The Waggon & Horses, Stourbridge

Very final beers at the end of a long day’s crawling. Somewhat whacky exterior with a two (or was it three?) roomed interior off a central bar that seemed a bit dim and ramshackle. Five cask IIRC, I tired the Purple Moose Off the Wagon (NBSS 3) and something with a paper clip from Bearwood which was good (3.5). It’s GBG’23 listed. 7.5

Although I wasn't as impressed with this pub as previous reviewers - perhaps because of coming to the end of a long day which had started at the Camra winter festival in Birmingham - but one incident stands out. I'd taken my beer and sat down to write up a few notes, when the landlord called out to me that my beer wasn't right and he wanted to replace it. He'd realised that it was at the end of the barrel, and he quickly pulled the fresh one through and gave me a replacement. To be honest, the beer was so not to my taste that I had just put it down to experience, but the fresh drink was noticeably better (though still not to my taste).

Good beer guide seems to switch between bars in Stourbridge - and some of them (the bank) don't actually last for long. The waggon and horses is a bit of an ever present, having been in for the last four editions of the GBG (at least). Just out the city centre - its along a terrace, with a central bar surrounded by "open plan" rooms that you can duck between without going through doors. Five real ales, plenty of ciders and a knowledgeable and friendly landlord - rare to see someone who enjoys his job and his regulars. Salopian Oracle in good form. Baguettes and cobs available.

Called in this 2019 Good Beer Guide entry a couple of days ago and enjoyed our Dorking Black Noise and Shotover Prospect beers. Small bar at the front with a larger one at the rear which can be hired for functions. Good choice for cider drinkers too.