The Royal Oak, Bromsgrove

Traditional pub, with a plain two-part public bar at the front (with one section being home to the pool table) and a larger and more comfortable lounge / dining room at the back. Also has a beer garden at a slightly lower level at the back. Only two of the four handpumps were operational on a Monday evening, dispensing Landlord and Proper Job (£3.85), with a reversed Enville Ale clip on another.

Situated a stone's throw away from the busy A38 in a residential area, this is a decent community local. We sat with a bunch of locals in the bar, with its traditional tile flooring. I enjoyed studying an underground map featuring famous football players, managers and referees as stations whilst having a quick drink. The real ale choice was a little disappointing for a 2022 Good Beer Guide pub. Landlord, Proper Job & Atlantic were the 3 cask ales, but service was friendly.