Hogshead, Wolverhampton

Stood at the bar like a lemon for 5 minutes whilst the staff bustled around trying their best not to make any eye contact or acknowledge my presence - perhaps the first time I have experienced middle aged invisibility in a pub catering for the younger demographic. Gave up and walked out. June 2011 Large town centre drinking den, housed in attractive building built in 1894 as The Vine (note the nice stained glass above the doorway). I went in due to the promise of eight ales on the go according to the Good Beer Guide, with a CAMRA discount (10%) advertised at the bar. There was a decent selection of local and national brands available plus a real cider (Old Rosie). My Williams Red was £2.20 and was a bit vinegary - I got it exchanged for Mad Goose but there was clearly a bit of tardiness about it from bar side and it wasn’t taken off in the 20 minutes I was there. Outside of the ale, this is a typical town centre drinking barn – large open plan layout, loud music and muted SKY Sports. A quiz night was advertised and the place is apparently is very popular with the students, this being pretty much the first place they hit from the walk into town from campus and cheap to boot. I wasn’t overly impressed given the quality of the other pubs I’d also done that day. You pays your money and you takes your chances... Rated 6

Hogshead has a serving counter up the right that faces a row of high tables and then some raised seating, including a couple of booths with mini televisions up the left. More TVs are located throughout, an early kick off European football match was in progress during a recent Thursday visit. At the back of the pub is more split level seating and steps at the rear lead down to a large AstroTurf covered beer garden with picnic tables and also huts at the rear. I counted eight hand pumps on the bar, six of which were in use drawing Marston’s 61 Deep, TT Landlord, Hobgoblin, Titanic’s Plum Porter, Silhill Brewery’s Super Star and Thornbridge’s Melba. Premium keg was also available alongside Carling and a couple of Beavertown products. Less mainstream craft is available from some taps on the back bar. This has the feel of a high street boozer, but the draught selection is decent and elevates this place above its peers.

I hadn't been to the Hogshead for over 10 years when I took the opportunity to visit late yesterday evening. I'd forgotten just how good a pub this was. A couple of bouncers were on the door, as there had been a football game in the city. But there was no problem getting in and it was easy enough to get to the bar. The ale selection was Salopian Hop Twister & Oracle, Rooster's First World Problems, Enville Ale, White & Ginger, Robinson's Trooper, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Greene King Ghangly Ghoul & Black Sheep Silence of Lambs. Real ciders were all from Lilley's - Pineapple Cider, Mango Cider, Bee Sting Perry, Rum Cider, Peach Cider, Gladiator, Collider, Rhubarb Cider and Lemon & Lime Cider. Apparently a CAMRA discount is given, but presumably only if requested as I recall having the card in my hand when I paid. The interior is fairly modern and basic. TVs were showing the football. With this beer selection, I would rate this pub as the best in Wolverhampton.

The Good Beer Guide throws up these random entries. You wouldn't think for a minute that this chainy looking pub would be in it. However, there was a good choice of around 6 real ales on and my wainwright was superb. Not sure the decor, ambiance or experience is my cup of tea but worth a visit for the tick.

An open plan pub with 10 handpumps serving 8 beers on this visit. Its ok but not great and it does seem very sport orientated. The beer selection was pretty good though most people were drinking lager only.