The Crafty Pint, Halesowen

Busy micropub well out of Halesowen town centre in a residential area. The bar is in front of you as you enter, with effective 3 different seating areas - one between the entrance and the bar and another couple off to either side. It's quite large for a micropub, but on a Friday afternoon, it was very busy with a mix of customers of all ages, including children. I suspect it's always this popular, as there were quite a few bar staff ready and waiting to serve us. Wye Valley HPA & Butty Bach are the regular ales. Guests were Titanic Plum Porter, Thornbridge Crackendale, Oakham Citra, Vocation Pride & Joy & Salopian Hop Twister. Ciders were Healey's Flattler & Lilley's Peach Cider & Pina Colada Cider.

Typical Micro run by enthusiastic and friendly staff. In a twist, I went for a Lilly's Bee Sting Cider. It really was the warmest day of the year so far. Bright, spacious and across two former shops. My pet hate was in abundance. Too many signs warning you of uncommitted crimes. Dogs off the sofas.... you'll be banned for swearing.... mind the step (actually useful, that one) and plenty of pleas in the gents that have to be read to be believed. I doubt people committing the crimes indicated from the laminator would have been able to read the signs anyway. Nothing to make we want to go back - although very handy for the bus stop home :-)

With two rooms, separated by a couple of steps, this might be more of a mini-pub than a micro one (although very much of that ethos). Reasonable amount of seating, but very plain decor (although the gents toilet is notably well presented). Compact servery with six real ales on handpump - including Butty Bach, Enville Ginger and Salopian Hop Twister - plus four taps on the side wall dispensing ciders.

Official site of The Crafty Pint - www.thecraftypint.co.uk

Official site of The Crafty Pint - www.thecraftypint.co.uk

Great little micropub with a great selection of beer. I tried the Salopian Hop Twister and Three Tuns XXX. Both were in fine form. Very busy on my visit and I can see why! Well worth checking out. There was also Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby mild, Oakhams Inferno, Fixed Wheel Through and Off as well as a few more!