Ale House Rock, Bilston

Strange place this, housed in part of a former works, and the bar looking more like a club than a pub. Still, the staid furniture is tidy enough and the seasonal decorations have probably livened things up a bit. The stage area can be found on the other side of the entrance. Having two banks of four handpumps seems rather optimistic, but I found three real ales on: Wainwright, Wye Valley HPA and Holden's Golden Glow (£2.80, and in excellent shape). Fairly quiet when I stopped by, but the locals and the lady behind the counter were all very friendly.

Housed in a part (I assume its own club room) of a post-war expanded printing works. Austere, with a little exterior 'art' and a patio, the entrance is easily missed. The interior is a single room, in purple and white mainly, with a few pictures and a stage at one end. The TVs were not on at our last visit and the music was a mixed (there was no band on). Service is always friendly here, but there was nobody in at this visit. Beer has usual tap stuff but over the period the place has been open the number of real ales has dwindled - from 4 to 1 (and that was Proper Job). Often pop in when that way.

Live music venue with real ale.