White Lion, Brinklow, Rugby

Perhaps more of a sports bar than anything else, this pub - set back from the road a bit by what is now a patio beer garden - has got a simple Tudorbethan facade. The three-part bar area (with a pool table) is fairly plain, but I didn't get to see the right-hand side lounge which appears to be disused. A small rear darts room leads to an even more basic outdoor seating area in the former car park at the back. Just Timothy Taylor's Golden Best (£4.30) available from the pair of handpumps.

The White Lion can be found set back from the main street through the village centre with a small car park taking up the space between the building and the road. To the left as you enter is a sub-divided bar. I seem to recall a pool table, whilst there was definitely a dartboard, skittles and multiple TVs. One was showing a daytime quiz show. There is also a lounge to the front right and a rear room with a couple of games machines and another dartboard. A Newcastle United football crest could be found to the side of the bar, alongside a few pumpclips. Despite the pumpclips, this was my only pub of 10 in Warwickshire that didn't actually have any cask ales on. Both handpulls had clips turned round. One was a Byatt's clip and the other was Butcombe Original. Ironically, there were CAMRA magazines next to the bar. As such, the drinks selection amounted to Moretti, Alpacalypse, Reveller, Inch's, Stella Artois, Carling, Madri, Guinness & Atlantic. Cocktails and shots were being promoted. However, what I assumed to be the landlord did arrive during the course of my visit and put the Butcombe Original on. Some rather annoying pop/ambient music was playing. There was one other customer when I arrived who left not long after. Another guy walked in with his dog a little later. There is a garden area to the rear and there are also a couple of picnic tables to the front. A pizza night is advertised for every Friday and there is karaoke too. A wifi code is provided. Disappointing not to find any ales when I arrived and there was little to no atmosphere inside with hardly any other customers.