Colliers Arms, Walsall

Solid village-type pub with two main rooms arranged in an overall 'L' shape (although the bar area also has another small branch at the back). Semi-traditional furniture throughout, although the decor is perhaps lighter than one might expect. Patio beer garden to the rear. Four real ales on handpump: Old Speckled Hen, Brain's SA, Holden's Golden Glow and a decent Enville Ale (£3.25).

A nice suburban community local which has been well-maintained. Public bar area to the right as you enter (darts here), with a larger lounge to the left which snakes round. Comfy, clean and tidy with red and magnolia colour scheme and right-side-of-twee red curtains. Very busy for a Thursday evening, almost at capacity with a mix of ages and gender which is testament to the publican’s efforts. Four ales on; Enville Ale (disappointing) and Holdens Golden Glow (very good) plus ‘two stagers’ which I forgot to note (probably GK OSH and Sharp’s Doom Bar going by the WhatPub listing). I really liked it in here, a shame that my Enville wasn’t up to muster as otherwise I might have dropped closer to a 9.

The pub is a detached corner pub, with a cream rendered exterior and black paintwork. It has a little beer patio out front and a beer garden at the rear. The interior is open plan, a zig-zag shape, with the serving bar facing you on entry. One side is the bar area, with a dart board and TV with usually Sky Sports on. This is in cream and wood panel and has a wood floor. Lots of old local photos are on the walls. The lounge has been revamped recently - the coffee, with some red walls and a bit of brown panel have now gone and it is in cream with a red wallpapered wall with flowery pattern on it and a white ceiling. There is a small brick fireplace and a few TVs with Sky Sports on. It still does manage a mix between the old and modern - high backed settles and general tables and chairs. There are a few arty pics, with some good photographs and cartoons (especially by the bogs). The carpet remains lively and still to quote my friend - "if you were sick on it, you couldnt be sure where". The background music is mixed and can get a bit loud. The service is always good and it often is busy, with a mixed clientele. Beer; tap stuff, with a decent Highgate MILD. There are a couple of handpulls, which currently have Spekky Hen and Doombar on. I still think this place strikes a reasonable balance. I visit here often for footy matches and things. Always worth popping into - i believe they owners have now taken over the New Talbot.