The Lazy Hill, Walsall

Right at the old-fashioned end of the spectrum, this Good Beer Guide pub was doing good business on a cold December evening when many others in the area were almost empty. Pleasingly traditional throughout the two-part bar area with further seating in rooms beyond at each end, all enlivened with some Christmas decorations when I visited. Fine selection of real ales from the two banks of four handpumps, with the regular Abbot, Butty Bach from Wye Valley, Golden Glow and Black Country Mild (£2.90) from Holden's and Backyard Blonde supplemented by the seasonal Kris Kringle from the same brewery and Enville Ale.

It is quite unique inside, a bar area with 4 rooms partitioned off. Lots of small dark wood beams around giving a nice feel, but its slightly outdated, red lighting from little wall lights. The far room is the largest but lacks atmosphere. The 'blazing fire' is actually a log effect electric fire on high! Lazy effect really. A number of staple but large choice of real ales plus one guest. Beer kept ok, its in the Good Beer Guide. Its an ok pub but needs a bit of work and it could then be a lovely place. Four stars instead of three because of the number of beers.

A white rendered pub, with black beams, with two tiny shops at either end. The interior is a unique design, i suppose it is open plan, but with four partitioned off areas that are parallel to each other and all with a loungey/bar feel, though two have bar tables and chairs, the other perimeter seats. The decor is all white artex and wood beam, with old prints and plates for decoration. There are a few fireplaces, one of which was lit and blazing nicely. The background music was subdues, the service fine, the clientele locals and mixed. Beer; tap stuff, with Courage Best, Abbot, Pedigree, Deuchars, Black Sheep and a fantastic Theakston's MILD on handpull. This is the best pub in Aldridge in my opinion; a good beer selection and nice surroundings. I will definately be back.