Old Bulls Head Inn, Dudley

Nice old pub very traditionally decorated in brown tongue & groove with cream walls above, furnishing is traditional as well with benches and cast iron based tables, a couple of which have built in crib' boards. One end of the long front room is raised to provide space for darts, fruit machine, a big screen and occasional live music. There is another bar at the back with a pool table and and bench seating. A Black Country Ales pub (the brewery is behind the pub), there are four pulls in the front and three more in the back bar selling their range in excellent condition. Out the back is a posh shelter and the pub is home to a large soppy dog.

The Old Bulls Head is the tap of the Black Country Ales Brewery so it seemed rude not to pop in whilst visiting the Fountain over the road. This is a good sized single room pub with a bar that supports four or five hand pumps that were drawing BCA brews. Sky Sports is advertised, but the large plasma screen was airing a muted daytime antiques program during my late Friday afternoon visit a month ago. It wasn’t very busy, but I enjoyed my fleeting visit and would have no problem returning.

Very much a fleeting visit, unfortunately, so not much time to note much apart from the rather austere red-brick facade and four handpumps serving three 'house' Black Country Ales (with BFG in good form) plus a guest. Surprisingly quiet for an early evening, and (despite other positive reviews) I didn't find the atmosphere especially welcoming. However, having said that, I would certainly re-visit when next in the area.

Andy's spot on when he says these Gornal people are spoilt rotten as this is another gem of a pub within spitting distance of the Fountain. This is a very welcoming and friendly pub, serving very well kept BCA's.

I can't add much to what Soup Dragon has said about the tap house for Black Country Ales. This was my first visit. I found it comfortable and the gaffer was friendly. An added bonus is that it is just a two minute walk to the Fountain - spoilt rotten these Gornal people! I'd be more than happy to make a return visit .... or three.