The Pup & Duckling, Solihull

It has taken me a few years to finally visit, mainly due to the limited opening hours. I found the place to be pretty good with half a dozen customers in just after opening at 4 on a Thursday. We sat out the front so didn't really notice the conversation. I didn't note the beers either but there were at least 6 on. I had an IPA from Byatts which was excellent. I'd happily call again.

Micropub situated in a parade of shops within a residential area of Solihull. Parking in the surrounding area seemed a bit of a nightmare. Opening hours here are very limited. It is only open on 3 evenings each week (Thursday to Saturday) and on Sunday lunchtime. The landlord himself was behind the bar. With these opening times, I doubt he employs anybody else. I remember reading the below reviews a few days before visiting. Strangely enough, there were once again 3 customers around the bar engaging in conversation with the owner and thinking back, there was no real attempt to involve me in any conversation, which you often find can happen in micropubs. Although, it didn't particularly bother me. I still quite enjoyed my visit here though. Having frequented a couple of Wetherspoon's, a couple of Ember Inns, a couple of Thwaites pubs, a Yates and a Brewhouse & Kitchen, it was nice to have both a nice drinking environment and a decent range of ales and ciders. 6 ales were on in all - Hawkshead Dry Stone Stout, Burning Soul Mount Olympus, Tiny Rebel Carrot Cake, Byatt's Phoenix Gold, Riverhead Sherbet Lemon & Squawk Pavo. Ciders were Lilley's Somerset Scrumpy Dry, Weston's Family Reserve & Harry's No. 8. Although the ciders weren't listed anywhere. Customers rely on the owner reeling them off. Also in one corner of the bar, a craft beer is also dispensed. This was Howling Hops Go Pedal. As Real Ale Ray says, there is a smaller room at the rear to retreat to if you're feeling shunned by the lack of conversation. I was happy listening in to discussions around local micropubs and the this one's forthcoming beer tasting event. Just behind where I'd sat, there was a very good range of bottled beers which were also discussed. Despite the obvious criticisms of this micropub, I'd still rate this as my favourite pub of the day on a visit to the West Midlands.

Official site of The Pup & Duckling - www.pupandduckling.co.uk

Official site of The Pup & Duckling - www.pupandduckling.co.uk

unwelcoming micro pub that is best left to the locals. Shame, as its in an area with little ale choice.