Miller & Carter, Smethwick

This is a detached Harvester restaurant, which does have an indoor seating area, as well as a patio. The Cock and Magpies is the second (with the Dog) of two, likely C18th pubs, that were on the turnpike road in the hamlet of Beech Lanes. The pub expanded over time and also acquired a bowling green by the 1930s (yes, now the car park). Currently, Harvester have done their 'barnisation' to it, that is fixing it up in mainly red and white wood panel to make it look like a barn. The lower storey has stone bay windows. The interior is an L-shape-ish room, with most, as you would expect, given over to dining. There is a seating area, mind - this consists of a row of high stools by a shelf, then a few comfy chairs the other side of a dividing hearth feature. I went into this area, pausing to admire the grabbing machines and the array of stuffed toys within them. My indolence resuled in a couple of kids pushing past me in order to wager their coin and skills against the demon that haunts such places in order to grease the claw so it fails to hold the grail the child seeks - which is what happened here. Anyhow, there is of course a cavery area and a serving bar. The walls are mixed; grey, red, some brick etc, with bistro art on them. There was no TV and the music was general and a decent level. The service was very friendly, and there were a couple of people in that were not dining. Beer; no real ale, just the usual tap stuff with Marston's Pedigree - no MILD. I had a shandy. Harvester don't advertise themselves as 'pub and dining', so it is just as a restaurant really - but they do have a seating area. A better experience than i expected, but would only return if eating.