Pubs with Real Fires in Solihull
If there's one thing better, on a cold night, than a warming pint of Winter Ale, it's drinking it in front of a roaring fire. Here is a selection of Solihull pubs with the wonderful combination of Real Ale and a real fire. Enjoy!
To explore a more general selection of the best pubs in and around Solihull, visit our Online Pub Guide. Also, many local pubs have also been featured in the Solihull Beerhunter's Spotlight Inns.
For details of all pubs in and around Solihull in a handy printed format, check out the Solihull Real Ale Guide.
From Catherine de Barnes head south through Eastcote. M42 J5, head south on A4141 to Knowle, then left to Eastcote, finally right to Barston.
Bull's Head Barston Lane Tel: 01675 442830 In the centre of Barston and part of the conservation area, this is a genuine, friendly, village local. It is an ancient beamed country pub, comprising a two-story 19th century whitewashed main frontage with three gables and a 17th century timber-framed wing behind. A pub has, apparently stood here since at least 1490 and fragments of these buildings still remain. The pub passed into Bass ownership in 1924. Solihull CAMRA Pub of the Year 2000, 2002 and 2009. A Good Beer Guide entry for the last 10 years. Split into three rooms, bar, lounge and restaurant. Open 11-2.30 and 5-11pm M-Th; 11-11 Friday and Saturday; 12-10.30 Sunday. Meals are served 12-2; 7-8.30. No meals Sunday evenings. In summer the garden is pleasant, being away from the road, and there is also a donkey. Getting there: Post code B92 0JU. OS Grid Ref: SP 20733 78090.  Website: www.thebullsheadbarston.co.uk
Malt Shovel Barston Lane Tel: 01675 443223 A pub catering for the smart set of Solihull. With bright modern prints on the walls it doesn't feel like a pub at all. Better described as a café bar with smart restaurant attached. Getting there: Post code B92 0JP. OS Grid Ref: SP 19764 78829. Website: www.themaltshovelatbarston.com
A small village linking Solihull and Hampton-in-Arden, sited on the Grand Union Canal. The local beauty spot Ravenshaw Lane is a short walk away.
Boat Inn 222 Hampton Lane (B4102) Tel: 0121 705 0474 Built in the late 19th century, the Boat is now part of the Chef & Brewer chain. It is near the Grand Union Canal, and the enclosed garden makes it popular in summer. Two log fires make a pleasant feature in the winter. Interesting food menu, though slightly pricey. Getting there: Post code B91 2TJ. OS Grid Ref: SP 17971 80361.
A pleasant village between Henley and Warwick. Take a stroll on nearby Yarningale Common or along the Stratford Canal to work up a thirst. On the A4189 between Henley in Arden and Warwick. Accessible via Claverdon station, but the service which runs between Stratford and Leamington is infrequent.
Crown Inn Henley Road Tel: 01926 842210 Traditional, quiet two-room free house with a genuine public bar, a small restaurant area and a small children's play area. No meals on Sunday evening. Getting there: Post code CV35 8LJ. OS Grid Ref: SP 19431 65039.
Red Lion Station Road Tel: 01926 842291 Dating from the 16th century the Red Lion, formerly the Lion has been a pub for 200 years. Now owned by Enterprise Inns, the pub has a genuine guest beer policy with the landlord favouring local breweries. It is advisable to book for meals at weekends. It has a large outdoor seating area with magnificent views of the Warwickshire countryside. Getting there: Post code CV35 8PE. OS Grid Ref: SP 20118 64727. Website: www.theredlionatclaverdon.co.uk
A large des-res village just south of Solihull, established during the age of steam and still enjoying a regular train service. Curiously, the Railway pub is quite a distance from the rail station, but worth the walk. About 8 miles drive from the NEC, between J4 and J5 of M42. Its three pubs are a considerable walk apart. Also served by trains on the Chiltern line from Birmingham Moor St through Solihull and Leamington Spa to London.
The Railway Grange Road (B4101) Tel: 01564 773531 Much modernised, popular pub that has been in the same family for almost a century (since 1913). There is a small basic bar with a log fire and a large lounge, which has a strong emphasis on good value food and game when in season. There is a restricted menu on Mondays. A large garden (with patio heaters) makes an ideal spot for the summer months with play equipment for the children. There are usually three guest ales available and Weston's Old Rosie Cider. Solihull CAMRA Pub of the Year 1999. 11-3 and 4.30-11 M-F, 11-11 Sat, 12-10.30 Sun. Getting there: Post code B93 8QA. OS Grid Ref: SP 16455 74321.
Popular village to the south of the Stratford-upon-Avon canal and well known for its reservoir - generally called "The Lakes", with fishing, sailing and plenty of wildlife. Earliest reference to the area was by Richard III in the 15th century. The lakes are man made, reputedly dug by Napoleonic prisoners of war. Busy in summer with people out for a walk round the lakes, or Clowes Wood and the surrounding countryside. Popular craft centre nearby. Earlswood Maze in Norton Lane is also worth a visit. On the B4102, south of Shirley. Nearest stations are Earlswood and also The Lakes (which is nearer) on the Birmingham Moor St to Stratford upon Avon line.
Bull's Head 7 Lime Kiln Lane Tel: 01564 702335 Originally built in 1740 for the navvies constructing the Stratford Upon Avon Canal. Rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a 17th century lime kiln worker. This pub consists of a collection of late 18th and early 19th century two storey whitewashed brick buildings which have been extended and linked. It became a pub in 1832 and was refurbished in the 1990s. Now a Thwaites house, unusual in Solihull. Live music every Thursday night, 9pm. Popular with cyclists and walkers. Getting there: Post code B94 6BU. OS Grid Ref: SP 12285 74355. Website: www.bullsheadb94.co.uk
Red Lion Lady Lane, corner of Cleobury Lane Tel: 01564 702946 Dating back to 1860, this pub is part of the Vintage Inns chain. Large, multi-roomed and decorated in traditional style, the pub is food-orientated. It's also popular with cyclists as the surrounding area makes for ideal walking and cycling. 2008 gained cask marque. Refurbished March 2010. Getting there: Post code B94 6AQ. OS Grid Ref: SP 11279 74536. Website: www.vintageinn.co.uk/theredlionearlswood/
A pleasant village with a church opposite the pub. There is a local beauty spot near the old packhorse bridge which dates from the 14th or 15th century. Unfortunately it is overshadowed by the main London to Birmingham railway line. The village has a thriving community centre with a Compton cinema organ. 4 miles from Birmingham International Airport and the NEC. East of Solihull on B4102 towards Meriden. Hamton in Arden station is served by trains from the NEC - on the Birmingham to Coventry to London line.
White Lion 10 High Street (B4102) Tel: 01675 442833 A 17th century timber framed building with Grade 2 listed status, the White Lion has been licensed since 1838. The pub has a lounge, public bar and a separate restaurant ideal for a relaxing intimate dinner, where food is served between 12-2.30 and 7-9.30. Overall, a pleasant pub to enjoy a quiet drink. However, having recently been refurbished the bar has lost some of its original character. Solihull CAMRA most improved pub of 2007. Getting there: Post code B92 0AA. OS Grid Ref: SP 20350 80820. Website: www.thewhitelioninn.com
A residential area to the west of Shirley, towards Shirley station. Shirley station is on the Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford upon Avon line. Also served by the Stratford upon Avon canal. By road, follow Haslucks Green Road from the A34 Stratford Road in Shirley. There are also busses which stop at the train station.
Colebrook Inn Haslucks Green Road Tel: 0121 733 3731 A popular local pub surrounded by houses, this large inter war years roadhouse is now a member of the Ember Inns chain. Recently refurbished, sofas adorn the large rambling lounge. The pub has participated in Ember Inns’ Real Ale Months, but beware, they have been known to show pumpclips on handpumps for beers that are in fact not available, a dubious practice. Children are not welcome other than in the garden or when eating. Quiz nights are held every Tuesday and Thursday. It also has a well used bowling green that is overlooked by patios. Getting there: Post code B90 2LL. OS Grid Ref: SP 11010 78930.
A popular one-street large village/market town on many people’s itinerary when visiting Stratford on Avon. A Conservation Area, it contains many fine timber-framed buildings and is famed for Henley ice cream. If you are visiting, don’t miss Beaudesert Church and the Mount, an ancient motte and bailey castle at the north end of the Main Street, down Beaudesert Lane. It is one of the last places to still have a medieval Court Leet. Once, the legendary Henley Mile contained twelve pubs. Less than half remain, but it is still ideally suited to a pub-crawl! About 15 miles from the NEC. Its main street is the A3400, south of M42 J4, towards Stratford. It is on the Stratford to Birmingham Moor Street train line. There is a daytime bus route from Birmingham to Stratford that passes through Shirley, Hockley Heath and Henley in Arden.
The Bluebell 93 High Street Tel: 01564 793049 Original part of an L-shaped building with jettied and gabled upper storey, dating from 1480. The archway and coaching yard were added in the 17th century. Recently refurbished, oak beams, stone-flagged floors and comfortable furniture exude an atmosphere of warmth and antiquity. An adult-orientated pub, it offers a traditional mix of areas for drinking, eating and playing darts and dominoes. Now one of Solihull's few free houses, the beer range caters for most tastes and varies. Closed Monday lunchtime, food served except Monday. Getting there: Post code B95 5AT. OS Grid Ref: SP 15149 66197. Website: www.bluebellhenley.co.uk
Nag's Head 161 High Street Tel: 01564 792621 A Festival Ale house, the interior is "olde worlde" with exposed beams, while outside it has a large garden (unusual for Henley pubs). Getting there: Post code B95 5BA. OS Grid Ref: SP 15101 65944.
Three Tuns 103 High Street Tel: 01564 792723 An unpretentious 16th century two roomed traditional drinkers pub serving no food. The dogs [Golden Retrievers] are part of the pub décor. Beer range is disappointing considering it's a free house. The television can be intrusive. Parking is on the main street outside the pub. Getting there: Post code B95 5AT. OS Grid Ref: SP 15149 66197.
White Swan 100 High Street Tel: 01564 792623 This coaching inn on the Birmingham to London run dates back to 1590, the frontage being much altered in 1690. Most of the building, however, dates from the 1770's. Watch out for the ghost of a housemaid who was hung for murder! The beer range has been unpredictable of late. Camping is available in the garden by negotiation. Getting there: Post code B95 5BY. OS Grid Ref: SP 15096 66037. Website: www.thewhiteswanhotel.com
More an area that a village, it is an 8 mile drive from the Airport and NEC. Just south of Knowle, on the A4141 Warwick Road toward Chadwick End. Its two pubs are a third of a mile apart on the canal towpath.
Black Boy Warwick Road Tel: 01564 772655 An ex-Bass pub, now a free house, this old (est 1793) canalside pub has been extensively modernised with an extension that has overwhelmed the original small boatman's pub. It has a reputation for meals of sizeable proportions. In fact the food seems its main raison d'être, hence it is very popular. It has a large children's play area and garden overlooking the Grand Union canal, ideal in summer. Children are welcome in the pub if eating a meal, but must vacate by 8:00pm. Getting there: Post code B93 0EB. OS Grid Ref: SP 19266 74728.
Heron's Nest Warwick Road Tel: 01564 771177 Originally built in 1816 as a pub and then changed to a restaurant and a hotel - this establishment has had a varied career. Now belonging to the Innkeeper's Lodge group, it is a family food oriented pub with a smart but comfortable and traditional interior. The beers vary from time to time, but usually the better big names. The accommodation is next door. It has a large canal-side garden and there is an animal sanctuary across the canal. Getting there: Post code B93 0EE. OS Grid Ref: SP 19045 75155. Website: www.vintageinn.co.uk/theheronsnestknowle/
Hockley Heath straddles the Stratford Road (A3400) between Stratford and Birmingham. A pub crawl of the three (now 2) real ale pubs would be a pleasant way to while away a couple of hours, with maybe a wander along the towpath of the Stratford on Avon Canal. National Trust properties at Baddesley Clinton and Packwood are nearby. M42 J4, 2 miles south on A3400, about 10 miles from the NEC. There is a daytime bus route from Birmingham to Stratford that passes through Shirley, Hockley Heath and Henley in Arden.
The Oak Stratford Road Tel: 01564 785252 Originally built in the 1950's, this large roadside pub has been a nightclub, a chain pub/restaurant complete with children's play barn (Marston’s first in the Solihull area), then flew the Greene King flag and briefly a gastro-pub, sometimes called The Old Royal Oak or ORO. It was also famous for classic car and motorbike events. It has now been tastefully refurbished and turned back into a pub. It is bright, modern and spacious whilst still being comfortable and feeling like a pub. The business also incorporates a separate coffee shop and delicatessen, specialising in local farm produce. Closed again in summer 2008, and then reopened under new management. Getting there: Post code B94 5NN. OS Grid Ref: SP 15500 71375.
A large village, Knowle's main street is full of ancient buildings reminiscent of Henley in Arden, but on a smaller scale. Its history goes back to the Domesday Book in 1086 when it was a small hamlet. It has grown considerably since the 1960s, but has managed to retain a number of Tudor, Stuart and Georgian buildings; the High Street itself is a conservation area. Knowle Church was consecrated in 1402 and Chester House was built around 1400 to 1500. It is ideal for a pub crawl on foot, as from end to end the pubs are no more than half a mile apart. Knowle Locks on the Grand Union Canal are less than a mile from the village centre. If you want to do more than one pub and eat, visit the Red Lion, avoid the Wilson's Arms, but don't miss the Vaults! 8 miles from Birmingham International Airport and the NEC, and 3 miles from Solihull. Just south of M42 J5 on the A4141 Warwick Road. All of its pubs are on, or just off, its main street. A bus service operates from Solihull daytime and evening (S2, S3). Nearest station is Dorridge (a good mile) on the London - Solihull - Birmingham Moor St line.
Red Lion 1672 High Street Tel: 01564 771522 This is where the Solihull branch of CAMRA was founded in October 1982, and celebrated its 25th anniversary. Probably built in the early 17th century, it has undergone a substantial extension and refurbishment as an Ember Inn. Inside, the bar is relatively unspoiled, the fireplace dating from 1779 (or even earlier), whilst the lounge is pretty ordinary, but retains a cosy charm and friendly atmosphere. Outside, the decorative iron bracket inn sign came from the neighbouring White Swan, which was demolished in 1938. Quizzes held on Wednesdays. Good pub food. The patio overlooks the car park. No Under 14s. Open 11.30-11pm Sun-Wed and 11.30-midnight Th-Sat It is also reported that John Wesley once preached in the Red Lion yard and apparently found the people of Knowle ungodly and drunken! (not the case now) Getting there: Post code B93 0LY. OS Grid Ref: SP 18205 76665.
This is a superb bit of Solihull countryside. Lapworth is a village centred around a junction of canals (Grand Union meets Stratford upon Avon at Kinswood junction). A pleasant walk can include both the pubs whilst taking in the spectacular flight of locks on the Stratford Canal and the interesting junction with its barrel roofed lock keeper’s cottages. Nearby are the National Trust properties of Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House. You can easily spend a day here and if you take in the Boot, spend a lot of money. Pub-crawl wise, visit the Navigation and Boot, but eat in the Navigation, it's cheaper. For a really nice slightly longer summertime walk do a circular based on the canals and visit the Tom O' The Wood, Finwood End, Rowington. B4439, east of A3400 from Hockley Heath, or west of A41. Lapworth station is on the Birmingham Moor St - Solihull - Leamington line and is a fifteen minute walk from most of the pubs.
The Boot Old Warwick Road (B4439) Tel: 01564 782464 The Boot is the oldest pub in the village, with records going back to 1722. A gentleman named Tom Sly once brewed his own beer here. It has a reputation for good food, but it is expensive. It has a separate restaurant although the food can be eaten anywhere in the pub. The bars retain a pub atmosphere. Getting there: Post code B94 6JU. OS Grid Ref: SP 18114 71165. Website: www.bootinnlapworth.co.uk
The Navigation Old Warwick Road (B4439) Tel: 01564 783337 Solihull CAMRA Pub of the Year for four years from 1994 to 1997, this tastefully extended pub is very popular. Backing onto the Grand Union Canal the garden is always busy in the summer, whilst the small traditional bar and cosy lounge, although busy, are a pleasant escape from the pubs busy food operation. A guest beer is featured regularly. New kitchens and a restaurant were added in 1996. The cider varies. Food is served 12-2 Monday-Saturday; Sunday from 12-3, all evenings 6-9 and includes both vegetarian and children's dishes. Children are welcome at all times if well behaved. Getting there: Post code B94 6NA. OS Grid Ref: SP 19093 70924.
The Punchbowl Mill Lane Tel: 01564 784564 The previous Punchbowl, demolished during 1993-4, was a characterful but cramped 18th century pub. The new pub, typical of a Banks' rebuild, has little character, having "olde worlde" beams, tiled floor and distressed woodwork. It's a combination of a foodie/drinkers pub. Live music fortnightly, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday night. The garden is pleasant enough, with benches and a grassed area. Unfortunately it gives fine views of the car park. Getting there: Post code B94 6HR. OS Grid Ref: SP 18406 72002. Website: www.thepunchbowllapworth.com
Lowsonford, lying on the Heart of England Way is in what appears to be remote countryside where small country lanes predominate. The whole area is ideal for walking and cycling. 2 miles south of Lapworth (on B4439) and beside the Stratford upon Avon canal. North of Preston Bagot. 3 miles southeast of Junction 16 [A3400] of the M40.
Fleur de Lys Lapworth Street Tel: 01564 782431 If you don't know the area this pub can be difficult to find despite its large size and extensive gardens and play area. The garden overlooks the canal and is exceptionally pleasant to sit and drink in. The interior has a wealth of oak beams (mind your head!) and quarried floor tiles where, in winter, five open log fires make the pub warm and cosy. A wine of the week is featured and for the beer drinker two-pint carry-out containers are on hand. The guest beer is changed monthly. The pub is the home of the original Fleur de Lys pies, and is very much food orientated. If you're coming by canal it has its own moorings. Getting there: Post code B95 5HJ. OS Grid Ref: SP 18807 67876. Website: www.fleurdelys-lowsonford.com
A fairly large residential area not far from Solihull town centre and 10 miles drive from the NEC. Most elder residents of Solihull remember it for the Hay Lane tip, now it’s pleasant open parkland complete with a duck pond. South west of Solihull town centre, towards A34 Stratford Road
The Fieldhouse 10 Knightcote Drive Tel: 0121 711 8011 Once known as Chequers, and a dreadful pub it was... it is now part of the "Ember" chain and the 2007 Solihull CAMRA Pub of the Year. It has the best range of beers near Solihull town centre, normally 2 or 3 well-known ales changing periodically plus 2 or 3 more unusual ones changing frequently. Large and modern, it features four large fires (one real, three coal-effect) and pleasant patio areas (even though they overlook the car park). Only welcomes children if they are over 14 and dining. Regular quiz nights on Sundays and Tuesdays. Getting there: Post code B91 3JU. OS Grid Ref: SP 14625 77670.
A scattered village in pleasant countryside. A walk alongside the Stratford upon Avon canal rewards you with a view of the canal’s unique barrel vaulted lock keeper’s cottages and split bridges. On A4189, 2 miles east of Henley in Arden, near Stratford-upon-Avon canal.
The Crabmill Warwick Road (A4189) Tel: 01926 843342 An ex-Whitbread pub/restaurant near the Statford upon Avon canal just outside Henley in Arden. It describes itself as a "country pub and eating house". The traditional exterior belies the mock Mediterranean interior, which has polished timber, washed walls and wooden tables and chairs. A small back bar has sofas, but it is primarily a waiting area for those using the restaurant. The main preoccupation of this "pub" is food. Those who wish to drink only are not necessarily made welcome. The website lists only wine on its drinks page - no mention of beer or soft drinks. The main menus are on the expensive side with a reduced menu at lunchtime. The garden is both pleasant and large and is the only comfortable drinking area. Unfortunate, then, that it overlooks the car park. Getting there: Post code B95 5EE. OS Grid Ref: SP 17180 65390. Website: www.thecrabmill.co.uk
A collection of villages and hamlets beside the Old Warwick Road and the Grand Union Canal, Rowington is an ancient village known at the time of the Domesday Survey as Rochintone. Ideal for walking and cycling. Baddesley Clinton & Packwood House are National Trust properties within 2-3 miles. Follow B4439 east for 3 miles from Hockley Heath on A3400, or 3 miles west from Hatton on A4177.
Cock Horse Old Warwick Road (B4439) Tel: 01926 842183 A traditional oak beamed pub, which used to have a forge at one end. Popular, with a separate restaurant and extensive menu. The lounge/bar area is quite small which emphasises the "village local" character to the pub. Has occasional beer festivals with live music and has recently instituted a folk club and encouraged local artists through an exhibition of their work. Well worth a visit. Getting there: Post code CV35 7AA. OS Grid Ref: SP 20912 68817.
Tom o'the Wood Finwood Road Tel: 01564 782420 Modernised 18th century canalside pub, named after a local corn mill. Located in a rural setting between Lapworth and Rowington, the pub overlooks the Grand Union canal. Heavily into food, which is served in either the conservatory restaurant or elsewhere throughout the pub. Beer garden by canal side. Makes a pleasant circular pub crawl with the pubs in Lapworth. (Closed in summer 2008 - reopened October under new management.) See new website for details of live music and other entertainment. Getting there: Post code CV35 7DH. OS Grid Ref: SP 19394 69724. Website: www.tomothewood.com
Shirley and Solihull merge into one large conurbation. Shirley itself is ancient, originally bigger than Solihull as it was on a coaching route to London. However it has been engulfed by both housing and industrial development. Sadly only a very small proportion of Shirley's licensed premises serve real ale, but those that do are well worth a visit. You might also like to stop at the Colebrook on Haslucks Green Road. Shirley straddles the A34 Stratford Road, from the Hall Green (Birmingham) border in the north to Monkspath in the south. Numerous busses (S4,5,6,49,76,X20 etc) pass through from Birmingham towards Solihull and to Stratford. Shirley station on the Birmingham to Stratford upon Avon line, is a mile to the west of the A34, along Haslucks Green Road. Busses run between the station and Shirley.
Woodman's Rest Union Road Tel: 0121 745 3904 Most improved Solihull pub 2009. Recently refurbished Ember Inn in a suburban setting. Comfortable and well furnished, catering for diners as well as drinkers. Under 14s welcome when eating. Can get busy especially later on. Seven beers usually on; the regulars being Greene King and Ipa, with Blacksheep or Purity UBU. The three guests are from the monthly Ember Inns monthly list and have been known to include beers rarely seen around these parts. Getting there: Post code B90 3DB. OS Grid Ref: SP 12700 78490.
An attractive, traditional English village and ancient Saxon settlement with a village green, church, pub and bounded by the River Alne. Umberslade Children's Farm is nearby. Some 13 miles from the NEC by road. South of M42 J3. Between Wood End and Danzey Green rail stations (1 mile from either) on the Stratford upon Avon line.
The Bell The Green Tel: 01564 742212 This large, comfortable pub in an idyllic setting opposite the church has had an interesting history. Between 1939 and 1972 the landlord was Jack Hood, British and European Boxing Champion from 1926 to 1935 when he retired after 200 consecutive undefeated fights. The pub was featured extensively in the TV soap opera Crossroads and two episodes of the BBC drama Dangerfield. It has a separate, basic bar, which is used by the locals. The lounge cum restaurant has been reburbished and is a mixture of old and modern. The patio area overlooks the car park. Getting there: Post code B94 5AL. OS Grid Ref: SP 11290 70555. Website: www.thebellattanworthinarden.co.uk
An ancient village in picturesque countryside near Henley. Dean's Green Nature Reserve is close by. Good area for walking and cycling. Less than 2 miles south of Danzey Green station on the Stratford upon Avon line. Just north of the A4189, joining Henley in Arden on the A3400 (2-3 miles to the east) and Redditch on the A435 to the west; junctions 4 and 3 respectively of the M42, not far from the NEC.
Winged Spur Main Road Tel: 01564 792005 An unassuming open plan village pub with nooks and crannies. The pub won an award from Solihull CAMRA for the improvements in beer range and choice during 2004. A good choice of home-cooked food is available. The outdoor seating area has been refurbished and is screened from the car park. The name derives from the emblem of the Knight family who lived at Barrells Hall, now a ruin. It was known in the early 18th century as the Catherlough Arms. Good walks around the area make it popular with hikers during summer months. Open from 8.30am to 2.30am, 7 days per week. Getting there: Post code B95 5PA. OS Grid Ref: SP 12200 67430. Website: www.thewingedspur.com
A pleasant rural area adjoining Earlswood, and popular with walkers and cyclists, nearby are the famous Wedges bakery and a model steam railway open at weekends. You can also visit the Bulls Head, a Thwaites house, unusual in Solihull. Leave the Blue Bell along the road which follows alongside the Stratford upon Avon canal. The Bulls Head is a quarter of a mile down the lane on the right at the junction with the B4102, on Salter Street. Accessible by car or bicycle (or boat). From the M42 at junction 4 head north towards Birmingham. After a mile take the left turn, signposted Cheswick Green. Pass the village and at a crossroad, turn left toward Hockley Heath. Then after a quarter of a mile fork right, the pub is about a half mile along the road on the left hand side. It is by the bridge over the Stratford-upon-Avon canal.
Blue Bell Cider House Warings Green Road Tel: 01564 702328 Standing beside the Stratford Canal this pub is renowned by cider drinkers as a mecca for the real stuff. Today it still serves real Medium and Sweet Cider from Bulmer's and usually has at least two real ales. One is usually a well-known national brand whilst the other is usually from a smaller one. A popular pub in summer with an extensive garden, it also has a bar, lounge and a conservatory for families. Up until the 1930s it was a working farm and brewed its own beer to slake the thirst of the navvies working on the canal. The brewhouse still stands behind the pub. It is also one of the very few free houses in Solihull. The bar sports darts, cribbage and dominoes. For those arriving by boat eight temporary moorings are available. Solihull CAMRA Most Improved Pub of the Year 2002 Getting there: Post code B94 6BP. OS Grid Ref: SP 12860 74275.
Stock-broker belt Wood End station on Stratford-upon-Avon line. B4101, just SW of M40 / M42 junction
Old Royal Oak Broad Lane Tel: 01564 742346 A roadside country pub belonging to the Pubmaster group, with a welcoming atmosphere attracting a friendly crowd of regulars from the surrounding area. A central bar is flanked by drinking areas with a cosy open fire in winter. There are regular quizzes and seasonal events such as live music and pig roasts in summer. There is an Indian restaurant at the back of the pub where the former bistro called the "Warwickshire Lad" used to be (the former name of the pub). Beer garden away from the road. Getting there: Post code B94 5DP. OS Grid Ref: SP 10838 71712.
Coach & Horses Weatheroak Hill, Alvechurch Tel: 01564 823386 Excellent rural pub with bar food and restaurant. Hosts own beer festivals. Some beers are from the (unconnected) brewery in the front garden. Plenty of seating in the garden and paved areas. Popular in summer. Large car park. Food varies from simple bar meals to a full restaurant. Getting there: Post code B48 7EA. OS Grid Ref: SP 05654 74068. Website: www.coachandhorsesinn.co.uk
Photos: Gordon Clarke, Robert Cawte, Chris Lloyd
| 
