The Royal Oak, Walsall

Decent pub with a couple of friendly locals in. Cracking pint of Wainwrights. Also Sunbeam and Amber on offer. Happy to have called in.

Modernised pub with a fairly new coat of paint externally and an opened-out 'L'-shaped interior. Refurbished in a semi-traditional style, although the pillar-box red leather-look covering to the banquette seating is a bit much. Two banks of four handpumps on each side of the counter, with Banks's Amber (good value at £2.30), Boon Doggle and Razor Back from Marston's plus Courage Directors available as a guest.

Used to be a great pub but as with all things, time moves on. Its best years are behind it, and seems to suffer with each new landlord. Quieter than it used to be, hence why we stopped going in and moved 'home'. Beer not as good as it used to be.