The Green House, Sutton Coldfield

Right at the restaurant end of the gastro-pub spectrum, with nearly all the tables in the 'L'-shaped interior laid up for those dining. However, there is a small general seating area at one end (although people were eating there too when I visited). It certainly won't appeal to the traditionalist, but one has to say that it is attractively decorated in a light semi-modern style. Just Doom Bar (£3.70) available from the pair of handpumps, with a reversed London Pride clip also noted.

Ultra modern contemporary pub given over mainly to eating. There were no signs that this is an Ember Inn as recorded below, so can't confirm this is still the case. Open plan and very light inside, all modern dining type comfy chairs on (fake) wood floor. Jazzy music in the background. Its ok if you like modern friendly eating houses. 3 real ales, actually quite well kept, so well done on this, just not my type of place for either eating or drinking.

A modern cottage styled Ember Inns pub/eatery, with dormer windows, with large curving extension, in white render and undressed brick, with a patio area. The usual Ember Inns style really, which is not a favourite of mine. It is open plan curling L-shaped around the bar. The decor is the multi-coloured plain walls look, with green, French mustardy, white, peachy colours featuring, along with wood panel. It is generally laid out for food (I didn't eat so can't comment on that), but there is a small 'lounge' area, with a TV and high stools, comfy seats and a wood and tiled fireplace. The usual arty picutres and eclectic sculpture, vases and chopped up wood decorate the place. The clientele saw a busy crowd of mixed people, which may be why the service was simply functional. There was soft background music at a decent level. Beer; tap stuff with four handpulls with Timothy Taylor Golden Best, Brew XI, and not too good Skinner's Betty Stogs and a decent Cameron's Arthur Wharton Clearly very popular as all these chain places are. On a personal level only, i really don't like the interiors, whereas many will - the beer is the usual up and down quality i expected - one half was fine, the other dying.