Harvester Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield

No surprises here: just a bog-standard chain restaurant with numerous dining areas and a separated bar (mostly for the 'benefit' of those staying at the adjacent Travelodge, one suspects), all with the expected anonymous semi-modern furniture and decor. No real ale, and only a dull keg selection (e.g. Marston's 61 Deep, £3.60, and John Smith's).

Harvesters seem to be getting worse. This one, previously The Boldmere, is dank, dismal and devoid of charm, as are those who staff it. Everything about the open plan bar seemed phoney, and the large paved terrace at the back was grubby. The barmaid couldn’t even bring herself to look at us as she scuttled off early, while the cocky barman refused to serve us 15 minutes before time as we “won’t have time to drink it”. It shuts stupidly early in any case. The smell of stale grease indicated what the culinary standard might be. The only thing resembling ale seemed to be Doombar from gas pumps, but as we didn’t get to taste it we can only assume it was as awful as everything else about this place. Given its proximity to ‘Spoons, it’s not even worth coming here for breakfast when staying in the adjacent Travelodge, with which it shares a car park.

Large food pub next with a hotel behind. Breakfast was just finishing when I called. Only Doom Bar on and that wasn't the best. I see no point calling again with the beer choice in the Spoon's next door!

Official site of Harvester Boldmere - www.harvester.co.uk

Official site of Harvester Boldmere - www.harvester.co.uk