Pennyblacks, Birmingham

Official site of Pennyblacks, contains menu - www.pennyblacksbar.com

This modern estate pub is comfortable enough but is hardly a place that oozes character. The interior is fairly uninspiring with the usual run of games machines, pool table, juke box and a couple of Gooner shirts on display. The basic but reasonably priced beers (London Pride / Green King IPA) were quite well kept but I was rather put off by the local punters whose loud and limited vocabulary was matched only by the staff. The Thai kitchen is reasonably priced although the Cocktail menu would probably be of more interest to the Obscene Publication Squad. Overall a rather common and functional pub geared to the younger football and pool brigade. There is little else around here to attract outsiders so I wouldn't recommend making a specific trip.

On the ground floor in the Mailbox with a few tables outside overlooking the canal,this is a trendy bar which surprisingly offers around 5 ales on handpump.Normally a selection of micro brewery output ,changing regularly and in good condition.It's been dropped from the GBG but I wonder if that has more to do with the surroundings rather than the beer.The furniture is a mix of high tables and stools together with sofas and coffee tables,there is a lot of vertical drinking and the acoustics are poor requiring shouting to achieve social intercourse.Not very relaxing but that has to be balanced against the quality of the totty that call in,which alone can merit a stiff drink.