Hop Pole Inn, Bromsgrove

Sort of going for an edgy/music venue vibe - with graffiti walls at one end and a more traditional pub at the other. Monday lunch time is no time to judge a pub. There wasnt a single other punter in there and the barman looked very bored, fiddling on his phone for the 45 mins I was there. Not that I am encouraging more lax opening hours, but it does make you wonder whether its worth it. GBG 2024 - Three handpulls on - Butty Bach, HPA and a Woodcote Hop till you drop (which was selected). In excellent condition, perhaps surprisingly considering the time and turnover. Bromsgrove is an odd place for pubs - so I would say this is one of the better ones in town.

Good-looking pub, with a partly opened-out and slightly split-level interior featuring a couple of small seating areas either side of the entrance and then the main bar area with a dartboard beyond. There is also a separate pool room to one side and a beer garden at the back. Three of four handpumps in operation, offering Wainwright, Butty Bach and OBJ from the Georgeous Beer Company at Ironbridge (fine value at just £2.65).

The pub looks quite small from the front view but extends back a long way,it was opened out many years ago having had the old layout of bar,snug,lounge etc. It was actually the first pub I ever had a drink in - many years ago. However to get back upto date,the pub sells real ales and Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday evenings host's live music of differing styles. Well worth a visit.