The Red Lion, Birmingham

Must have been quite impressive in its heyday, and the clock-tower is still something of a local landmark. However, the famous curving counter in the main bar faced with decorative tiles is the stand-out feature, although the towering dark bar-back following the same alignment and the entrance vestibule are also notable. Apart from that, the place is now quite plain inside, but tidy enough, and the rear lounge seems only to be used for the weekend karaoke. No real ale, unfortunately, but there was Manns Chestnut dark mild (£2.20) which made a change.

Our first visit to Sutton Coldfield, and we decided to venture to Erdington, and try the Red Lion based on Soup Dragon's review although almost 3 years old! We were disappointed as there were no real ales in sight! Coming out we spoke to a couple of blokes in the doorway, who agreed it wasn't the best pub, but the one across the way ( Cross Keys) is even worse!

A magnificent Victorian/Edwardian detached corner pub in alterating courses of undressed brick with decorative moulded stonework, Dutch gables and a clock tower. There is a rear patio and a function room. The interior had two rooms. At the back there is a large L-shaped lounge that bends around the nice wooden serving bar and has plum and grey walls with some wood panel and a white ceiling. Along with the tables, there are a few sofas. There is a big screen TV, which wasn't on at my visit and some mirrors on the walls. The bar is also an L-shape around a wood and salt glazed tiled serving bar. It is accessed by an impressive domed vestiblue, with coloured glass. The room is in peach and light grey, with a white ceiling. There are old photos of the area on the walls and a dart board at one end. The music was mixed and at a decet level. The service was fine and the clientele mixed - it got busy through the evening, as we stayed here for a few. Beer; usual tap stuff with a decent enough M&B MILD. On handpull there was Purity UBU, a decnt Wye Valley HPA and Two Towers Porter. This is a really good pub, architecturally, atmospherically and beer-wise. A must if in the area.

On a second visit to this pub, they have now installed a fourth handpull, but they had Purity UBU on it - two UBUs, Jewellery Porter was still on and Wye Valley HPA.

Externally, this is a very impressive Edwardian, purpose built pub with yellow and red/pink banded brickwork and a clock tower. Its a pity the clock does not work. It has obvious Victorian Gothick influences. In appearance it actually calls to mind the architecturally magnificent Bartons Arms in Newtown. You enter into the main bar through a vestibule that has a superb stained glass dome. The bar is stunning with its original tiles and tile covered bar. An amazing survival. There is a dartboard amongst the tiles. I was directed into the rear lounge for the real ale. The lounge is much larger than the main bar, but the bar in here is an impressive dark wood with arts and crafts copper work inlaid into it. The rest of the room is quite bland and needs a bit of character to reflect the arts and crafts bar. There is also an upstairs function room that I did not see. Beer wise, there is the usual array of suspects with a Mild on smoothpour. In addition, the landlady has installed three real ale handpulls. On my visit, the three ales on offer initially were Purity UBU (untried because I personally do not like Purity), Two Towers Jewellery Porter (absolutely delicious), Beowulf Beorma (absolutely delicious), then the Beorma was changed for Wye Valley HPA (perfectly fine, if a little characterless compared to Wye Valley Butty Bach). The landlady also sent round samples of food to everyone because she is launching a new menu. The samples of Two Towers Steak and Ale Pie and Purity Battered Cod were delicious. This is a cracking little pub. I got talking to a regular who stressed how friendly it was and how much better it will be now the real ales are on. I will certainly go back!