White Lion Inn, Dudley

A Good Beer Guide Tick - otherwise there would have been no temptation to leave the Beacon Hotel opposite. So how does it compete with an iconic, destination pub? Well, Thornbridge Jaipur on Cask through a sparkler was a good place to start. Excellent, modern classic beer, that I've not seen dispensed in better condition.

Opposite the Beacon and a contrast; it’s pretty bland and battered in the knocked-through open plan interior - chipped paint and beer-stained blinds. Cream and mushroom shades, pub carpet, darts and a blaring TV nobody was watching. GBG '21 listed with three cask over four pumps, my Salopian Hop Twister was fine (NBSS 3) but not as stellar as the nearby competition (Beacon, Mount Pleasant) and I wouldn’t see need to cut time in either of those now I’ve ticked it. 6.5

This pub has recently appeared in the GBG so I was tempted to have a look on the way from the Beacon to the Bulls Head. Inside it looks like it has recently been refurbished with a new carpet and furniture. It's a single room with a dining area off to one side. The bar area just has normal tables and chairs. The garden seemed to be closed off possibly because some work was going on. The bar has four hand pumps which on my visit had Oakham Bishops Farewell, Thornbridge Jaipur & Baize and Brass Castle Mosaic. I went for the Baize which was a strong chocolate mint stout in excellent condition. I forgot to note the price but think it was just over three quid. This place is a complete contrast to the throwback in time that is the Beacon Hotel but some people may prefer that. It's certainly worth a look on the basis of the beers served on my visit.