The Crabmill, Stourbridge

Large Greene King pub / restaurant, with numerous seating / dining areas in the original (if remodelled) building and several more recent extensions. Usual anonymous semi-modern furniture and decoration, but the lady behind the bar was still welcoming random customers such as me at nearly 22:00 on a Tuesday evening, so an extra point for that. The real ale selection from four of the six handpumps was also a bit better than I was expecting, with Wye Valley's HPA and a fine Solstice from Three Tuns (£4.45) in addition to the IPA and Old Speckled Hen.

Official site of The Crabmill - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Official site of The Crabmill - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

A large stand alone Greene King pub, which had numerous seating options, including a conservatory area and a patio area near the side entrance. I was expecting to see some guest ales on my visit, but unfortunately only three from the GK stable. This pub was mostly set up for dining, rather than the stray drinker like myself popping in for a pint.

The pub has had four different signs in the past five years! The latest sign is Greene King's new look. Just like the High Street, pubs are in decline and in danger of suffering the fate of death-by-cloning.