The Dilke, Walsall

Tucked away down Weymouth Mews, you are unlikely to stumble on this pub unless you are very lucky. A Sam Smith's pub, so it has been looked after pretty well, and contains lots of original dark wood. Undoubtedly originally a servants' pub serving the many large houses in the area. It has not been “gastrocised” so still has the feel of a real pub. They have not installed seating on high stools, or massive sofas, so seating is for normal people. Only Sam Smith's beers of course, but they do have the handpump version of OBB - and at Sam Smith's excellent prices of course. This is a very comfortable and welcoming pub that is highly recommended.

A sprawling low-level brick and white rendered detached, out of town place, with patio The interior is a one huge open plan area, with various nooks and crannies. It is very modern, with an eclectic colour scheme, ranging from brick and fake stone look, to peppermint green and clay. The pictures, sculpture and vases are all arty in Ember Inn fashion, down to the chopped wood piles. The service was very good, the clientele, like us, all after the food – which is what this place is, an eatery, as supplied by ‘Table Table’. The food was better than functional, to be honest and you can get the 2 for £10 stuff. The music was mixed and at a decent level. Beer; tap stuff, with Spitfire and a decent Banks’s Bitter on handpull The interior is just too modern for me, so I wouldn’t go back, but for those that like that kind of interior, it is better service and beer than in many of the run of the mill pubco places.