The Lenches Bridge, Pensnett, Kingswinford

This is a detached pub, with patio area. It once stood at the side of the Stourbridge Extension Canal, which was opened in 1840. The pub is possibly a little later, but was certainly there by 1851. It was then the Talbot. It has been renamed recently - now being called Lenches Bridge. Lenches Bridge was the name of the road/canal bridge adjacent to the pub - well, sort of. The early OS Maps have the bridge called Lench's Bridge (indicating possession) rather than Lenches Bridge, which comes on later OS Maps. A swift check of the census and directory records has a Joseph Lench as innkeeper of the Talbot in 1851. He may have been the first publican there, but it does suggest that the name should be 'Lench's Bridge'. Anyhow, the pub is a cottage-style, being in cream brick with lime green paintwork. There are three upper sash style windows and two lower bays flanking the central entrance. The interior has a couple of rooms off a central corridor entrance. The lounge is off to the left and is modern, with its bistro art. It is in cream and it is here you eat - I did eat here and found the food fine and good value. The bar is more traditional, being in brick, although there is some white and patterned wallpaper. The high stools are balanced with the bench seating. There are TVs, which were showing football and the music was general and soft - although there is also a jukebox. There is a small salt-glazed tiled fireplace and a couple of pictures are on the walls. The service is very good - a new manageress having taken over recently. The clientele seemed to consist of locals. Beer; usual tap stuff with Enville Ale, Ginger and Enville Lenches Bridge (all decent), as well as Butty Bach, Theakston's Old Peculiar and Holden's Golden Glow (all decent) on handpull. I visited this place on two consecutive days and really enjoyed it. A must do - just change the name to Lench's Bridge!

The Talbot has been refurbished and renamed. The Lenches Bridge will open on the 12th July and will offer up to 6 real ales.