The White Swan, Birmingham

A detached eatery and pub, with patio area. This is certainly a Victorian pub at heart and is possibly older, but has been remodelled and lost its surrounding gardens to a car park area. It is in white brick, with grey-ish windows and doors. It has five front gables, with bay windows although this looks like a later extension. The interior is simply open plan, with a dining room area, a pretty-much dining room area and a lounge area, which i am sure you could eat in if you wanted. I made for the lounge, where sofas and swivel chairs greeted me; after all, it is that front room look which is vogue these days. A glance at the clientele, which is mostly suited and feeling fully at home with the dim spotlights, furry seat covers and arty art on the walls, left me wondering why you would go to a pub with a friend, ensconce yourself on a sofa surrounded by cushions, candle burning on the table, and chat to someone that is figiting in a comfy swivel chair? Each to their own. It is unfair, it just insn't my thing and the place was crowded - it is lucky i have a small car and could fit in the only gap in the car park, between two 4x4s. I am not sure about the decor as it was so gloomy - although there was one wall with a forest scene on it. I didn't try the food. I didn't see a TV and the music was subdued and pop-ish. The service was fine, with the beer just £2 for a half real ale; Doombar, UBU and a DBC Frosted Jack being the choices - and to be fair, the Jack was fine. It describes itself as a traditional pub - uh huh - go here if you don't like traditional pubs and prefer wine displays, front roomy, cushiony wushiony kind of places, as I genuinely believe you would like it - it hits the spot for that kind of thing.

Official site of the White Swan, contains menu, wine list and event details - www.thewhiteswanpub.com

Official site of the White Swan, contains menu, wine list and event details - www.thewhiteswanpub.com