Harvester The Bassetts Pole, Sutton Coldfield

Must once have been a roadside country pub, and the eponymous Bassett's Pole (an early piece of street furniture marking the boundary between the counties of Stafford and Warwick) can still be found out front, but it's now in a service area with a McDonald's and other delights... Unlike some Harvesters, this one has a separate bar in addition to several small dining areas, but all refurbished in the expected dull semi-modern style. There is also a part-patio / part-grassed beer garden. Just Doom Bar available from a trio of handpumps, but at least it does do real ale.

Official site of Harvester Bassetts Pole - www.harvester.co.uk

Official site of Harvester Bassetts Pole - www.harvester.co.uk

This is a detached pub/eatery in the Harvester chain situated rather awkwardly since the road system was changed on the Bassetts Pole roundabout. It is in red and white painted brick, with patio and has the Bassett's pole - a marker of Lord Bassett to demark Staffs from Warwickshire in the grounds. That is where the interesting bit ends. The interior is open plan but partitioned into areas and is all food based except for a very small sofa and high stool area (bar, or waiting area?)by the entrance, where there is a TV - the footy was on Sky Sports. The decor is the usual red, green, cream, but this Harvester has gone for the more arty look of it's sister chain, the Ember Inns, with its vases, chopped wood, arty pictures and other object d'art - though to be fair there were a few old photos of the area as well. The service was fine, the clientele mixed and busy, yet it still manages to be soulless and sterile as these generic places often are. I didn't eat, so cant comment on the food, but with the lack of beer choice, i wouldn't have stayed anyhow. The music was general and quiet. Beer; tap stuff, with an OK Pedigree. If you like Ember Inns, you will probably like this decor wise. But as they all look the same, you could just go to the one by you and save travelling.