Shrubbery Cottage (The Shrub), Oldswinford, Stourbridge

Having "pilgrimaged" to all the Bathams Pubs (of which, there is one just around the corner from here), I thought I would make a start on all the Holdens. This is a locals pub not far from Stourbridge Junction Train Station. Central bar, with knocked through rooms running around the outside. Beers (Golden Glow, Bitter and chosen Special) in fine condition. Cobs in a chiller. Sat and admired the locals, as I often do as a solo traveller. The old fella wearing in line rollerskates took the eye. Especially when he left the high bar stool for a ciggie.

A small modernised Holden's pub, a knock-through J shape. Fairly bland but cosy and there were a few comedy punters in (random conversation sample “you know how to tell the difference between the Japanese and the Koreans…? The Koreans have Korean names”). Three Holdens ales on, Bitter (NBSS 4), Special and Gold. Cobs available and World Cup footy on the box. A tidy local with good beer.

A good traditional locals pub, where we got great help from one of the locals, who was sitting at the bar when we were choosing a Holden's ale. There was a choice of five ales across five handpumps on our visit. I particularly liked the Hopden Ale 4.9%, which slipped down easily. Well worth a visit for a good welcome and the condition of the beers.