The Spinney, Stone Cross, West Bromwich

Basic estate pub, very much hidden away, but obviously still serving the community as it filled up quickly with (mostly) working lads on a Friday afternoon immediately on the 16:00 opening. Plainly decorated in the bar (also featuring the pool table) and side Desi dining area, with a more comfortably furnished (but much quieter) lounge at the back. No real ale, unfortunately, so made do with a quick Worthington's (£3.10) from the various keg taps.

A 60/70s detached estate pub with a few benches outside and a car-park that gives that genuine WWI trench experience. The pub itself is in undressed brick mainly, with a splash of red for colour. The interior has a couple of rooms, with separate entrances, although you can walk through. The lounge i didn't see, but the bar is a smallish room in white and wood panel, some of which is also white. There is the traditional pool table and dart board, along with a TV showing sport. I found it slightly bewildering to see pictures (and somewhat arty ones) of fruit on the walls, which are juxtaposed with Baggies memorabilia. There was no music. The place does food, which i think you can have in either room, as the old mustard and tommy sauce bottles had their place under the TV. The service was fine and the clientele consisted of maturer locals - and i enjoyed the friendly banter that went on. Beer; no real ale, just the usual tap stuff with a decent enough Banks's MILD. I really enjoyed my stop-off here. Whilst there is nothing for the real ale fan, i would definitely return for a MILD and to try a bite to eat.