Whittington Arms, Lichfield

Substantial country pub with several different dining areas and some general lounge seating at the right-hand end of the L-shaped bar. Upmarket furniture and light décor throughout. Also has a part-patio / part-grassed beer garden at the back. Three handpumps on the counter, offering a choice of Doom Bar, Doom Bar or Doom Bar, all at £5.15!

This is a large u-shaped Fullers house that is one of the best pubs in the area due to friendly staff and well kept beer. Three Fullers ales are usually available and Old Hooky was also on last time I popped in. San Miguel is also available along with a standard draught selection and I’ve never had a bad pint of Guinness on my many visits. There is a Thai restaurant upstairs and the quieter left hand side of the pub often has people eating, but never to the detriment of the pub’s ambience. The busier right hand side of the pub has plasma screens and there is a large extended room at the rear which houses more plasma screens and a projector for showing Sky Sports. There is also a dartboard in here, but sometimes it is off limits as this area doubles up as a function room. Adorning the bar at the front of the pub there are numerous awards from ‘Barnet in Bloom’ for the attractive potted plants and hanging baskets that are present in the paved area full of picnic tables at the front of the pub. I regularly pass inferior pubs on the bus as I make my way here and long will this continue.

A large detached brick build, with extension and some olive green and white timber - there is a large patio/beer garden - the place looks like a country club from the outside, rather than a pub. The interior will be loved by some, hated by others. It is open plan and modern, with plain and different coloured walls; red, blue, beige etc, comfy seats, sofas and pouffes, arty sculpture and ornate mirrors. It isn't my taste, but many will feel relaxed in this kind of environment. There are a couple of wood panelled chimney hearths and a wood panel bar - the website will show you to help make your mind up. The service was friendly, the clientele mixed and it was seemingly popular. Beer; tap stuff, with Peroni and Amstel and three handpulls; Adnams Broadside, Pedigree and a decent Timothy Taylor Landlord. It isnt my kind of interior (best for me on a sunny day in the beer garden). I can't fault the beer, so best of luck to you!

Official site of the Whittington Arms, contains menus and drinks details - www.thewhittingtonarmslichfield.co.uk

Official site of the Whittington Arms, contains menus and drinks details - www.thewhittingtonarmslichfield.co.uk