White Lion, Tamworth

I was expecting to find this pub closed but doors were open as we passed by early on a Saturday afternoon. With a few cask ales, this could be a really nice venue. There are a couple of rooms. The bar is split level and there are some nice traditional features, including the long bar itself. A smaller games room has a pool table and dartboard and there is an outdoor area for smokers. Live test match cricket was showing on TVs. I'm not sure when handpulls were removed but the keg only range consists of Cruzcampo, Carling, Fosters, Strongbow Dark Fruits, Guinness, Inch's & John Smith's. We were the only customers throughout the duration of our visit. The new landlord and landlady looked a little bored and the pub lacked any kind of atmosphere. I wouldn't be surprised to see this pub closed again soon, as I'm not sure why you'd come here when Tamworth has so many great pubs.

The White Lion has a raised seating area to the left of the entrance and a long serving counter with standard and premium keg to the right. This counter faces seating under the front windows and a small red velvet lined ‘cabaret’ stage which is used for regular karaoke and drag nights. In the right rear is a room with a pool table. There are banners on the pub’s exterior that advertise Sky and BT Sports, but this doesn’t feel like a place that has regular football. The service was very friendly, but I was the only customer during a recent Wednesday evening visit when Heart FM was playing in the background. I’m sure there’s a great atmosphere in here when the live entertainment is on, but I don’t plan on returning.