The Vine, West Bromwich

Traditional-looking but internally modernised pub, opened-out inside to leave a 'L'-shaped bar area with a pool table at the far end and a side alcove for the dartboard. Plainly furnished and decorated, but all tidy enough. No real ale, unfortunately, but the M&B Mild was only £2.20 so I consoled myself with that.

A plain brick corner pub with three bays windows and blue upper window sills and lintels. The building looks part Victorian, but it seems that it was radically altered in the 1950s. The interior is an L-shaped room, with a small side area in which there is a dart board. There is a pool table and a few TVs, showing sport. The decor is crean and white, with a wood floor. The bar is in yellow and claret and looks quite old. There are no real pictures, just a few beer posters. The service was fine and a few locals were in. They do a small Indian menu and cobs. Beer; no real ale, just the usual keg stuff, with a decent enough M&B MILD. Happy enough to have popped in, but nothing for the real ale drinker.