The King's Head, Birmingham

A detached corner pub and eatery with patio area. Formerly the Old King's Head, the pub is a c1910s rebuild of an earlier pub of the same name. It once had a bowling green to the rear. Having a slight touch of the Gothic, it is in brick, with green and white beams and daub. I have visited this pub for over 20 years on and off - and it has currently been reinvented as a loungey food place. It is open plan now, around a central island serving bar. The decor has walls of mixed colours with patterned wallpapers. I didn't see a TV and the music was general at a decent level. The seating was a mix of comfy chars, high stools and sofas. The art is arty, in keeping with the feel of the place. The service was friendly and the clientele were few. Beer; usual tap stuff with Asaki Japanese lager and two handpulls with Saddlers Worcester Sorcerer and Wye Vally HPA - which was fine. A place trying to be a bit up-market but feels a little soulless.

On busy traffic lights controlled junction on main route out of Birmingham to M5 junction 3. This place, in all its various incarnations, has never been a pleasent pub. Used to be Ansells but present beer not up to their low standard. In my humble view this is one to be avoided.