The Bird in Hand, Stourbridge

Old-school, side-street pub of the first order. Retains a separate bar and lounge on each side of the compact central servery, both very traditional, but the former slightly larger but plainer. Also has a enclosed and covered rear yard for extra seating. Cobs for food, naturally... Fine choice of local(ish) cask ales from the five handpumps split between the two counters: Evo and Town Crier from Hobson's, Enville Ale, Holden's Golden Glow (£3.60) and Fallen Angel from Church End.

Official site of The Bird in Hand - www.theredpubcompanyltd.co.uk

Official site of The Bird in Hand - www.theredpubcompanyltd.co.uk

Two rooms in a U shape. My Holden’s was just about par but I’ve had much better of theirs (NBSS 2.5). Lack of notes makes me think it didn’t leave much in the way of an impression. GBG’23 listed and local CAMRA branch POTY which surprised me, given the absence of much better pubs nearby (where the Bathams houses??)

An end terrace double fronted community pub, with rear patio area. The old out door has a traditional bar off on one side and a lounge on the other - the lounge distinguished by carpet, cushions and a better class of picture on the walls! The bar had a tile floor, a mix of ornaments, trophies, beer mats and picture, as well as a dart board and a TV on with Only Fools and Horses on while England were getting spanked in the cricket on the smaller one. Service was friendly and this is definitely a locals place - although CAMRA were also in and, miserable as I am, people even said goodbye as I left. Six real ales (three pulls in each room) with Bank Top Flat Cap, Fowndes Saga Porter, Bingley's Petham Cross, Hobson's Town Crier and an excellent Enville Ale and Holden's Golden Glow. A delight to visit and a return will be planned soon.