The Midland, Smethwick

Unusual conversion of a smaller eponymous bank, with a bar that is almost as high as it is long or wide (with a large glazed area, including two full-height windows at the front). The seating area is extended by a small lower-ceilinged extension with an interior picture window into the 'cool room'. Comfortably furnished in a traditional style throughout, and a massive former safe door to be seen in the corridor. Very impressive range of real ales in a wide range of styles from a total of 15 handpumps, from which I went for the Sinker stout from Framework Brewery (£3.00). Well worth seeking out.

Don;t understand the last review as we loved this Black Country Ales pub. Single room bar and an excellent choice of ales kept us happy. Enjoyed Upham Tipster and 458 brewery Amber beers. Comfortable friendly pub in the tradition of the rest of their bars. Fantastic bar back which still has a Midland Bank mirror.

REALLY???? This is a pub? It has a large selection of real ales on the board (most of which are unavailable at any one time) and it's prices are well above average because these are 'REAL' ales (as opposed to the fantasy variety served by other ale selling pubs I assume). Over-priced. Simple! The pub itself? It sells ales. That's your lot. No music. No juke box. No poll table or dart board. No fruit machine. No telly screens. If you want a similar experience to this place then throw all your entertainment options out of your house and invite your mates round to chat in silence over a pint of I.P.A. There is more life in a tramp's vest than this morgue of a pub (and I was there on a Friday night). Give it a book shelf and you've got another local library. Utter RUBBISH!