Boat Inn, Sutton Coldfield

I was expecting alot from this pub, I thought it would be a good blend of country near town, but it really is quite awful. Cut off from the new(ish) main road it is now trapped down a dead end between the canal and the industrial area adjoining. The interior is in need of a refurb, the lounge has been patched up with ill fitting seat covering and furniture. Its kind of made out for large parties of people eating, meaning on my visit the 5 or so people inside, sitting at separate tables had filled the largish area, making it uncomfortable. We sat in one corner where the trad pub carpet was covered with slug trail slime. Unfriendly, the owner advised there was no real ale, he had one but hadn't put it on. The menu looked ok, but the slug trails meant I wasn't interested in eating here. All looked like it had seen better days and it had all but given up.

A large detached canalside pub and eatery, with patio areas. The pub is a mock-Tudor cream and timber frame building with front gables, dormer windows and a modern brick front porch, which seems a touch out of character. It was nice to return for the first time since the late 80s. The interior has three rooms. If you enter through the front brick porch there is a bar room to the left. This is in white and wood panel, with white ceiling and roof and wall beams, as well as a brick floor. There is a brick serving bar and a brick fireplace. A fish tank, yes, with fish sits in the corner and there is a dart board. Old photos and prints are on the walls. There were a few TVs that were not on and a pull down screen facility. To the right there is the snug. This is also in white, with white beam ceiling, but has a carpet floor. It has a small brick fireplace at one end and brasses and other ornaments along with old prints on the walls. There is also a main lounge, which is set-up for food. I didn't eat here, but would like to come back and try it. The lounge has a curver serving bar that faces you on entry. It is also in white and beam look, with wood panel and has similar old prints, along with some Guinness 1950s adverts on the walls and with some canal memorabilia and plates dotted about. The service was fine and the clientele few at my visit. The music was general and quiet, though they have open mic nights and disco nights. Beer; usual tap stuff with a decent Ansells Bitter and Highgate MILD. There seems to be a rotating guest real ale, which has included Wadsworth 6X abd Thwaites Original. This is a really good country pub, which is on the outskirts of Brum. Great to stop off when on the canal. Whilst this isn't the easiest place for me to get to, i have been back a few times now.