Black Eagle, Hockley, Birmingham

Can only report as I find. And how, I wanted to enjoy this Good Beer Guide Pub - one of the closest to the Albion, where you can find me at every other 3pm kick off. A 2mile walk from the ground to work up a thirst. Fine looking exterior and a tiny hall to give you the decision to go left (lounge) or right (bar). I went left and into a very traditional room, low ceiling, mock Tudor effect. Two Cask on my side but both the Golden Glow and Butty were off - with an excuse from the near teenage staff that "they need the lines cleaning". Do you have any cask, I enquire? HPA in the other bar. Normally, I am a big fan of HPA. It's pin sharp, crystal clear. Firstly, this was a short pint. Secondly it was murky in a way that I know HPA shouldnt be. Finally, there were bits floating around the bottom. How can a CAMRA accredited pub serve produce so poor? If this was your first taste of real ale, you would be on Madri for life. I would have taken it back, but a large group of other pub enthusiasts had come in and were hogging the bar, going through the "no butty" "no Golden Glow" routine. I left my drink unfinished and returned to the Soho Tram stop. A short distance away.

Splendid heritage pub, retaining a four-room layout around the central servery and all pleasingly traditional in appearance. Also has another dining room at the back and a suitably retro pub-grub menu. I found Bathams Bitter and Burton Bridge XL Mild (£3.00) on the pair of handpumps in the front lounge, with a further five real ales available on the other counters.