The Garden House, Birmingham

Not been here for many years but found myself calling in one evening earlier this week. Unfortunately the real cider that had been available many years prior is no longer present, and the lone real ale was Greene King Yardbird Pale Ale. I've never had this before and it was surprisingly better than expected. Not inspiring enough to stay for a second one, though.

A large and rambling Chef & Brewer establishment, seemingly running through a row of houses joined together. Fairly standard semi rustic/historic interior and largely given over to dining, although there is a tolerable section used more by drinkers near the bar, also a tabled garden at the rear. Only Greene King beers nowadays, with Abbot and Old Speckled Hen on with IPA and Yardbird 'coming soon' but condition was good.

Substantial Chef & Brewer pub / restaurant in a terrace of old (but not obviously impressive) buildings on the main Hagley Road. Once inside, you find the expected semi-traditional furniture and decor in the various seating and (mostly) dining areas on three sides of the bar counter. It has previously had something of a reputation for having a better real ale offering than one might anticipate, but certainly not on my visit. However, that said, my pint of Greene King IPA (£4.35) - the only cask beer available from the four handpumps - was in very good shape .

As Soupy says a better choice of ales than I expected. Decent enough place with friendly staff. The beer was fine and I would pop in again if passing.