Meadow Farm, Bordesley, Redditch

The core old barn has been much extended to form a large L-shaped bar / restaurant / hotel facility set back from the road so it still looks quite rural outside. Given an unimaginative semi-traditional look throughout, but it's a right mixture of various seating and dining areas so it doesn't feel to cavernous inside. As a Marston's house with five handpumps, I found Pedigree, Banks's Amber and Brakspear's Oxford Gold (£5.30) being served, with reversed Eagle IPA and Hobgoblin Gold clips on the other two handles.

Large family pub owned by Marston's on the northern outskirts of Redditch. It clearly has a focus on food and the 2 for 1 food offers continue, although individual meals are really expensive, which means there is little cost benefit for the customer. Despite there being hardly anybody inside, diners were being turned away by the time we left, which would indicate staff shortages in the kitchens. Bar staff appeared to be plentiful and as drinkers, we were served quickly. Banks's Amber Bitter is the regular ale. Guests were Wychwood Hobgoblin & Thwaite's Wainwright - the usual uninspiring Marston's selection. Handy for the hotel nextdoor and no doubt it fills a niche in customer demand.

Official site of Meadow Farm - www.meadowfarmpubredditch.co.uk

Official site of Meadow Farm - www.meadowfarmpubredditch.co.uk

Surprisingly good place for a meal and a big selection of beers. It's a two for one with a good specials board and is inexpensive to eat. Nice place to relax and lose yourself in A large area. Well worth the drive. I will be visiting more often just to sample the range of beers..