The New Rose & Crown, Birmingham

Now the only pub left in the middle of Rubery, and even this looks very run down from the street. Things look up (very slightly) once inside since the main bar area is tidy enough. There are also rooms at the far end and further back, both refurbished at some stage, although these don't seem to be in regular use. No real ale, of course, and the Hardy & Hanson's Dark proved to be a mirage, so John Smith's (£2.60) it inevitably had to be. On the plus side, the music was quite good, and the regulars were happy taking no notice of me whatsoever.