The Horse & Jockey, Bilston

Middle class estate pub, set back and down from the road. A modern and comfortable two roomer with a (rammed) bar at the front and larger dining at the rear. The ales are spread out amongst the two bars so we meandered through the lobby into the back room where we were accosted by a slightly startled teenage waitress who basically squeaked “you can’t be in here!!” because of the diners. This put my companions in a grump and they slated the place for the rest of the holiday but to be fair she was just a kid; however it does give you a sense of the place’s priorities when things are busy. Put in our rightful place in the front bar we ascertained that there were seven cask on (via a blackboard), Hobsons and Three Tuns breweries made for four of these. I plumped for two of the Three Tuns beers - XXX (NBSS 3.5) and the Stout (4). The jumbo cobs were snaffled – not the best of the trip, but up there. I liked the place, though with caveats.

Good, but unpretentious, freehouse (curiously set some way below the present road level) retaining two separate bars: a modest public bar at the front and a larger lounge / dining area further back. Semi-traditional furniture and decor throughout, and doing good business on a cold Wednesday evening. Five real ales from the various handpumps on the two counters, including Tribute, one each from Backyard and Salopian and a pair from Hobson's - Twisted Spire (£2.90) and Town Crier.

Enjoyed our visit to this 2019 Good beer Guide pub today. Selection of beers n 2 bars, and we chose Salopian Postcard from Purgatory which was a stout, and Purity Longhorn IPA both of which were good. It was a friendly pub with a TV on showing a film, and a couple of chaps were sat watching it which gave it a proper community pub feel. Walk through the back bar, and there was a lovely grassy garden area with plenty of picnic tables and a ramp as well as steps down.