The Manor Arms, Walsall

Although right by the canal, this looks and feels more like a farmhouse (which it might well have been before the navigation was constructed). Rambling heritage interior, with various small rooms on each side of the entrance corridor and at the back, including the famous counter-less bar. I found five of the six handpumps mounted on the bar-back in use, dispensing 61 Deep, Banks's Amber, Wainwright, Hobgoblin and Banks's Sunbeam (£4.00).

A very rustic feel within and lots to admire as you wind your way round the low ceiling of the interior to the tap room with it's six handpumps arranged along a rear wall and no bar,most unusual.Deservedly in the 2015 GBG,with well kept ale and the atmosphere of a bygone age.The beer garden has a gate onto the towpath of the Wryley and Essington Canal (Daw End Branch) where you may see the odd boat tied up with crew supping inside.Well worth a visit.

The building is a detached white rendered former farmhouse, largely 18th Century, that lies by the Rushall Canal and the old limepits - it's fabulous. There is a patio area and a nice little beer garden. It claims to date from the 12th century, but there is no evidence of this of course. Inside is a mish-mash of little rooms. You enter into a corridor, with three rooms that lead from it and a serving hatch to the bar-less serving bar. The corridor is in black and white walls and ceiling (with beams) with a red tile floor. There is a small room to the right in mainly white, with a large brick and red painted fireplace. It has a red tile floor, prints on the walls and brasses dotted about. To the left is the bar-less bar room. It is in white and wood panel, with a centre support post. This room has the bar stools and traditional brasses again and a brick fireplace. Further up, on the right there is a dining room in white and gree, with more diningy tables in it. There are Victorian style prints, a wooden cupboard and some jugs. I didn't see a TV, or hear any background music. The service was fine and the clientele a mix of locals and those that come further afield - always cars in the car-park. Beer; the usual taps, hidden slightly under 6 real ale taps. It's a Banks's house, so it has cask MILD and bitter, Jennings Cocker Hoop, Ringwood Old Thumper and there was Brakspeare Gold This is a class little place. I have been visiting for a few years now and it gets better i think.