The Wheatsheaf, Walsall

It looked like it was lights out at the Wheatsheaf as I approached early on a recent Wednesday evening, but thankfully the pub was open, if not very busy. This is primarily a live music pub, so the larger sunken right hand side is set up to host bands and fans, although I did spot a dartboard in the right rear corner. According to the very friendly barman there is something going on in here every night, which the scuffed and well-trodden floorboards will attest. The front of the L-shaped bar counter in the left-hand side of the pub faces some seating in the front windows to the right of the entrance. The longer section of the counter runs up towards the rear facing high tables up the left. This is where the other two customers were sat with hi-vis jackets suggesting they’d not long finished work. The television was off and some niche rock music was playing, so niche in fact that the woman running the bar wondered what it was. I decided that it was a load of crap. Each side of the counter supports four hand pumps, although the pumps at the front were unused. Green Duck Beer Co’s Session IPA was available alongside Wye Valley’s HPA, Hopfather and Butty Bach. Standard and premium keg was also available. The welcome was friendly, but I’m not a big live music fan so the major draw of this place is lost on me.

Facebook page of The Wheatsheaf - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Wheatsheaf - www.facebook.com

This is a large square pub a short distance from the centre of Walsall. Inside it's a large open plan room with wooden floors and an island bar. I could hear a TV with football on ahead of me so I retired to a quiet side area. I noted the beers on from a blackboard. These were Oakham Citra, Castle Rock Munitionettes, Wye Valley DG Gold & Butty Bach, AJ's Stuck Blonde, Highgate Old, Gunhill Honey Ale and Holden's Golden Glow. I went for the Citra (£2.80) which was in excellent nick. I asked about CAMRA discount but the barman didn't have a clue about it. According to What Pub it is 10p per pint. This is a nice old town pub with a decent selection of beers.