Andys' Ale House, Walsall

Micro in what looks like an 80s light industrial unit though apparently it’s part of a shopping centre (?) and is gratifyingly close to the bus stop on the main Cannock-Walsall route. Bit of a warm fuggy box inside and it’s not exactly going to win any beauty prizes but the locals were very keen and I can see why, in the local context. Four cask on the go and my Abbeydale Doc Morten was easily GBG quality (NBSS 3.5). Some interesting kegs as well.

This was my main reason for visiting Great Wyrley. It has taken me 5 years to pay a visit but I'm glad I have. Very popular micropub with friendly service. 5 ales on - Oakham Citra, Wye Valley Butty Bach, Viridian Disguisement, Derby Golden Blanc and Derby Quintessential. I went for the latter which was excellent. Well worth a visit.

Smart new micro-pub enlivening the otherwise very dull (if grandiosely named) Quinton Court 'shopping centre'. The furniture is mixed, the lighting effective and the decor quite modern (apart from the B&W photographs of old pubs on one wall). Five real ales on handpump: BBF Optimist, Beat the Devil from Green Duck, Kelham Island Pale Rider, A Pint of Two Halves from Purple Moose (£3.00) and Neepsend Alavana. Two rare Allgaüer ABK beers noted on the bespoke keg fount: Fels and Hell.