The King Arthur, Park Hall, Walsall

Official site of The King Arthur - www.kingarthurgrill.co.uk

Official site of The King Arthur - www.kingarthurgrill.co.uk

These purpose built 70's estate pubs don't tend to be my favourite kind of thing. However, what a find this one is. Hidden away in an estate between the Birmingham and Sutton roads its quite hard to find, but when you do you're very glad you made the effort. From the unusual pub sign, to the tropical trees and the interior beams and decor it is very obvious that a lot of work goes into running this place. The gaffer was even tidying pots outside during my visit. Even the toilets are clean and full of features! It seems popular, perhaps a reward for the effort put in here, its neat, tidy and clean. 6 real ales, including a couple more unusual, the quality is excellent. Brilliant, what a find!

A 60s style detached brick build, with a couple of extensions and beer patio The inside has two rooms. The bar has a couple of pool tables and is on two levels, one with kid music channel on the other with Sky TV. It is actually younger based, but not threatening (indeed, two Henley boys were talking over the merits of college). The decor was wallpaper, with twee wood fixtures to look a bit like Camelot. The chairs were even trying to be playfully medieval-ish and go with the Arthurian theme (well, Mallory's version!) There was also a moulded fieze. The lounge is more mature. Again on two level, as it incorporates a dining area, the Camelot feel is extended here as well. The dining area is in blue and yellow and is clean and tidy. There are footy shirts and memorabilia dotted about, but not too much so as to be uncomfortable. Service was the only problem, as my Lady Guinevere that served me was about as happy as Arthur's horse passing the sign saying 'Camlann 300 miles' Beer, tap stuff with Nigel's MILD (fine) and GK IPA, Abbot, Spekky Hen, Wye Valley HPA and Timothy Taylor Best on handpull, the Best was fine. The fake wood look is everywhere, but it really adds something here. In short, the playful interior and the beer range make this a place worth a visit. I will be back. Best pub in that area.