The New Hen & Chickens, Hill Top, West Bromwich

Substantial pub, now a 'Bar & Grill', set back from the road by a sizeable (if sparsely tabled) patio terrace, with an elongated room housing the bar and a pool table and a side lounge / dining area curiously set behind a full-height glazed screen. Plain, semi-modern furniture and grey paintwork throughout. A restaurant can also be found at the back, located up a short flight of steps, and this seemed to be doing good business. However, the hope raised by seeing two handpumps was soon dashed by seeing reversed Doom Bar and 6X clips, so it was the keg M&B Mild (£2.60) before moving on.

Now the New Hen & Chickens bar and grill. The usual array of fizzy stuff with no real ale. Smart and modern and the food smelt great but nothing to make me call again.