Market Vaults, Tamworth

Classic Joules pub. Tasteful olde worlde refit over two rooms on different levels with a side corridor between the two. Front bar is a classic tap room style whilst the rear with its stained glass, mirrors, brass, grandmother clock and traditional furniture is a nice place to settle. Friendly licensees were good for a chat. Five Joules beers; That Choc One was in fair shape (NBSS 3) but the Pale wasn't and tasted of phenol (1) – whose fault that was I wouldn’t like to say but someone behind the bar should have caught this. Shame, as this one was heading for an 8+ otherwise.

Excellent real ale pub with a narrow frontage but extending back through two bars to a slightly raised seating area at the rear. Very traditional furniture and decor throughout, although the piped music was a bit of a surprise. Eight cask beers, ranging from the regular Joule's Pale, through the Holt's Two Hoots (£3.60), one each from Holden's and Rowton, a couple of Oakhams and Jaipur to Sarah Hughes dark ruby mild.