The Anchor, Wolverhampton

This pub is owned by Vintage Inns and looks like a small converted cottage which was built in the 60’s to replace the original late 16th century pub that was destroyed by fire, the interior is larger than you would expect as a single storey extension has been added to the back of the building. As with most of their pubs, Vintage Inns have made a good job of the interior giving it a nice olde worlde feel and a bit of traditional character. You enter the main room which is a long L shape with the longest part going straight to the back of the building and the short part of the L is off to the right. Along the right hand side of the main room is the long bar counter with a stone fire place at the end of the room which was filled with logs. The area to the right of the entrance also has a large stone fire place which I believe is actually used when required and there are big comfy seats. Behind this fire place is a very small snug with only a couple of tables and chairs, while behind the bar (immediately right as you enter the pub) there is a second larger snug if you prefer things a bit quieter. The place is tastefully decorated with old paintings of various subjects and old Victorian Punch illustrations around the bar counter. Regular ale is Timothy Taylor Landlord with two changing guests from Vintage Inns current portfolio of national beers, on my last visit these were Everards Tiger Best Bitter and Green King Fireside. Around six months ago this pub had Worthington’s White Shield on hand pull (normally only found in bottle conditioned form) as a Vintage Inns Exclusive guest! This is a great pub which I try to visit every couple of months as its not local to us. Its traditional but not dark or dingy and the food is good so the wife likes it too which is a bonus. The pub also has a nice patio at the back where you can sit with a beer on a sunny day and watch the boats go by on the Shropshire Union Canal.

I paid another visit to this survivor from the height of Victorian pub interiors the other evening. In days gone past this was an Allied Brewery’s pub, trading as Ind Coope in London, and is now a Fuller's pub. The takeover from the pubco that owned it previously (Nicholson's) has improved the ale selection in my opinion, as in addition to the Fuller’s ales on offer, the guest ale on my latest visit was Butcombe Bitter, which is an excellent ale and was in fine nick. This is so obviously a genuine Victorian treasure, having survived the ravages of WWII and the developers. Definitely a must for a visit for the decor alone. The etched and cut glass mirrors are some of the finest examples of this late Victorian trademark still in existence, reflecting light around the pub. This is definitely one of the best pubs in the area - along with its namesake in Crown passage.

This is a Vintage Inn foodie pub with a standard menu.However they do have some real ale and I sampled the UBU from Purity which was pleasant.Most punters in here will be eating but you can drink in a lounge area to the right of the entrance as you walk in.Tidy interior and good terrace outside looking out over the canal.

Official pages of the Fox & Anchor, contains menus and cask ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk

Official pages of the Fox & Anchor, contains menus and cask ale details - www.vintageinn.co.uk