Red House Boutique, Stourbridge

Called in out of curiosity really without knowing at the time it was a 2019 Good Beer Guide entry, and found a good selection of real ales across the bar. Chose the Fixed Wheel Single speed Cardinal which was very good. The landlord was friendly and chatty and the pub dog was entertaining with his howling.

This is a shop conversion bar right by the exit from the Transport Interchange. The World Cup was being shown on my visit so I didn't hang around. It's a wide modern split level room with the bar at the back. I noticed on the eight hand pumps that there were three Hopcraft beers and Tiny Rebel Apache. I went for the Hopcraft Neapolitan Stout (£3.60) which was going off and I should have sent back but just wanted to get away from the World Cup. Once again this is a GBG entry with a question mark over the beer quality but it was hot weather.

Rather different to traditional Black Country pubs, more of a converted office/shops structure, taken back. Structural pillars gives it a square grid interior. Long serving bar in front when you go in, high stools and tables, some sofa seating at ends next to bare brick walls. 6 real ales

Bold red-brick building with café-style tables out on the pavement. The slightly split-level, 'L'-shaped interior is anonymously decorated and has a mix of semi-modern furniture, but as you enter the initial assumption that this might be a dull bar is dispelled when you see a line of eight handpumps on the counter directly ahead. There was an Oakham Ales tap takeover - featuring five of their beers, and more to come according to a chalkboard - when I stopped by, in addition to Roosters Wild Mule, Holden's Golden Glow and Enville Ale (£2.60). Handy for the station, and a very pleasant surprise.