Boot Inn, Rectory Park, Sutton Coldfield

A c1820s undressed brick Gerogian styled pub/eatery, with modern extensions and a patio area. The interior is, as Staaly says, an L-shape around the bar. The decor is the modern mix, but in half-walls, of colours, with; green, yellow, red, white and blue. The area to the right on entry leads down, through a table/chair area to a pool, dart and TV area - which had Sky Sports News on. The area in front/to the left is the dining area. The two areas are sort of partitioned by a central brick and tiled hearth feature. There are some old photos on the walls. The service was Ok, the clientele mixed, but it was quiet and the background music general, louder in the dart area than in the dining. The point Staaly makes about the toilets is actually a serious one - the smell was so strong, i felt it was in my eyes! Beer; tap stuff with a so-so Ansell's MILD, with a poor Ruddles County, Black Sheep Bitter and an untried Abbot on handpull. I thought this was a basic pub really - the sad thing was the beer wasn't on good form. The place has the pub games required and i would try it again, but it didnt take my breath away, just my vision temporarily!

At its core, the Boot seems to be a Georgian farmhouse. Inside, it is large and open plan and 'L' shaped with a massive 'L' shaped bar. It has a pool table on the extreme right as you enter the building. The walls are painted in various subtle colours, coffee, cream etc. It is quite well lit. The Gents toilets suffered from an overdose of toilet blocks. The sharp lemon smell permeated the bar near to the toilets whenever they were used and when using them myself, the sharp disinfectant smell ripped the back of my throat out. The clientele were friendly and the service was functional. There was the usual tap stuff with Black Sheep Bitter, Ruddles and a third ale on tap which I fail to remember. There was also an Ansells Mild on the smooth tap. Being a lover of Black Sheep Bitter, I had a pint of it. I have never had a bad pint of BSBitter, even when it has been too warm, or slightly flat, I always get the caramel taste. However, in the Boot, the BSBitter tasted of nothing. Soupy tried the Ruddles and left half of his drink. I left half of mine. We then tried the Ansells Mild, which to me tasted of sugared water. I had been really looking forward to coming to the Boot. However, on my visit, I found it soulless and with very average beer. I will not be hurrying back.