The Stores, Oldbury

Plain brick detached corner pub, possibly 40s/50s, with beer patio. The interior had two rooms and it was like a game of two halves. The bar was modern, with the plain red wall look, pool table and a punchbag machine in the corner. A few old pictures of Oldbury and Villa on the Sky TV didn't ease my slight worry in being caught between to drunks at the bar. I fought my way past the smokers at the front door and entered the lounge. Also modern, with yellow walls and wood panel, it was less scary. A big screen TV had the Villa on. There were leather seats and a brown sofa (a requirement for a publican these days), alas ripped and the carpet was pretty worn. They did food. The service was friendly though and the clientel in the lounge, mature and human. Beer; sadly just usual tap stuff, with Banks's MILD. No real ale, but Pedigree on keg. MILD was ok. Not really worth the effort