The Lock Inn, Kidderminster

This may be a canal-side pub, but the atmosphere is more of a village boozer. Quite a plain-looking but traditional bar with a tiled at the front, plus a lounge at the back that was in darkness on my visit. A word of caution; I've never seen a patio beer garden (to one side in this case) so close to a lock, so don't trip up near the fence! With two of the five handpumps in use, I found Wainwright Gold and Banks's Mild (£3.40) being poured.

Popular canalside pub situated right on the Wolverley lock. good outdoor seating right by the lock but as it was a cold December day we headed into the cosy bar with a nice log burner roaring away. Friendly service and plenty locals in. 4 beers on - Banks Mild & Amber, Hobgoblin and Wainwrights. I went for the latter and it was fine. Great pub and well worth a visit.