The Sow, Hill Top, West Bromwich

Massive make over by the Crafty Brewer Group. Maintained the traditional layout but we have light fighting made from bowler hats and many stencils suggesting beards are mandatory. Not sure the locals have taken to it. Out of 5 visited this was the emptiest by far. Just me and a barman who served a cracking pint of Backyard Brewery Bitter. Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2G12qsM

This is a fascinating little place. It is a higgledy-piggledy detached pub, with rear patio area. It looks late Georgian/early Victorian to me, and i can place it to 1834, when called the Old Sow & Pigs (assuming it was the same building). I assumed it was built to service the Talbot Iron Works (and colliery) over the road; hence the name Sow & Pigs - however, the publican in 1834, John Sheldon, is also listed as a pig dealer! Anyhow, it is a cottage style pub, in white render, with upper sash windows, uneven lower bay windows flanking a central neo-classical entrance that is up a few steps. The interior has had the front snug rooms removed, but you can still see them in the open plan. They are in a mix of colours; coffee, red, chocolate eyc, with a red tile floor. There is a nice large grate fireplace, with piggy pictures and ornaments dotted about. The TV was showing the Ashes, a dart board to one side and a collection of books. There is a back room in white, wood and brick, with a tile fireplace and another dart board. The music came from this room - an open mic session it seemed, with a guy twanging the mandolin to the same Beatles song! The service was fine and the place populated by locals, many whinging at the performance of the English batsmen. Beer; no real ale, usual tap stuff with Theakston's MILD and Bitter, also with Banks's MILD. A great traditional pub and one i would love to go back to, even for the keg drinks - i just wish it did a real ale.

The Sow & Pigs is the oldest pub in West Bromwich, dating back to the late 1700. Its has two rooms a front quarry tiled bar and rear lounge with a beer terrace a the rear. It is a local's local with a friendly atmosphere and lots of character. and is renowned locally for it's summer pig roast. It is currently offering a Caribbean Menu Monday to Friday 5:30 to 9:00. The current landlord is Nirmal Cheb.