Soho Foundry Tavern, Smethwick

Good-looking pub buried deep in the industrial area between Smethwick and Handsworth, located opposite the grand gatehouse of what is still Avery's works (although not much else remains of the original buildings?). Basic bar with a pool table at the front, a larger lounge at the back and a two-sided servery in between. No real ale of course, and not even any John Smith's or Worthington's, so resorted to a quick Coors (£4.10) from the very limited keg options.

A delightful looking detached cottage pub (originally more tarraced), with side extension and patio area. The pub takes its name from Watt's foundary over the road, with later (1895) became Avery's. The pub has a white upper, with black paintwork around the sash windows. The lower frontage is in red, with two Roman entrances flanking three Roman windows, all with colourful moulding. The interior has a front bar, which is in coffee and wood, with a blue floor. It has nice bench seats. There is a pool table and a TV (silent, general programmes) and no music. The service was functional. There is a rear lounge, accessed by a door from the bar, or the side passage, passing an old outdoor hatch and a bench seat. This room is yellow, and part divided by a marble fire feature. Local photos and a few prints are on the walls. It had the last of a family party here, so i returned to the main bar. The mature and friendly locals were there. Beer; no real ale, just the usual keg stuff with M&B MILD - I had a shandy, sadly with Car*ing, as the bitter had ran out. A great looking pub, sadly let down by the beer choice for my personal taste. Nothing for a real ale fan - i wish i had had the MILD.