The Crown, Sutton Coldfield

Large and imposing Ember Inns establishment with one of those car parks where you have to register your vehicle at the bar in order to avoid a fine. Once inside, there were a handful of drinkers and the usual bland selection of real ales. The regular beer is Pedigree. Guests were Doom Bar, Wainwright & Landlord. It's a real shame that Ember Inns no longer stock anything even mildly adventurous. A CAMRA discount is offered, if you are happy choosing a national beer. At midday, quite a number of people were arriving to eat, only for the young bar staff to inform them that the kitchen is currently closed. All of them left without buying a drink. A dreadful shame, but hopefully to the benefit of another local pub. The building itself is quite impressive. The interior is typical Ember Inns. Not recommended.

Large but not particularly inspiring Ember Inn, although the gabled part of the frontage above the main entrance is an attractive feature. Partly opened-out inside to leave a variety of seating / dining areas, but all done out a range of ochre shades that lacks interest. Five real ales found on the two banks of four handpumps: Ember Pale, Wainwright, Pedigree, Two Horses from Firebird and Bedlam's Turtle Recall (£3.85 less 20p Camra discount).

Official site of The Crown - www.emberinns.co.uk

Official site of The Crown - www.emberinns.co.uk