be a bland 60s styled large house in undressed brick, with scalloping effect. The main pub itself takes the form of a large low-level extension and is in yellow and undressed brick. The interior is a large open-plan room with a reaised area in one corner, with the ceiling supported by columns and a central hearth feature. The pub really feels set-up for dining despite the fact there is a dart board in one area. We did eat and the food was OK - kind of what you expect from this kind of pub. The decor has cream and clay coloured split walls (some cream wood panel), with a white cornice and ceiling and a loud patterned carpet. There are a number of mirrors and old photos of Solihull on the walls to supply interest, along with a couple of vases. There are a few TVs showing the football and the background music was general and at a decent level. The service was fine and the clientele a mix of diners and drinkers of all ages. Beer; usual tap stuff with Marston's EPA, Brakspear Oxford Gold and Purity UBU on handpull. The Gold and UBU were fine. One of many food chain places in the Solihull area, this one does as well as any. It has run-of-the-mill real ales and the food was run-of-the-mill. Most were enjoying the sun outside.