Foresters Arms, Telford

A smallish pub, squeezed into a space between the roundabout and the former railway line, but in all likelihood pre-dating both, the original single front room with bar counter has had an extension built on at some time, with the bar counter now facing both ways and a few steps leading up from front to back. There were six hand pumps altogether, with two beers in the front and two at the back. I went for Big Hand Ostara, which was a little odd in that the first sip had a different flavour from the next one a couple of minutes later when the head had subsided. At first I thought the beer was a little sour, but I think it was just the hops coming to prominence when not drunk through foam. So nothing really to complain about, just the beer not to my taste. I didn't really hit it off with this pub, partly because of having chosen a seat at a table in the back room quite close to a radiator which was belting out heat quite unnecessarily - "ne'er cast a clout till may be out", and the hawthorn all over the country were well in bloom so it obviously wasn't cold enough to require central heating.

The Foresters is a locals' pub spread out over two levels and is situated on one of Telford's numerous roundabouts. Handpulls can be found on both levels of the bar. So be sure to check both bars before selecting. For our visit, the selection was New Brew APA & Session IPA, Big Hand Ostara & Senen & Hobson's Old Prickly. Whilst it was a fairly decent selection, it would have been nice to have had a dark beer choice and/or a real cider offering. Both were absent. Although the large number of pumpclips lining the walls suggests that the beer range is generally good.

Traditional-looking Darwin pub located just by a footbridge carrying the Silkin Way (a former railway line) over Madeley High Street. Retains a two-bar layout, with the smaller rear room up a short flight of steps (with a patio beer garden beyond). Refurbished recently in a fairly anonymous style, with generally light furniture and decor. Total of six handpumps on the two bar counters, four of which were in use when I visited, dispensing a range of beers from Hobson's Town Crier, Salopian Holly Bush (£3.10) and Shropshire Gold to the 10% Thomas Sykes Old Ale from Burton Bridge.

Just reopened by new pubco , Darwins in association with Salopian Brewery , pub is on 2 levels , the bar with pool table is on the lower level , the lounge on the upper with an exit leading to the large beer patio , its very piney , a bit to IKEAish for me all stripped pine and clean lines , 4 ales on tap , Beartown Peach Melba , Marstons Hero and 2 Salopion , Darwins Origin and Shropshire Gold , its not bad in here which is more than can be said of most Madley pubs , i like it