The Abbey, Smethwick

Well described below. Now operates as an Indian bar & grill. Sadly still no real ale so I had a Guinness. I'd probably pop in to eat but it isn't worth the walk from town for a drink alone.

Large pub with an old M&B sign above the front door, built in a rather austere brickwork. The main entrance now seems to be the side door which leads into the main bar. This retains an impressive counter and bar-back in an unusual mid-brown shade. The former doors into the room to the right (now housing a pool table) have been opened out a bit, and the way through to the separate front lounge (which has a very clinical feel) requires an unexpected zig-zag through the end of the servery. The other bar at the back now functions as an Indian restaurant. Mix of semi-modern furniture, but the decor in the main bar is enhanced by murals of local streetscapes. Two sadly disused handpumps, so had to resort to the Worthington Smoothflow (£2.75).

Official site of The Abbey - www.theabbeybarngrill.co.uk

Official site of The Abbey - www.theabbeybarngrill.co.uk