The Fox & Dogs, Sutton Coldfield

Large Ember Inn with a mostly opened-out layout of various seating / dining areas in an overall 'L'-shape. Disappointingly, the interior is less interesting than the attractive exterior would suggest, with dull semi-traditional furniture and decor throughout. Equally annoying was to find just three of the six handpumps in use, offering their (Black Sheep) pale ale, Banks's Sunbeam (£3.45, less 20p Camra discount) and Purity Pure UBU.

Official site of The Fox & Dogs - www.emberinns.co.uk

Official site of The Fox & Dogs - www.emberinns.co.uk

A large detached mainly undressed brick pub/eatery, with patio (part covered). The interior, whilst open plan in an L-shape around the bar, has a clear dining area and a drinking area. The drinking area, to the right as you walk through the main entrance, is in fact a sofa and comfy chair area, which had a couple of poker tables out on my visit. There was a dart board and TV, with Sky Sports News on and a tiled fireplace. The decor is light and dark grey walls with one of wallpaper in black, with white flowers. The area to the left of the door is the restaurant and carvery - i didn't eat, so i can't comment on the food. The decor again is grey, but with some blue. The place had old photos of the area on the walls for some interest. The service was functional, the clientele mixed, but it certainly wasn't empty. There was no background music. Beer; usual tap stuff with Old Spekky Hen and a poor Young's Bitter on handpull Mere Green is full of these pub/eatery places and this hardly came across as the best on my visit. Indeed, i try to acknowledge in my reviews that this is personal opinion and other people will view places differently according to their tastes, all i can say is regarding here, never mind foxes and dogs, wild horses couldn't drag me back.