The Crown Inn, Walsall

I visited the Crown Inn on a recent Wednesday evening when the right-hand lounge bar was closed, so I ended up in the carpeted left-hand public bar where there was lots of dominoes going on. The tables around the entrance at the front were all taken so I ended up sat at a small table at the rear where a pool table and dartboard can be found. Around the walls are some old black and white framed photos, but that’s about as far as the décor goes. The bar counter in the right-hand wall supports minimal keg, I went for half a Carling. Just before I left a tray of sandwiches was put on the bar, so I must have wandered into some god awful dominoes league evening. I’m not sure when I last felt this uncomfortable in a pub, I’ll certainly not be returning.

Camra claims this pub is permanently closed. It was very much open when I popped in last weekend! A few friendly locals in. I had a pint of Caffrey's and a game of pool before moving on.

Bizarre. Awful looking fake jacobean kind of place from the outside. Inside, two small rooms; the lounge never really has its lights on and the bar is a bit grimey and threadbare, has silent film star pictures on the wall, old tv with soaps on and a dart board and pool table in about 5 square feet! The service goes from friendly to ok. The clientele, i am sure, are the same people every time i visit. They are friendly enough, even pointing out to me the price of MILD had dropped! What makes this place worth visiting is the MILD, no real ales, its got about 5 taps, 2 of which are MILD - both Banks's, one smooth, one Cask but on electric pump. I dont know if it is or isnt, it just comes out great so often. The Lord does indeed move in mysterious ways.