Hollybush Social, Oldbury

Now called the Holly Bush Social, the handpull is still on the bar, but real ale is no longer stocked. The keg range consisted of Worthington's Creamflow, Thatcher's Gold, Carling, Guinness, Sharp's Atlantic & Coors. The pub is a single room, with more of the feel of a small social club than a micropub/bar. Staff were friendly, but it's cash only. If it's real ale you're after, your best bet is the Toby Carvery over the road. A sad state of affairs!

Not changed much during the three years since my last visit. Still one ale on - Butty Bach which was fine. I don't mind this place and will probably call in more often now the Sadler's Tap Room has opened nearby.

This 'microbar' definitely isn't what you might expect from a 'traditional' micro-pub. The limited seating, spartan decor and compact counter look much as one might anticipate, but the loud-ish music certainly isn't. The beer and cider offering is also very limited, but at least there is one real ale on handpump (Butty Bach, £2.80) which was decent enough. All-in-all, probably a little more interesting than the Toby Carvery opposite (but only just).