The Tilted Barrel, Tipton

Although you wouldn't really know once inside (unless inside the gents toilet, where the lean is quite disconcerting), this building really is tilted at an alarming - but presumably now stable - angle. Unusually, the main (but hardly large) 'L'-shaped bar is at the back, with the sparsely furnished and decorated smaller front bar housing little more than the pool table and dartboard. No handpumps for real ale on either counter, so made do with the M&B Mild (£2.40).

This is a detached Victorian pub. It is Grade II listed. It is peculiar, in the fact that yes, it is tilting. This was caused by mining subsidence (although i assume it is stable now) and many properties around the pub were apparently abandoned/demolised. It would be interesting to do a full history on this place, as it is somewhat obscure on the general sources. Anyhow, it is a cottage style pub, in white, with bay windows flanking the off-set entrance. The interior has a front bar and a rea lounge(didn't see). The bar is in white with a bit of black, with ripped green, but old wood perimeter seating. There is a pool table and a few dart boards (though not sure if they are legal!). There is a blocked fireplace and lots of sport pictures and trophies dotted about. The TV had general programmes on and there was no music. The service was OK and there were a couple of people in the back room. Beer; no real ale, but a decent enough Hardy and Hanson's MILD on keg, with the usual other drinks. There are cracked windows and the decor is very tired - worth a visit due to the quirky nature, otherwise, one for the locals.