Half Penny Farm, Oldbury

Large family eating establishment not far from the M5. This is one of those reasonably cheap places that like to pack as many people in as possible. There is a carvery to the left-hand side of the entrance, which appears to be the main attraction. Queues for the bar build up, as you have to order and pay for both your food and your drinks there. Apparently there is normally an app on which you can order, but there was a problem with this on our Saturday evening visit. Food was lower than average quality and the cask ale range has diminished to just Greene King IPA since the last review. Ok for cheap food, but I don't think you would ever want to use this as a pub.

A seemingly huge Farmhouse Inns outlet, next to a Holiday Inn Express hotel but most other customers must drive here from Oldbury or Warley? Anyway, the various, slightly split-level, seating / dining areas around the central bar and carvery feature the expected anonymous semi-modern furniture and decor, although there are quite a few tables in the front beer garden. Entirely food-led of course, but at least three real ales are offered: Doom Bar, Greene King IPA and the seasonal Un-beer-lievable (£3.00).

Official site of Half Penny Farm - www.farmhouseinns.co.uk

Official site of Half Penny Farm - www.farmhouseinns.co.uk