The Kings Head, Leicester

This is a narrow split level pub that is carpeted throughout. There is a patio at the rear of the upper level. The bar has stools along it but as it wasn't too busy on my early Thursday evening visit so the bar wasn't getting blocked. Ten beers were available with the usual three from Black Country, Broughs Springfield, Downton Gauls Of Fire, Severn Vale Nibley, Great Central Peak, Corvedale Norman's Pride, RCH PG Steam and Moorhouse Pride Of Pendle. All 7 of the guests were listed on the board as being Golden or Blonde bitters at around the 4% ABV mark, hardly an inspired selection and certainly not what I've seen in other Black Country pubs. I went for their own Fireside which was in good enough nick. This has been voted the local CAMRA pub of the year for two consecutive years but to be honest I found it pretty ordinary.

This was probably my favourite pub visited in Leicester but by no means the best for beer. The pub has been well reviewed already and I'll only add that it's location on New Walk is convenient and on our Friday evening visit the large log fire was lit making it a very comfortable and atmospheric place for a beer. The service was efficient and friendly although when asked for an ale recommendation, the young barmaid suggested one which didn't go down well. As a Black Country boozer there's clearly a slant towards their beers: Fireside, BFG and Pig on the Wall were available on our visit alongside 4T's Master, Lincoln Green Tuck and Thomas Guest Cobblers along with two kegs - Beaver Town Gamma Ray and Shiny Craft Bank Vault. Our experience was mixed with the Tuck and Master going down well but the Cobblers, as recommended, not being appreciated. It later transpired that Black Country also brew under the Thomas Guest name. Unlike some of their other establishments, perhaps BC are not stocking sufficient well selected guests here. Were The Kings Head to have some of the ale selections available elsewhere in Leicester, it would be the go to pub in the city. As it is, it's a very nice pub to visit but care needs to be taken when selecting your beer of choice.

I didn't know Black Country Ales had spread this far with their pubs but they continue to impress with taking pubs in untrendy areas or slightly out of the way and turning them into something very good! Ok, its not mega trndy, posh or arty venue for the city centre but its been given a big hug and tlc to make this a comfortable but with quality product. There is a roof terrace (albeit overlooking the adjoining car park). Good product, good service, fine place

A very different type of pub to the Pub just behind it across New Walk. However another great range of ales (although no where near as many as The Pub) mainly from The Black Country Brewery including there Winter ale. A proper traditional pub feel inside with mainly locals keeping the pub busy but not crowded late on a Saturday night, so enough room for us to find somewhere to sit.

Neat, traditional small pub that struggled to fit the 15 or so PuG crawlers in comfortably alongside a few regulars due to its size. The service was quick and efficient and the beer range was very good. My pint of Coastal Hop Monster was as good as it was when my local, The Baum, had it on. Praise indeed from me as The Baum is CAMRA's National Pub Of The Year 2012. We were made very welcome by all and some froendly banter was exchanged. I really liked this pub and I will definitely visit again next time I'm in Leicester.

Kings Head pages at the Black Country Ales site - www.blackcountryales.co.uk

Now called the Kings Head, the back entrance to this pub opens out onto New Walk right opposite The Pub. Excellent real ale pub with 8 or so hand pulls on the bar. Popped in twice on a tour round the city, first sampling a pint of Titanic with a delisious ham butty and last thing before the train home trying somthing different but my mind escapes me and I can't remember what it was but it was good. Nice clean place, decent staff who were very tolerant of my Manc mate who is still celebrating the Blues triumph and became a little rowdy. Will call again.

Enjoyed my first visit to the Black Country Ales pub on Wednesday. Good choice of guest beers to compliment their own beers, and all entered up on a board the same as their other outlets with all the info you need to make your choice. Comfortable room and friendly staff. We chose Lincoln Green TorchLight and Broughs Springfield, both in good condition. Seating outside includes iron stairs to a roof garden which could be a suntrap.

I've been looking forward to visiting this Black Country Pub, since I heard about it opening in Leicester. I was definitely not disappointed as the pub was traditional in decor and had a good choice of ales on handpump. Fabulous cobs behind the bar. They had the usual range of Black Country ales, but on this visit, I went for the Coastal Merry Maidens Mild and Morton Brewery Essington Gold. Look forward to spending more time here on my next visit.