New Junction Inn, Wednesbury

Community local, set on a corner and with some Brewer's Tudory on both facades. Retains two separate rooms, both with a counter from the central servery, but the main bar houses the popular pool table and nobody seemed to be in the side lounge. No cask ale of course, so had a quick Worthington's (£2.90) from the limited keg offerings (although I did then note some Wainwright Gold bottles in the fridge).

A large detached Banks's pub in mock-Tudor style with white render and black beam upper exterior and white render and brick lower. The interior has a couple of rooms. The bar room is in cream with a chocolate coloured chimney brest, with a stone fireplace underneath. Bistro style pictures are on the walls and there is a TV - this wasn't on at my visit as there was a pool match on. There is also a dart board. The music was general and at an ok level and the clientele here were very mixed and there was a good friendly competitive atmosphere. The lounge was deserted. It is in cream with a red chimney and a tiled Banks's fireplace. There is a white moulded cornice and some roundalls. The seats here are red, with cushions and the same bistro art is on the walls. The service here was friendly. Beer; no real ale, just keg stuff with Banks's' bitter and MILD. I just popped in for a bitter shandy, which was fine. I was happy to stop off here for one - seemed perfectly friendly and nicely decored for those that like a touch of modern without it taking over - especially as the pub games were there.