The Junction, Oldbury

Proper locals pub with no real ale. I have been in plenty times over the years and have always felt welcome.

Wedge-shaped pub which (as the name suggests) dominates the angle between two roads, with a basic patio area at the front. The 'L'-shaped bar features a pool table but is otherwise plainly furnished and has limited decoration under the high ceiling. A smaller side bar has been partly opened-out to form a small games area with a pinball machine, etc. No real ale of course, but at least the nostalgic Brew XI (£2.50) was available as an alternative to Worthington Smoothflow. So very ordinary as a pub, but what made my visit was watching the landlord looking at the scorchio weather forecast, then at his customers, then the World Cup posters, then at the TV again, all the while smiling a little bit more...

I called in yesterday lunchtime for a swift half. On entering the pub to access the bar you have to get past the pool table and those playing pool. Just usual tap stuff. I'm pleased I have been in now after passing it by many times. The service was good; it is a pub for the locals though.