The Red Lion, Bromsgrove

Classic traditional high street boozer. 3 beers on offer when I called in - Brakspear Gold, 61 Deep and Banks's Bitter. I went for the Gold which was very good. Worth a visit.

Traditional high-street Marston's pub, given a bit of a makeover at some stage but still retaining some character in what is now a 'L'-shaped layout on two sides of the central counter. Busy on a Wednesday evening, with a quiz in full flow. No menus but cobs available. I found five of the six handpumps in operation, dispensing Banks's Bitter (just £2.40), 61 Deep, Old Empire IPA, Ringwood Boon Doggle and Brakspear Oxford Gold.

This is a small town centre Marston's house. As mentioned below it consists of an L shaped narrow room with wooden floors and the bar on the right. There are two TV screens which were showing music videos but BT Sport is advertised. It was fairly quiet on my Tuesday afternoon visit. I only managed to note five of the beers on the six hand pumps which were all from the Marston stable, Banks's Bitter, New World Pedigree, Ringwood Boondoggle & 49er and Wainwright. I went for the New World Pedigree (£2.74) which I hadn't tried before and was in excellent condition. This is an old school local that is worth a look but I didn't think it was anything special.

I was a little dubious when I first walked in and stood at the bar. I got a few stares from the locals, who were seated at the bar, as I pondered over which ale to go for, from the choice of six handpumps. The landlord approached and asked what do like a dark or light beer. I replied a golden ale or an IPA. The friendly and jovial landlord pointed to Globe Hopping by York Brewery, he said you'll like this one, I had about eight of these last night. Then the banter started from the locals and the beer was superb. This is a one room locals pub, which was busy on our visit. We sat down near the bar and chatted away to some of the local characters. A great pub and one not to be missed.