The Britannia, Dudley

This isn't one of the original eight Batham's pubs that I recall from spending an excellent day touring over thirty years ago. The Unicorn at Wollaston became their ninth pub in 1992 after which there were a couple of other changes to their estate, so I can only assume that Batham's acquired this one in the mid nineties. Batham's seem to have a template for many of their houses, an old building with several small rooms and this one is just typical. I missed the garden but did manage to find the completely separate Parlour. I tried the Batham's Mild (£2.30) and Best (£2.55) both of which were in good condition but somewhat on the warm side. This is the only thing that stops me awarding it a 10.

Very busy on our Friday eve visit, which was expected. We got the No 1 bus up to Upper Gornal and the stop was just at the pub. Have to say the pub did look stunning when lit up in the dark. We didn't have much of a wait getting served in the front bar, in spite of it being mobbed. To my disappointment again no mild on, still the bitter was superb. Managed to have a look round, but it was slow and difficult, even the beer garden was busy. If on a return visit, I will call a lot earlier.

This excellent Bathams pub was the most popular of those we called in yesterday, the garden at the rear was full. It serves both the Best Bitter and Mild, and we were told the mild was on the way out and if it wasn't right she would change it, and she did - no quibble. In the 2012 Good Beer Guide and shouldn't be missed off any tour of the area. Lovely interior.