Real Ale Reporter Archive

In order to keep page sizes down, reports are periodically moved here from the frequently-updated Real Ale Reporter.

Many of the reports include numbers like this [4]. These are beer ratings, using the system devised by CAMRA (see table to right). Numbers like this (4.5%) show the strength of the beer or ABV.

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sat 26 Feb: Fuller's Bengal Lancer [4]- absolutely superb, Hook Norton Jackpot (alias Best Bitter), Brains The Rev. James, Greene King Abbot and M&B Brew XI.

Nag's Head in Henley in Arden
Sat 26 Feb: Wadworth 6X, Bombardier[3.5]

Blue Bell in Henley in Arden
Sat 26 Feb: Silhill 37[3.5], Hookey Both £3.10/pint. Guinness £1.90/half.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 23 Feb: a couple of dark beers Blindman Siberia [4] and Ohanlon Port Stout [3.5] and even after the stronger ones Silhill 3.7 [3.5] thanks to Dawn and the brewers.

Weatherspoons - T2 departures in Birmingham Airport
Sun 20 Feb: Ruddles Best [2.5], Abbot [3], Speckled Hen & Martsons Pedigree

The Dragonfly in Birmingham Airport
Mon 21 Feb: Ruddles Best [2.5] & Abbot

The Forest in Dorridge
Fri 18 Feb: Wye Valley HPA [4], Hobsons Bitter [3] & Weatheroak Victoria Works [3]

The Railway in Dorridge
Fri 18 Feb: Brew XI, Bass, Mad Goose[4] Black Sheep

Drum & Monkey in 4 Ashes
Fri 18 Feb: Abbot, Greene King IPA, Speckled Hen & Tolly Cobbold Phoenix [3]

Bulls Head in Barston
Sun 20 Feb: Sharps Doom Bar [3], Adnams Bitter, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter and Purity Mad Goose.

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 19 Feb: Young's Bitter [3], Adnams Bitter and Wadworth 6X.

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 13 Feb: Adnams Bitter [3], Hobsons Best Bitter and Wadworth 6X, all selling well.

The Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 12 Feb: Marston's Pedigree, Wentworth Imperial [2.5], Adnams Bitter [3], Wadsworth 6X, Oakham JHB [3.5] and an impromptu trip round the cellar after a case of swapped cask/pump. Certainly no cask breather here.

The Red Lion in Knowle
Thu 10 Feb: Abbot Ale, Barnsley Bitter, BrewXI, Rev.James(Brains), Purity UBU[3.5]

Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath
Mon 7 Feb: Beartown Bear Ass [4], Black Sheep Best Bitter, Courage Directors and Best Bitter.

Drawbridge in Majors Green
Sat 5 Feb: Greene King IPA, Bombardier, Courage Directors[3.5]

Blue Bell Cider House in Warings Green
Sat 29 Jan: Wye Valey HPA [3.5] Butty Bach [2.5] also Wye Valley Doroth Goodbody Golden Ale and 3 ciders: Cheddar Valley, Black Rat and Black Dragon Welsh

Blue Bell in Warings Green
Wed 26 Jan: Wye Valley HPA [4]; Wye Valley Butty Bach [3]; Wye Valley Bitter. NB. This seems to be exclusively Wye Valley beers at the moment.

White Swan in Solihull
Sun 30 Jan: Silhill 37, Silhill 40, Leeds New Moon 4.3% (a dark beer) [4], Sadlers JPA 3.8% [4], Abbott Ale

Vaults in Knowle
Sun 30 Jan: Salopian Treasure Trove (4.0%) [4] was very enjoyable, also tried Silhill 3.7% [3] - first time we have seen this in Solihull.

Railway in Dorridge
Sat 29 Jan: Purity Mad Goose in excellent condition(4.5%) [4]

The Navigation in Lapworth
Sat 29 Jan: Holdens Bitter [4], only one beer on in this quiet period, but in fine form. Log fire most welcome

Rowington Club in Rowington
Sat 29 Jan: Church End Reindeer (3.7) [3], Flowers IPA [2.5], Blindmans Bah Humbug! [2.5]

Earlswood Motor Yacht (club) in Lady Lane, Earlswood
Sat 29 Jan: 2 draught ciders (Thatchers Trad and Cheddar Valley) St Austell Tribute [3]. New to real ale since late 2010, and a warm welcome. Another canalside watering hole

The Railway in Dorridge
Fri 28 Jan: Old Rosie draught cider, London Pride, mild available not on view, Bass, Brew XI, Sharps Doombar, Purity Mad Goose [3.5] and a real fire.

The Vaults in Knowle
Fri 28 Jan: Good selection including draught cider, Adnams Lighthouse (3.4%) [3.5], Silhill 3.7 [3]

White Lion in Hampton in Arden
Fri 28 Jan: Brew XI, Purity Mad Goose, Black Sheep, Sharps Doombar [4] St Austell Tribute [3]

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 26 Jan: Titanic Stout [3.5]; Coach House Farriers Best [2.5]; Mordue Workie Ticket; Silhill 4.0 plus 3 others

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 22 Jan: Marstons Pedigree, Wadsworth 6X, Gales Seafarer (3.6%) [3], Adnams Bitter [3.5] and Slaters something coming soon.

Greswolde in Knowle
Thu 20 Jan: Bombadier; Southwold Bitter; Old Hooky[3.5]

Sharman's Cross in Solihull
Mon 17 Jan: Marston's EPA, Black Sheep, Purity UBU[3]

Metro Bar in Solihull
Sat 8 Jan: Silhill 4.0 [3]

Saddler's Arms in Solihull
Sat 8 Jan: Jennings Redbreast [3]

White Swan in Solihull
Sat 8 Jan: Cairngorm Wildcat [4], Springhead Roaring Meg [2.5], Springhead Bramley Apple [2], Ringwood Fortyniner [3], Slater's Why Knot.

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 1 Jan: Wadworth 6X [4] and Adnams Bitter.

Red Lion in SHIRLEY, SOLIHULL
Mon 20 Dec: St Austell Tinners (3.7%) [4] and also Wadsworth 6X, Pedigree and Adnams Bitter

Wheatsheaf (Toby Carvery) in Sheldon
Fri 17 Dec: Just yards outside our Branch boundary, on the Coventry Road. Bass [3.5] and M&B Brew XI. There had also been a guest ale on but it had run out(possibly a Batemans beer, judging by the shape of the pump clip but I didn't get to see what it was).

The Drawbridge in Majors Green
Thu 16 Dec: Only GK IPA available, but they say the other 2 had sold out and more has been delivered, just needs to settle (fair point). Bombardier is the other regular and the rotating guest is often Directors, but they've had Adnams Broadside and have Everards Tiger next.

The Colebrook in Haslucks Green
Thu 16 Dec: GK IPA, Marston's Pedigree and several pump clips turned round, but Purity UBU to save the day.

Metro Bar in Solihull
Wed 15 Dec: Silhill 40[2] potentially good but tepid

Sharman's Cross in Solihull
Sun 12 Dec: Marston's EPA, (£1.99), Black Sheep + 1 other

The Saxon in Cheswick green
Mon 13 Dec: Cumberland Ale, Enville Ale[4] These are both guests form an ever rotating list of 16

Punchbowl in Lapworth
Mon 13 Dec: Wells Bombardier [2.5] and Greene King IPA.

Reservoir in Earlswood
Sun 5 Dec: Guest ale was Okells Red (4.7%) [4]. This was in superb condition but was served too cold. Also on the pumps was Greene King IPA.

Drum and Monkey in Dorridge
Mon 6 Dec: All the usual Greene King beers, and a seasonal one Fireside (4.5%) [3], and the real fires were alight, very pleasant.

White Swan in Solihull
Fri 3 Dec: Hardy and Hanson (3 beers), Warwickshire Darling Buds (4%) [3] and a seasonal beer (4.2%) [3]

Red Lion in Shirley
Fri 3 Dec: Slaters Why Not [3], Marston's Pedigree, Wadsworth 6X, Cottage Polar Express

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Wed 1 Dec: Adnams Bitter [3.5], Hobsons Best Bitter and Wadworth 6X.

Plough in Shustoke
Sun 28 Nov: A little bit off our 'patch' but Cask Marque accredited and worth a visit. Black Sheep Best Bitter [4], Bass, Banks' Bitter and Greene King Morland Old Speckled Hen.

The Lyndon in Olton
Sat 27 Nov: Bombadier [2] Slightly cloudy, may have been past its best.

Drawbridge in Majors green
Sat 27 Nov: Greene King IPA only (two other pump clips turned round) [3.5]

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Wed 24 Nov: UBU [4.5] Scottish Heather Beer [3.5]

The Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Mon 22 Nov: Hobsons Bitter [4]

White Swan in Solihull
Sat 20 Nov: Springhead (3.8%)Bramley Apple [3], and it was beer, not cider and White Horse (4.8%) Sniveller's Corner [3.5]. Busy with all ages, which was good to see, and good service.

Ye Olde Saracens Head in Balsall Common
Sat 13 Nov: Not quite on our 'patch' but worth a look. Wychwood Hobgoblin [3], Marstons Pedigree and Banks' Bitter.

Bernies in Shirley
Fri 12 Nov: The most important event since our beer festival: Bernies has reopened after a spot of building work. (it took longer than expected) Pictish (4.2%)Alchemy [4], also available Phoenix White Monk, Tim Taylor Landlord and JAIPUR. What more could you want ?

Red Lion in Alvechurch
Fri 5 Nov: Purity UBU [4.5] Cost=£3.05 ouch! Food excellent. Worth a visit for the food alone

The Vaults in Knowle
Wed 3 Nov: St Austell Tribute [4]

The Forest in Dorridge
Thu 28 Oct: Timothy Taylor [4] Hobsons Best Bitter [4] Lunchtime bar food was excellent.

The Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 30 Oct: Marstons Pedigree, Wadsworth 6X [3], Brains SA [3] and Adnams Bitter, that's 2 beers I haven't seen there before.

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 30 Oct: Adnams Bitter [3.5], Hobsons Best Bitter and Wadworth 6X.

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sat 23 Oct: Old Mill Fire & Brimstone (3.9%) [4], Newmans Wolvers Ale (4.1%), M&B Brew XI, Wadworth 6X, Greene King Abbot and Purity Pure UBU.

The Assembly Rooms in SOLIHULL
Sat 23 Oct: Hawkshead (4.2%) Red [3] and Cairngorm (4.4%) Black Gold [4]. A couple of pumps showed "coming soon" clips and 1 beer was not available, but the pump clip was still showing. Please keep the branch informed of similar issues

Weighbridge in Alvechurch
Sat 23 Oct: beer festival - 30 to choose from - best was Jarrow's (4%) Rivet Catcher, one of several very trad bitters [4]

Red Lion in Shirley
Fri 22 Oct: Wadsworth 6X [3] Marstons EPA [3], new, slightly sweet. Joe says it is the new fast cask as seen in What's Brewing. Why not try it ?

Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath
Sat 16 Oct: Courage Best Bitter [3] and Courage Directors. The guest ale (Wadworth 6X) was not available - pump clip removed upon enquiry.

drawbridge inn in majors green
Fri 15 Oct: not nice

Black Swan in Henley-in-Arden
Mon 11 Oct: Batemans XB [3], Wadworth 6X, Hobsons Best Bitter and Ansells Mild.

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Sat 9 Oct: GK IPA, Bombardier, Brew Dog Edge(3.2%)[4], Shep Neame Canterbury Jack(3.5%)[2.5]

Vaults in Knowle
Fri 8 Oct: Birds Black Widow Stout 4.8% [4.5] Roosters Yankee 4.3% [4.0]

Woodmans Rest in Solihull
Sun 3 Oct: Wadworth 6X [3], Greene King Abbot and IPA. These are the only real ales on today.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 29 Sep: Springhead Liberty[3.5], Springhead Leveller[4], Mad Goose[3.5], Tetley's Mad/Red(?)[3.5] Slaters Premium

Saxon in Cheswick Green
Wed 15 Sep: Now 3 real ales on tap. Wye Valley Butty Bach (4.5%) [3], Jennings Cumberland Ale (4.0%), Marston's Pedigree (4.5%)

Masons Arms in Solihull
Sun 19 Sep: Marstons EPA [4], Wadworth 6X [4] and Bass.

White Swan in Solihull
Sun 19 Sep: Springhead Newark [4],Springhead bitter(?) [3.5], Deuchars IPA [3.5], Highgate What the Fox's Nob, Purity Gold

Olton Sailing Club in Olton
Sun 19 Sep: Bristol 7 [3.5]

Ye Olde Saracens Head in Balsall Common
Sat 11 Sep: Guest beer: Morrells Varsity [4] @ £2.75/pint. This beer has been "brought back for one month only to mark the start of another academic year", according to Marston's advertising leaflet. The regular beers are Marstons Pedigree and Banks' Bitter. The Varsity is well worth a try - as is the pub.

Weatherspoons in Terminal 2 departures - Birmingham Airport
Thu 9 Sep: Dont believe the bar had a name. Abbot, Old Speckled Hen, Marstons Pedigree & Ruddles Best [3]

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes.
Wed 1 Sep: Hobsons Bitter 4 Adnams Bitter 4 Food was v good at lunchtime. Worth a visit.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 25 Aug: Springhead Bitter [4.5] Purity Gold [4.0]

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Tue 24 Aug: Purity UBU [4.5] Black Sheep Golden Sheep [3.5] Plenty of time to enjoy the beer as it took half an hour to serve lunch, which was very good.

Drum & Monkey in Bentley Heath
Mon 16 Aug: Greene King LBW [3], IPA, Abbot and Morland Old Speckled Hen.

Bulls Head in Barston
Sun 15 Aug: Purity Mad Goose [3.5], Adnams Bitter, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter and St. Austell Tribute.

Shelly Farm in Shirley
Thu 5 Aug: Blacksheep, UBU[4]

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Thu 29 Jul: Now re-opened following refurbishment, with more overt 'Chef & Brewer' branding and chunky furniture. Beers on were Adnams Bitter, Hobsons Best Bitter and Wadworth 6X.

Masons Arms in Solihull
Thu 29 Jul: Draught Bass and Marstons EPA.

Field House in Monkspath
Sat 17 Jul: Lunched at F.H. Service was slow but food well worth waiting for. Had plenty of time to enjoy Purity UBU. It was so good that I award it a [5] without hesitation.

Bluebell Cider House in Warings Green
Sun 18 Jul: Deuchars IPA[3.5], Everards Golden(?) [3.5] Other pump clip turned round, 3 real ciders on.

The Forest in Dorridge
Sun 18 Jul: Wye Valley HPA [5]

The Railway in Dorridge
Fri 16 Jul: The usual plus Purity Mad Goose [4] & St Austell Tribute [2.5]

The Black Swan in Henley In Arden
Fri 16 Jul: Ansells Mild, Batemans XB, Hobsons Bitter & Dartmoor Best Bitter [3]

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sun 18 Jul: Bateman's Daddy's Little Fella (4.1%) [4], Thwaites Tale Wagger (4.2%) [3], Wadworth Henry's Original IPA, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Puruty UBU and M&B Brew XI.

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Mon 12 Jul: Hobsons Best Bitter [3.5], Adnams Bitter plus Wadworth 6X as the guest ale. This pub is closing on Monday 19th July for refurbishment and due to re-open on Thursday 29th July.

The Three Tuns in Henley In Arden
Thu 8 Jul: Great little pub Fullers London Pride, Hook Nortons Old Hooky & Warwickshire Beer Company's Best Bitter [3] They try to support local breweries. Have 4 real ales from september through to May but drop down to 3 when (and if) we get a summer.

Blue Bell Cider House in Warings Green
Sun 11 Jul: Approx. 8.00pm on a Sunday & only real ale on was Riding Best Bitter (3.6%)[2]

The Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Wed 7 Jul: Naylor's Pinnacle [3] and Goffs Mordred [3] and an award presentation night, for which they laid on an excellent buffet with superb cheese

The Drawbridge in Majors Green
Mon 5 Jul: Perhaps the last sighting of a Davenport beer (as the brewery has gone into administration) guest beer was a football world cup themed bitter from Bateman [3]

Saracen's head in Shirley
Mon 5 Jul: Bombardier[3.5] Not sure about the font-style hand pump though.

The Bluebell Cider House in Warings Green
Wed 7 Jul: Beer quality has declined dramatically over last 4 weeks. Deuchars [0] Same for the other guest beers [1]

Black Boy in Heronfield, Knowle
Mon 5 Jul: Abbeydale Daily Bread (3.8%) [3], Sharps Doom Bar, St. Austell Tribute and Fullers London Pride.

White Swan in Solihull
Sun 4 Jul: Wentworth Summer Lovin' (4.6%) [3]; Springhead Springhead [3.5]; Springhead Roaring Meg; Davenports Drop O' The Dragon [2.5]; Davenports Fox's Nob

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 3 Jul: Batemans Englands Glory - We've Blown It! (4.0%) [3.5], Davenports Fox's Nob and Adnams Bitter.

Wilsons Arms in Knowle
Sat 3 Jul: Marstons Pedigree [3], M&B Brew XI and Hook Norton Old Hooky.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 3 Jul: Elgoods Black Dog [3], Mordue IPA, Highgate Black Pig, Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger, Deuchars IPA plus regulars Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best.

Drum & Monkey in Four Ashes/Dorridge
Mon 28 Jun: Greene King IPA, Back of the Net & St. Edmunds [3]

Ye Olde Saracens Head in Balsall Common
Sat 26 Jun: Marstons Pedigree [3] and Banks' Bitter. The guest beer had run out but had been Ringwood Old Thumper.

The Plume of Feathers in Shirley
Sat 26 Jun: GK IPA and Marstons. Note fun dat in aid of charity on Saturday 10th July (10-3) BBQ, bouncy castle and falconry...... they are new to real ale, so why not support them.

The Colebrook Inn in Haslucks Green
Sat 26 Jun: GK IPA and Marston's and only 2 guests (several pump clips turned round) but at least 1 was UBU.

The Drawbridge in Majors Green
Sat 26 Jun: Only Davenports England's Glory on today. Hope tis isn't a long term trend. Still cask marque

Navigation in Lapworth
Tue 22 Jun: St. Austell Tribute [3], Holdens Black Country Bitter, Black Sheep Best Bitter and Timothy Taylor Landlord, plus Gwynt y Ddraig Old Timer Cider.

Woodmans Rest in Solihull
Sat 19 Jun: Mostly Greene King beers on: Thirsty Dragon (4.0%) [3.5], IPA, Abbot and Old SPeckled Hen, plus Courage Directors and Purity UNB.

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Mon 14 Jun: Davenports Beer Hunter (4.5%) - a wheat beer, and very good [4], Davenports Busy Fool and Adnams Bitter.

Griffin in Shustoke
Mon 14 Jun: Griffin Inn Brewery Griffins Pale Ale (5.9%) [4] - superb, RCH Pitchfork, Wye Valley HPA, Marstons Pedigree, Jennings Dark Mild, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Holdens Golden Glory, Kelham Island Tumbling Dice, York Brewery Englands Pride and Theakstons Old Peculier.

HogsHead in Solihull
Thu 10 Jun: Fullers London Pride and Wells Bombardier. Also on is a beer called Hogs Best (4.0%) but no indication on the pump clip as to who brews it.

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Mon 7 Jun: Davenports Busy Fool (4.3%) [3] and Adnams Bitter [3].

Red Lion in Knowle
Sun 6 Jun: Elgoods Black Dog [4], York Guzzler, Greene King Thirsty Dragon, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Greene King Abbot and M&B Brew XI.

Durham Ox in Shrewley
Sun 6 Jun: Greene King Hardy & Hansons Olde Trip [3], Ruddles Best and Greene King IPA.

Bulls Head in Wootton Wawen
Mon 31 May: Banks' Bitter [3], Marstons Pedigree and Wychwood Hobgoblin.

Navigation Inn in Wootton Wawen
Mon 31 May: Again, just out of our branch area but worth going the 'extra mile'. Hook Norton Hooky Bitter [3], Greene King Ruddles County and Shepherd Neame Spitfire.

Ye Olde Saracens Head in Balsall Common
Sat 29 May: Not quite on our 'patch' but worth a visit. Marstons Pedigree [3.5], Ringwood Old Thumper [3.5] and Banks' Bitter.

Masons Arms in Solihull
Sat 22 May: Marstons EPA.[3]

Forest in Dorridge
Sat 22 May: Wye Valley HPA.[4.5]Excellent.This is a regular but there may be a change soon?

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Fri 21 May: Thwaites Highwayman, Nethergate Mary's Ruby Mild, Tetley's Bitter, O'Hanlon's Firefly[1], Caledonian Mild Mayhem[3], Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger, Ruddles Bitter.

Hogshead in solihull west mids
Mon 24 May: Fullers London Pride 4.5% [1] very poor condition (end of barrel?)

whit swan in solihull
Mon 24 May: Purity Gold Purity 4.6% [5] brilliant. Barman recommended UBU also. Foxs Nob Davenports Highgate 4.3 [4] Black tom 3.8% Highgate dark mild Slaters …. Magic 3.4%

assembly rooms solihull in solihull west mids
Mon 24 May: Thwaites Highwaymans 4% Marys ruby mild nethergate 4.5% Tetleys Ohanlons firefly 3.7% [1] left ½ pint so dissapointingly poor, may have been end of barrel. Caledonian mild mayhem 3.5% [3] Bishops finger shepherd neame 5% [3] Abbot ale Ruddles bitter

Grenville snooker club in Solihull
Sat 22 May: Elland Earthbound(4.8%) [5] Should be on for the rest of the week.

Bulls Head in Barston
Sun 23 May: Adnams Bitter [3], Purity Mad Goose, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter and St. Austell Tribute.

Black Swan in Henley in Arden
Sun 23 May: Bateman's XB, Tribute, Blacksheep, Dartmoor Bitter[3.5]

White Swan in Henley in Arden
Sun 16 May: Black Sheep, Purity Gold, Doombar, Tribute 3.5

Masons Arms in Solihull
Sat 15 May: Bass & Marstons EPA [3]

Coach House in Solihull
Sat 15 May: Hobgoblin had just finished. Pub closes 17th May for refurbishment.

Railway in Dorridge
Sat 15 May: Purity Mad Goose (4.2%)in excellent condition [4].

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Fri 14 May: A great choice today: Mordue IPA, York Centurion Ghost, Moorhouses Pride of Pendle,Phoenix Double Gold, Naylors Merlins Revenge, Rudgate Ruby Mild, Coleigh Osprey as well as the usual Ruddles and Abbott.

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sun 9 May: Thwaites Nutty Black [3], Adnams Broadside, Ringwood Fortyniner, Wells Bombardier, Purity Pure UBU and M&B Brew XI.

Drum & Monkey in Bentley Heath, Dorridge
Sun 9 May: Greene King IPA, Abbot, Morland Old Speckled Hen and Tolly Cobbold Phoenix (4.2%) [3.5].

Wetherspoons - NEC in Bickenhill
Wed 5 May: GK Abbot [2.5] and 2 pump clips for different Pedigrees showing, but both off. Overpriced too. This is not a good example of a Wetherspoon pub.

Griffin in Shustoke
Wed 28 Apr: Griffin Gorgeous George[4], Chiswick Bitter, Jennings Dark Mild(3.1), Old Hookey, Pedigree, Old Peculier, Sarah Hughes Ruby Mild, Warwickshire Lady Godiva, Morgan's Churchill's Best, RCH Pitchfork, Griffin Golden Griffin (sampled)[3.5]

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 24 Apr: Greene King IPA [3.5], Wells Bombardier and Courage Best Bitter.

The Drawbridge in Majors Green
Sat 24 Apr: Bombardier, and 2 Davenport's guests: Fox's Knob and St George Pride of England [3] but all 3 beers similar strength

Colebrook in Shirley
Sat 17 Apr: Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted [0]was replaced without question by Purity UBU [3.5]. Concerning that the Bitter & Twisted was left on though as it was definitely off.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 14 Apr: The Wetherspons festival continues with 'try 3 ales for £1.69 (£1.19 with your CAMRA voucher! On offer yesterday I tried Everards Flourish [3], Caledonian Old Seadog [4], Kelham Island Night Rider [4.5], Val Dieu Abbaye Blonde [4], Granny Wouldn't Like it [3.5], Maui Coconut Porter, Wadworth Farmer's Glory, Batemans Waynflete Hedgerows. Fremlins Bitter was about to come on. Elgoods Hawkwind and Sharps Gentle Jane had just finished.

Dog Inn in Nether Whitacre
Sun 11 Apr: Well worth a trip out to this pub. Brains Bitter [4], Wells Bombardier, Marstons Pedigree, Tetley Dark Mild and Timothy Taylor Landlord, with Purity Mad Goose almost ready to be put on.

Ye Olde Saracens Head in Balsall Common
Sat 10 Apr: Not on our 'patch' but close. Jennings Sneck Lifter [3.5], Banks' Bitter [3.5] and Marstons Pedigree. Beers are in good condition. Currently doing 2 for 1 meals all day every day.

Drawbridge in Major's Green
Sat 10 Apr: After refurbishment is now a Flaming Grill Pub, a concept Punch is trying out. Only 3 handpumps: Charles Wells Bombardier, Davenports Fox's Nob & England Glory [3]

Drum & Monkey in Bentley Heath, Dorridge
Mon 5 Apr: Greene King IPA [3.5] in good condition. This was the only real ale on as the pub has now closed for a refurbishment.

Black Boy in Heronfield, Knowle
Sun 4 Apr: Roosters Huntsman Ale (3.7%) [3], St. Austell Tribute, Fullers London Pride and Tetley Cask Bitter.

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 3 Apr: Davenports Beer Hunter [3] and Davenports Irish Whiskey Ale (still selling well). The Courage Bitter had run out.

Brasshouse in Birmingham
Fri 2 Apr: Timothy Taylor Landlord [3], Banks' Bitter, Marston's EPA and Pedigree.

Sharman's Cross in Sharman's Cross, Shirley
Sat 3 Apr: Bank's Bitter, Marston's Pedigree [3] an old standard but really not bad. Purity UBU promised for Tuesday.

Black Swan in Henley In Arden
Thu 1 Apr: Purity Mad Goose [3.5], Adnams Bitter, Black Sheep & Batemans XB

The Reservoir in Earlswood
Wed 31 Mar: Pedigree & Daleside Spring Frenzy (3.4%) [0] I took the beer back and the barman told me that guest ales didnt taste like Brew or Bass....Refused to take it off. He is a lager drinker he informed me.

Harvester in Olton
Tue 30 Mar: Five beers on again. Davenports Original Bitter (4%), Davenports Foxs Nob (4.4%), GK Abbot Ale, Wells Bombardier and TT Landlord. Being the boring ol so and so that I am I only tried the Landlord [5], which was in perfect condition.

Boad Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 28 Mar: Davenports irish Whiskey Ale [3.5], Fox's Nob and Courage Best Bitter.

Wilson Arms in Knowle
Sat 27 Mar: Black Sheep Best Bitter [4] in very good condition, Marstons Pedigree and M&B Brew XI. The Pedigree looked in good condition too. One bank of pumps had a Wells Bombardier pump clip turned round.

Masons Arms in Solihull
Thu 25 Mar: Bass [4] in superb condition, and Marstons Pedigree.

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Thu 25 Mar: Greene King Abbot, Fuller's London Pride Ossett Brewery's Snowdrop(4.2%) [5]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 17 Mar: Salopian Prohibition [4], Robinsons Double Hop, Titanic New World, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Stonehenge Pigswill, Box Steam Funnel Blower, Skinners Figgy's Brew, Ruddles Best, Purity UBU, Abbott Ale - what a choice!

Bulls Head in Barston
Wed 17 Mar: Purity Mad Goose [3.5], St Austell Tribute [4] Old Hooky & Adnams Bitter

The Red Lion in Knowle
Sun 14 Mar: Warwickshire Beer Co.'s Ffiagra (3.8%) [3], Abbot Ale, Pedigree, Brew XI, Old Hooky

The Red Lion in Shirley
Wed 10 Mar: Top Totty [4]

The Drawbridge in Majors Green
Sun 7 Mar: Good choice of guest beers. Slater's Top Totty [2] tasted OK but a bit cloudy. See how it goes after their redecoration closure later this month

Harvester in Olton
Wed 10 Mar: Five beers on today: Jennings Sneck Lifter (5.1%) [3.5], Spitfire, G.K. Abbot, Why Valley Butty Bach and TT Landlord

Drum & Monkey in Four Ashes
Tue 9 Mar: Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen & Charles Wells Bombadier [3] IPA & Speckled Hen are now regulars. Possibly adding Abbott and will be having 1 guest. Looking at possibility of having Timothy Taylors Landlord as a regular rather than Abbott.

Fleur De Lys in Lowsonford
Tue 9 Mar: Greene King IPA & Greene King Abbott [4] No guest ale at the moment

Arden Club in SOLIHULL
Tue 9 Mar: Note the three beers now! Ruddles County, Spitfire, Adnams Oyster Stout[4]

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Sun 7 Mar: Hop Back Crop Circle [4], Goffs Mordue, Fullers London Pride & Ruddles Best.

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Sat 6 Mar: Black Sheep[3.5], Spitfire[3.5], Batemans 3XB[4], Wadworth 6X, Abbot, GK IPA.

Griffin Inn in Shustoke
Wed 3 Mar: Griffin Brewery Terry the Tent (4.5%) [3.5], Stonehenge Great Bustard (4.8%) [3], Wye Valley Butty Bach, Theakstons Old Peculier, RCH Pitchfork, Marstons Pedigree, Banks' Original, Hook Norton Old Hooky and Ringwood Old Thumper.

The Drawbridge in Majors Green
Thu 4 Mar: Springhead; Davenport Cupid; Brains Bread something and Slater's Top Totty (not a bad range).

The White Swan in Henley In Arden
Thu 4 Mar: Sharp's Doombar [4], St Austell Tribute, Purity Pure Gold & Black Sheep

British Legion in Solihull
Wed 3 Mar: Hobsons Twisted Spire [3.5] - nearly at the end of the barrel, so not as good condition as it was a couple of days ago.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 4 Mar: Oakham Bishops Farewell [4.5],Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Grainstore Triple B, Holdens Golden Glow, Jennings Sneck Lifter, Banks & Taylor S.O.D. Three Bees (Blackburn)Pinch Noggin, Flankers Tackle, Ruddles Best & Abbot Ale. Abbot Special Reserve (6.5%) coming soon. Surely something for everyone there!

Blue Bell Cider House in Warings Green
Mon 1 Mar: Holts 1849 [3], Caledonian Deuchars IPA and Courage Directors. Ciders available were Moles Black Rat Premium Cider, Thatchers Heritage and Cheddar Valley Traditional Cider.

Dog Inn in Nether Whitacre
Sun 28 Feb: Young's Kew Gold [4], Tetley's Dark Mild, Theakston's Best Bitter, Wells Bombardier, Marston's Pedigree and Timothy Taylor's Landlord.

The Railway in Dorridge
Thu 25 Feb: Bass, Brew XI, Greene King Abbott Ale, St Austell Tribute [4] & Adnams Gunhill [3]

The Forest in Dorridge
Thu 25 Feb: Wye Valley HPA [4] Warwickshire Beer Company - Darling Buds [3.5]

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 21 Feb: Davenports Highland Whisky Ale [3], Davenports Englands Glory and Courage Best Bitter. Jeannette also liked the Highland Whisky Ale and said that, as a non-dreer binker she'd give it 5.

White Swan in Solihull
Sat 20 Feb: Burton Ale [3.5] rare, Slater's Top Totty [3.5], also Bradgy Conwy Rampart, Warwick Duck Soup and Purity Gold

Bulls Head in Barston
Sat 20 Feb: St Austell Tribute [4] and Courage Directors [3] (delievered by mistake) also Adnams and Hookey Bitter

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 20 Feb: Warwick Brewery - Church Yard [4.9%) [3]

Bernies off-licence in Shirley, Cranmore
Fri 19 Feb: Excellent new beer - Blond [3.5] from Wharfbank brewery in Yorkshire. Must be a new brewery as I can't find it in the GBG

Red Lion in Shirley
Thu 18 Feb: Slaters Top Totty [4.5]

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Solihull
Wed 17 Feb: Phoenix Spotland Gold 4.1% [4.5], Pictish Claymore 4.5% [4], Bobs Brewing Co (Ossett) Love Potion 4.5% [4.5], Hobsons Old Henry 5.2%. Taylor Landlord. Coming next: Beerworks (Sheffield) Doctor Morton's famous Brain Wash 4.8%, Ossett Excelsior 5.2%, Wharfebank Brewery Tether Blonde 4.1% & Kelham Island American Land 4.5%. Bernies continues to excel in real ale choice!

The Farm in Monkspath
Tue 16 Feb: Black Sheep Bitter & Purity UBU [3.5]

Colebrook in Shirley
Thu 11 Feb: Banks's Bitter, Greene King IPA, Brains Bread of Heaven (4.0%) [2.5], Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted & Marston's Pedigree

Drawbridge in Major's Green
Tue 9 Feb: Charles Wells Bombardier, Springhead Sweetlips, Davenport's Thin Ice & Caledonian Over the Bar [3].

Plume of Feathers in Shirley
Sat 6 Feb: Three handpumps; two GK IPA, one Ped[4] IPA £1.75/pt

Plume of Feathers in Shirley
Sun 31 Jan: My reporter tells me that this pub has now installed some hand pumps and is serving at least 2 real ales. [This is a GAIN] Please keep an eye on it, support it, and report any news.

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 30 Jan: Wadsworth's 6X [3] another beer that is probably taken for granted. As good as Adnams.

Wilsons in Knowle
Sat 30 Jan: Brew XI 3.6% £1.95 [2]

Tom o' the Wood in Rowington
Tue 26 Jan: Rosey Nosey(5%) [3] & Everard's Tiger. The Greene IPA had run out & was not replaced as plenty of the other two beers left.

Mortons in Dickens Heath
Wed 27 Jan: Fuller's London Pride % Purity UBU [3.5]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Fri 29 Jan: Ossian Ale [4.5], Banks & Taylor SOD, Hydes Heads & Tails, Caladonian Auld Aquaintance, Orkney Red McGregor,Tripple F Moondance, Ruddles Best & GK Abbott Ale. Something for everyone and perhaps the best choice at the right prices, especially with the CAMRA vouchers!

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Fri 29 Jan: Downton Winter Solstice [4], Acorn 7th Noel, Ossett Treacle Stout,Abbott Ale. Another interesting and ever changing range making this pub a strong contender for GBG entry.

Woodman's Rest in Solihull
Thu 28 Jan: Roosters Huntsman [3.5], Hydes Berry Good Ale, Purity UBU, Black Sheep, Abbott, GK IPA and one other that I forget!

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 27 Jan: Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted [3], Slaters Top Totty and Why Not, Springhead Liberty plus the two Greene King regulars.

Miller & Carter in Cheswick Green
Wed 20 Jan: Formerly The Cheswick Green Inn Now rebranded as an upmarket version of a beefeater. Great choice of steaks and non-steaks and with a few interesting quirks. They've done a great job of refurbishing. Excellent service and most importantly real ale.... Marstons Pedigree and Purity UBU [3.5] Well worth checking it out.

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Shirley
Sat 23 Jan: Five to choose from on Saturday: Blackwater Blue Grass [4.5], RCH Pitchfork [4], Church End Bob'd Dog Jumping Frog, a Teignworthy beer (I forget the name) [4] and Taylor Landlord.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 23 Jan: A good range alongside regulars including beers from Stonehenge Pigswill and Tring Side Pocket for a Toad.

Plume of Feathers in Shirley
Wed 20 Jan: Greene King IPA [2.5]& Marstons Pedigree

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 20 Jan: TSA Brewing Co. Sporran Warmer Winter Ale (4.8%) [3], Butcombe Brunel IPA [3.5], Slaters Why Not and Top Totty, Springhead the Bees Knees plus regulars Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best.

The Coach House in Solihull
Wed 13 Jan: Wychbold was ok but not inspiring.

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Fri 15 Jan: Otter Amber [4], Rydale Winter's tale, Bateman's Miss Scotland + Bombardier & GK IPA.

Gate Inn in Nether Whitacre
Sun 17 Jan: Jennings Cumberland Ale [3] and Ringwood Fortyniner.

Marston Green Tavern in Marston Green
Sat 16 Jan: No real ale [0].

Vaults in Knowle
Fri 15 Jan: Riverhead Deer Hill Porter (4.0%) [4]

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 16 Jan: Adnams [3.5], Thwaites Original [3.5] seems like a new regular and the guest Cottage [2.5]

Sheldon Hall in Tile Cross, Birmingham B33
Sat 16 Jan: Having noticed that this pub, which previously had no real ale for some years, had gained Cask Marque accreditation, I checked it out. It now offers Greene King IPA at £1.69/pint (not available on this occasion) and Marstons Pedigree at £1.89/pint [3]. Three new handpumps have been installed.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 13 Jan: Arkell's Kingsdown Special Ale (5%) [4] in splendid condition, Slater's Premium, Springhead Rupert's Ruin, Brain's SA plus regulars Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best.

Saracens Head in Shirley
Tue 12 Jan: All fizz no real ale.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 6 Jan: One of the beers on offer was Butcombe (5%) [4.5] at £1.79

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 6 Jan: Cotleigh Buzzard [4], Springhead: The Leveller, The Bees Knees and Ruperts Ruin plus Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best.

Bernies in Shirley
Wed 6 Jan: Coming soon: Salopian Warlock, Blackwater Warlock, York Guzzler, White Monk, Pictish Alchemist, O'Hanlon's Port Stout, Church End: Bobs Dogs & Jumping Frogs and also their Enigmatic Variations.

Bernies in Shirley
Tue 5 Jan: Landlord [3] Warwickshire Ball Stitcher [3], Wye Valley Goodbody Golden Ale [3] Oakham Bishop's Farewell [5]

Bernies in Shirley
Wed 30 Dec: Thirnbridge Jaipur [4] Sheffield Beer Works - Turkey Surprise [4] Bank Top Porto-Call [4] and Oakham Citra [5] sounds like a good New Year

Harvester in Olton
Tue 5 Jan: Harvester has five handpumps in use, Timothy Taylor Landlord [4], Wye Valley Butty Bach [4], John Smiths Bitter, Green King IPA and coming on tomorrow Green King Abbot.

Vaults in Knowle
Fri 1 Jan: O'Hanlon's Goodwill (5.0%)[4]; Tetley Northern Cracker (4.3%) [3.5]

White Swan in Solihull
Mon 28 Dec: Purity UBU [3]

The Railway in Dorridge
Mon 28 Dec: Young's Winter Warmer (5%) [4], good seasonal beer, best drunk next to an open fire.

Bernies in Cranmore, Shirley
Wed 23 Dec: Tim Taylor's [3.5], Pitchfork Alchemist [4] and Wye Valley HPA. Too many beers for the handpumps, so remember to ask what else there is out back. I think that they are closed 25-27th and open again as normal on Monday, so phone to be sure.

Colebrook in Hasluck's Green, SHirley
Thu 24 Dec: Shepherd Neame - Rudolph something or other [2], a bit bland. Greene King IPA [3] really quite enjoyable. Of 7 hand pumps, there were 3 big names and guest. A local said the choice was better at the Drawbridge down the road.

Municipal Club in Shirley
Wed 23 Dec: Greene King IPA[3]

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Tue 22 Dec: Adnams Christmas Star (4.0%) [3.5], Davenports Drop o' the Dragon (4.3%) and Courage Best Bitter.

Black Boy in Heronfield, Knowle
Sun 20 Dec: Warwickshire Brewing Co. Winter's T'Ale (4.3%) [3], St. Austell Tribute and Fuller's London Pride.

Wheatsheaf (Toby Carvery) in Sheldon, Birmingham B26
Fri 18 Dec: Shepherd Neame Rudolf's Reward [3] and Bass.

Coach House in Solihull
Mon 14 Dec: Wychwood Hobgoblin[3.5]

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sat 12 Dec: Morrisey Fox Mulled Ale [3], Shepherd Neame Rudolfs Reward, Purity UBU, Black Sheep Best Bitter and M&B Brew XI.

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Fri 11 Dec: A trio from Goffs - Jouster [4], Tounament and Mordred, plus Abbott Ale.

Reservoir in Earlswood
Fri 11 Dec: Cropton Dangleberry [4.0] and Brains Top Notch. Nigel informs me that they have changed their suppliers and as a result are now getting more interesting beers.

Woodmans rest in Shirley
Wed 9 Dec: Adnams Yuletide [3.5], Coach House Coachmans Winter Ale [3], Shepherd Neame Rudolfs Reward [3], Morrisey Fox Mulled Ale [3] plus Greene King ABbot and IPA.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 9 Dec: Batemans Rosey Nosey [4.5], Slaters Top Totty [4.5], Slaters Premium, Tetley Cask Bitter, Davenports Fox's Nob plus Greene King Abbot and IPA.

Railway in Dorridge
Mon 7 Dec: Exmoor Gold [3], Bass and M&B Brew XI.

Olton Mere sailing Club in Olton
Sun 6 Dec: Ringwood Huffkin[4], Titanic Iceberg[4]

Queens Head in Meriden
Sun 6 Dec: Davenports The Story Teller [4], Bass and M&B Brew XI.

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 3 Dec: Elgoods Snickalmas (5%) [4], Tom Wood's Christmas Cheer, Smiles Turkeys Delight, Slaters Top Totty and Premium, tetley Cask Bitter, Greene King Abbot and Ruddles best.

Wetherspooon Airport T2 in Elmdon
Sun 29 Nov: Adnams IPA (5) [4] hand made pump clip, looked like a 1-off

Wetherspoon White Swan in Solihull
Sat 5 Dec: Slater's Top Totty [4.5] as good as at the brewery the other day.

Coach House in Solihull
Tue 1 Dec: Wychwood Hobgoblin [3].

Cock Horse in Rowington
Sat 28 Nov: Only had Hook Norton Hooky Bitter on. Volume not enough to justify the other 2 hand pumps.

Queens Head in Meriden
Sun 29 Nov: Just outside our branch area but well worth a visit. Beers available were Black Sheep Best Bitter [4.5], Bass and M&B Brew XI.

Arden Club in Solihull
Wed 25 Nov: Thwaites Liberation, Springhead Liberty[3.5] followed by PG Steam RCH bitter

The Forest in Dorridge
Wed 25 Nov: Ludlow Brewery's Ludlow Best [3] & Wye Valley HPA [4.5] - One of the best pints I've had in a long time. Maybe deserves a 5 but....

Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath
Mon 23 Nov: Directors [2] & Wadworth 6X [2]

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 25 Nov: Slaters Why Knot [4], Tetleys Northern Cracker (4.3%) and Cask Bitter, Purity Pure Gold plus regulars Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best.

White Swan in Solihull
Fri 20 Nov: Coach House Old Wharf Bitter [3], Daleside Morocco Ale [3.5], Banks & Taylor Bat's Hat, Mordue Newcastle Coffee Porter, Wells Banana Bread Beer plus regulars Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best.

Wetherspoons The Atrium (the small one) in NEC Bickenhill
Fri 13 Nov: no real ale - pump clips still showing. No explanation or interest

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Fri 13 Nov: Tring Brock Bitter (3.7%)[3.5] & Wadworth Henry's IPA & 6X.

Bell in Tanworth in Arden
Fri 13 Nov: Timothy Taylor Landlord [3]

Red Lion in Shirley
Thu 12 Nov: Brew XI [2.5] had to try it as it's been a while and was a local. Slaters - Why Not [4]. Very nice, must visit the brewery (luckily there is a trip on Saturday)

Wetherspoons in Moseley
Wed 11 Nov: Ruddles Bitter, Cain's Raisin[3], Caledonian Oatmeal Porter[4], Toshi's Amber Ale[4] St Austell St Georges Ale[4]

Woodmans Rest in Solihull
Sun 8 Nov: Goffs White Knight (4.7%) [3.5], Mordue Newcastle Coffee Porter (4.7%), Wychwood Hobgoblin, Purity Pure UBU plus Greene King Abbot and IPA.

Bulls Head in Barston
Sat 7 Nov: Otter Amber [3], St. Austell Tribute, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter and Adnams Bitter.

Drum & Monkey in Solihull
Sun 8 Nov: Bombardier[4], Highgate (Davenports) Fox's Nob, Highgate (Davenports) The Fall

The Oak in Hockley haeth
Sun 8 Nov: No real ale, pump clip turned round and was told "they'd run out"[0]

Blue Bell Cider House in Warings Green
Sun 8 Nov: Deuchars IPA[3.5], Alloa(?)[3.5], Weatheroak Light Oak[1]

Vaults in Knowle
Fri 6 Nov: Thwaites Nutty Black3.3%[4], Warwicshire Autumn Bliss[3.5], Ossett Turning Leaves[3.5], Acorn Old Moor Porter4.4% [3.5], Sarah Hughs Amber Pale4.4% [3.5], Acorn Aubelski5%. Not all these beers were on together but changing rapidly!

Red Lion in Knowle
Fri 6 Nov: Leeds Brewery Monsoon [3], Brew XI, Greene King Abbot Ale & Hook Norton Old Hooky

Red Lion in Shirley
Mon 2 Nov: Cottage Howling Ale (4.6%) [3.5]; Sharp's Doom Bar (4.0%) [3]; St Austell Tinners

White Swan in Solihull
Tue 3 Nov: [0 Wetherspoon's 30th Anniversary Real Ale Festival is now on] 28 Oct - 15 Nov, £1.79 for 3 thirds. Butcombe Old Vic (4.2%) [3]; Moorhouse Black Panther (4.8%) [3.5]; Port Grumpy's Pale Ale (US brewer guest-brewing at Shepherd Neame, 5.0%) [4]; Purity Pure Gold (3.8%); Anker Gouden Carolus Ambrio (Belgium, 8.0%, 99p a pint); plus regulars

Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath
Mon 26 Oct: St. Austell Tribute [3], Courage Best Bitter [3] and Directors.

Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath
Mon 26 Oct: St Austell Tribute [3.5], Courage Directors [3]. Coming soon - they expect to have a new range of guest beers including Purity very soon.

White Swan in Solihull
Mon 26 Oct: Purity Mad Goose [4]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sun 25 Oct: Wooden Hand Black Pearl[3].Bear Town Bare Ass[3], Exe valley XXB, Inveralmond Lia Fail[4], Mad Goose

Hog's Head in Solihull
Sun 25 Oct: Bombardier[3], Speckled Hen

Red Lion in Knowle
Sun 25 Oct: Only three real ales on today, these being Greene King Abbot, Hook Norton Old Hooky and Holden's Dragon's Blood (4.6%) [4] - an extremely good beer indeed.

Cock Horse in Rowington
Sat 24 Oct: 17 Real ciders available of which I tried Westons Bounds Scrumpy [5] but I would award 6/5 for this extremely drinkable drink! This was enhanced by the incredibly edible pizza.

Cock Horse in Rowington
Sat 24 Oct: Fullers London Pride [2.5] and Hook Norton Hooky Bitter [2].

Colebrook in Haslucks Green Rd, SHirley
Sat 24 Oct: Sprinhead (something Haloween) [3]

Hog's Head in Solihull
Thu 22 Oct: Bombardier, Speckled Hen

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 22 Oct: Slaters Top Totty [3.5], Davenports Summer Storm, Springhead Charlie's Angel and Roaring Meg, Purity Pure Gold, Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best.

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Sun 18 Oct: Robinsons Wags to Witches (4.0%) [3.5]; Wells Bombardier (5.2%) [3]; Shepher Neame Spitfire (4.5%) [2.5]

Coach House in Solihull
Sat 17 Oct: Hobgoblin[4]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 14 Oct: Roosters Hedgehog [4], Oakham Mompessons Gold, Goffs Tournament, Caledonian 80/-, Warwickshire Brewing Co. Best Bitter, Westons Marcle Hill Cider and Old Rosie Scrumpy plus Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best.

Grenville Club in Solihull
Sun 11 Oct: Dark Star Hophead 3.8 [4] £2.15/pt

Navigation in Lapworth
Fri 9 Oct: Timothy Taylor Landlord [3.5],Holden's Black Country Bitter, St Austell Tribute & Green King IPA

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 7 Oct: The 5 hand pumps the White Swan had almost sold out on Wednesday the 7th Oct. (presumably due to Assembly refurb) Lots of Wem ales, but Purity ones on their way

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 8 Oct: Assembly Rooms Solihull CAMRA's Most Improved Pub 2008, is closed until 9th Oct having a dance floor installed on the ground floor.

Red Lion in Shirley
Tue 6 Oct: Sharp's Own and Slater's Top Totty

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 4 Oct: Davenports Fox's Nob [3.5], Wells Bombardier and Greene King IPA (£2.50/pint).

Gate Inn in Nether Whitacre
Sun 27 Sep: Jennings Cumberland Ale [4], Ringwood Fortyniner and Banks' Bitter.

Case is Altered in Five Ways
Thu 24 Sep: Just outside Solihull CAMRA's area: Greene King IPA, Wye Valley Butty Bach, Daleside Autumn Leaves [4] & Vale VPA

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 24 Sep: Mini beer festival featuring the following beers from Wem Brewery: Lime Zinger, Drawwell Bitter and Black Magic Mild [4] - aboslutely superb. Also on were Slaters Premium, plus regulars Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best and Marstons Pedigree.

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Shirley
Wed 23 Sep: Elland Tomahawk [4.5] - deliciously hoppy, Roosters gbg? [4] and others.

Knowle British Legion in Solihull
Wed 23 Sep: Canterbury Jack [3]

Bulls Head in Barston
Sun 20 Sep: Meantime Brewing Co. London Pale Ale [3.5], Adnams Bitter, St. Austell Tribute and Hook Norton Hooky Bitter.

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 19 Sep: Cottage Norman Conquest (5%) [4] had another one

The Wharf in Hockley Heath
Fri 18 Sep: Courage Best & Directors plus a new arrival - Wadworth's 6X (I remember when that was only found around Wiltshire)

Drawbridge in Major's Green
Sat 19 Sep: White Horse Village Idiot [3] & Greene King Bonkers Conkers [3]

Reservoir in Earlswood
Fri 18 Sep: Marston's Pedigree & White Horse Village Idiot [3]

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Thu 17 Sep: Roosters Prost[3] UBU[4] Brew Dog Lager77[4] GK IPA, Abbot

Arden Club in Solihull
Wed 16 Sep: Cotleigh 25[4], Leeds, Leeds Best[4] Always two good beers on these days

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 17 Sep: Slaters Owzat [3.5], Davenports Kerfuffle, Springhead Liberty, Greene King Abbot Reserve (6.5%), Marstons Pedigree, Ruddles Best and Greene King Abbot.

Boat in Catherine de Barnes
Thu 17 Sep: Hobsons Bitter [3], Davenports Fox's Nob [3] & Moorlands Old Speckled Hen.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 16 Sep: White Horse Sorcerer's Brew [4]. Also on Purity UBU and several others.

Tom o' the Wood in Rowington
Thu 17 Sep: Flowers IPA & Everards Tiger

Old Royal Oak in Wood End
Wed 16 Sep: Greene King Abbot Ale & Caledonian Deuchars IPA

Railway in Dorridge
Sun 13 Sep: Sharps Cornish Coaster [3], Brains SA Gold, Bass and M&B Brew XI plus Westons Old Rosie cider.

Durham Ox in Shrewley
Wed 9 Sep: Ruddles Best [3]

Red Lion in Earlswood
Fri 11 Sep: Everards Tiger, Purity UBU & Timothy Taylor Landlord [3.5]

Golden Acres in Solihull
Fri 11 Sep: Cottage Silly Mid Whippet, Springhead Roundheads Gold [4] & Fullers London Pride

Bull in Furnace End
Wed 9 Sep: Fullers London Pride and St. Austell Tribute.

Plough in Shustoke
Wed 9 Sep: Adnams Explorer [3], Bass, Black Sheep Best Bitter and Banks' Bitter.

Griffin in Shustoke
Wed 9 Sep: RCH Firebox (6.1%) [4] and Pitchfork, Griffin Re-Session, Ringwood Old Thumper, Theakston Old Peculier, Marstons Pedigree, Hook Norton Old Hooky plus Jennings Dark Mild and Sneck Lifter.

Coach House in Solihull
Tue 8 Sep: Wychwood Hobgoblin [4].

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Sat 5 Sep: Blackwater Rustler [3] and Ruddles Best.

King George VI club in Hockley Heath
Sat 5 Sep: Brew XI [3]

Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath
Sat 5 Sep: Courage Directors [3] or Courage Best. Theakstones was off as they said they'd had a bad batch

Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Sat 5 Sep: Davenport's Summer Storm (3.7%) [2] but well kept and Dav's Fox's Nob (4.2%) [3]

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 3 Sep: Lymestone Stone Faced (4.0%) [4], Wem Triple Hop, Davenports Summer Telse, Springhead Roaring Meg, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot and Marstons Pedigree.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Mon 31 Aug: Courage Best Bitter [3.5], Davenports Fox's Nob [3] and Greene King Old Speckled Hen.

Cock Horse in Rowington
Sun 30 Aug: Marston's Pedigree & Hook Norton Hooky Bitter [4]

Red Lion in Knowle
Sun 30 Aug: Lees Brewers Dark (3.5%) [3] - a very nice dark mild, Roosters Prost, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Greene King Abbot and M&B Brew XI.

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Sun 30 Aug: Holdens Black Country Bitter [3.5] and Ruddles Best.

White Swan in Solihull
Fri 28 Aug: Slaters Top Totty [3.5], Davenports Summer Telse, Purity Pure Gold, Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best and Marstons Pedigree.

White Swan in Henley in Arden
Wed 26 Aug: Bank's Orig, Purity Gold, Tribute[4], Black Sheep[4]

Gate in Nether Whitacre
Mon 24 Aug: Jennings Sneck Lifter [4] in excellent condition and Banks' Bitter. There is a real ale festival here over the Bank Holiday weekend (Friday to Monday).

The White Swan in Solihull
Mon 24 Aug: Beers on today at this pub in addition to the regular 3 are: Wem's Lime Zinger 4.5%, Wem's Cascade 4.5%, Slaters Top Totty 4% & Lymstone's Ein Stein 5%

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Wed 19 Aug: Greene King IPA, Ruddles Best & Everards Beacon [2.5]

Bluebell Cider House in Warings Green
Tue 18 Aug: Leeds Brewery Funfair [2.5] & Brains SA

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 19 Aug: Wem Shropshire Stout (4.4%)[4], Wem Cherry Bomb, Purity Mad Goose, Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best.

Wharf in Hockley Heath
Tue 18 Aug: Theakstons Best [2], Courage Directors & Old Speckled Hen

The White Swan in Solihull
Mon 17 Aug: Ales currently on the pumps at this location: Wem's Cherry Bomb 6%, Wem's Shropshire Stout 4.4%, Grafton's Lady Mary 5% Regular Ales: Marston's Pedigree 4.5%, Greene King Abbott Ale 5% & Ruddles County 3.7%

Punchbowl in Lapworth
Sun 16 Aug: Greene King IPA [4] and Wells Bombardier.

Railway in Dorridge
Sat 15 Aug: Smiles Liquid Gold (4.2%) [4]; Fox IPA (4.7%) [3]; Batemans XXXB; Draught Bass; Brew XI

Bulls Head in Barston
Sat 15 Aug: St. Austell Tribute [3.5], Wyre Piddle Piddle Artist [3], Adnams Bitter and Hook Norton Hooky Bitter.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 12 Aug: RCH Double Header [3.5], Highgate Dark Mild [3], Titanic Iceberg, Springhead Charlie's Angel, Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot, GK Ruddles Best plus Westons Old Rosie cider.

Bernies in Shirley
Sun 9 Aug: Pictish Chinook - fantastic pint of pale ale [4.5]

Bulls Head in Barston
Sun 9 Aug: Wyre Piddle Piddle Artist [3], Hook Norton Hooky Bitter [3], ST. Austell Tribute and Adnams Bitter.

Red Lion in Knowle
Sun 9 Aug: Adnams Explorer [3.5], Hook Norton Hooky Bitter, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Daleside Special Bitter.

Dog Inn in Nether Whitacre
Sun 2 Aug: Jennings Cumberland Ale [4], Tetley Dark Mild, Hobsons Best Bitter, Wells Bombardier, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Marstons Pedigree.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 1 Aug: Saltaire(?) 4.2%[4], Springhead Roaring Meg[4] + two Davenports and the usuals.

Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Tue 28 Jul: Davenports Englands Glory [2] (hazy), Davenports IPA & Wells Bombardier

Gate Inn in Nether Whitacre
Sun 26 Jul: Ringwood Boondoggle (4.0%) [4] in very good condition, Jennings Cumberland Ale and Banks' Bitter. A beer festival is being held here over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Boat in Minworth
Sat 25 Jul: ABC Aston Dark (3.6%) [3.5] plus Westons Traditional Scrumpy (6.0%) and Westons Country Perry (4.5%).

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 22 Jul: Davenports Natterjack [3], Highgate Fox's Nob, Purity Mad Goose and Pure Gold, Ruddles Best, Greene King Abbot, Marstons Pedigree and Westons Old Rosie cider.

Bull in Furnace End
Sun 19 Jul: This pub, formerly the Bulls Head, has changed hands again, had yet another make-over and is now geared much more towards food. The menu is pricey for the area but the food, I am told, is very good. Two real ales offered, Fullers London Pride [3.5] - just a tad too cold, otherwise I would have scored it a 4, and St. Austell Tribute, which was just being put on.

Vaults in Knowle
Fri 17 Jul: Alton Black Hole 4.8% [3.5]; Bitter End Counterfeit 4.0% [4.5]- lovely!

Woodmans Rest in Solihull
Thu 16 Jul: Old Mill Summer Sunshine [4], Holdens Golden Glow [4], Wooden Hand Gribben Ale, Springhead Liberty, Greene King IPA and Abbot.

Coach House in Solihull
Mon 13 Jul: Wychwood Hobgoblin[4]

Black Boy in Heronfield, Knowle
Sun 28 Jun: Warwickshire Godiva [3], Wye Valley HPA, Fullers London Pride and St. Austell Tribute.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 27 Jun: Hobsons Best Bitter [4.5] in superb condition, plus Davenports Englands Glory and Wells Bombardier

White Swan in Solihull
Tue 30 Jun: Slaters Owzat [2.5], Sunstruck [3.5], Ringwood Fortyniner, Purity UBU, Ruddles, Pedi, Abbot. Not bad for a Tuesday.

White Swan in Solihull
Sat 27 Jun: Ped, Abbot, Ruddles Best, Davenports Kerfuffle, UBU, Slaters Ouzat[2.5]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 27 Jun: Abbot, Ped, Ruddles Best, Davenports Natterjack, Kerfuffle, IPA, Heatwave. Springhead Cromwell's Hat, Butcombe Blonde[4]

Wharf in Hockley Heath
Thu 25 Jun: Courage Directors, Theakston Best Bitter & Ruddles County [2.5]

Coach House in Solihull
Thu 25 Jun: Ringwood Best Bitter [3.5] £2.15/pint.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 24 Jun: Otter Bright [3], Davenports IPA, Kerfuffle and Natterjack, Purity Pure Gold, Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best, Marstons Pedigree plus Westons Old Rosie Cider.

Tom o' the Wood in Rowington
Wed 24 Jun: Flowers IPA, Purity Gold [4] & Purity UBU

The Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 20 Jun: Hobsons Best [3.5]- Really good pint, but slightly too cold

Orange Tree in Chadwick End
Sun 21 Jun: Black Sheep Best Bitter [4], Hook Norton Old Hooky and Greene King IPA.

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sat 20 Jun: Wyre Piddle Hey Diddle Piddle [3], Wadworth Lily the Pink [4], Hook Norton Old Hooky, Purity UBU and M&B Brew XI.

Arden Club in Solihull
Thu 18 Jun: Titanic Anchor, Wychwood Wizards Staff[4]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 17 Jun: Davenports Natterjack (4.1%) [3.5], Heatwave and Summer Telse, Greene King Abbot Reserve, Abbot, Ruddles Best, Marstons Pedigree, Purity UBU and Westons Old Rosie Cider. In the upstairs bar there was also Mauldons Blackadder and Loddon Bamboozle.

Plough in Shustoke
Mon 15 Jun: Black Sheep Best Bitter [4], Banks' Bitter, Bass and Greene King Old Speckled Hen.

Metro Bar in Solihull
Mon 15 Jun: Enville White, Grafton Grog[4]

Coach House in Solihull
Mon 15 Jun: Ringwood Best Bitter[4]

White swan in Solihull
Mon 15 Jun: Abbot, Ped, Ruddles best, Davenport's Bee-zone, Davenport's Kerfuffle (replacing Springhead Roaring Meg), Slater's Common Road[3]

Weighbridge in Alvechurch
Sun 14 Jun: Purity Gold, Hobson's Mild[5],Kinver Bargee[4]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 11 Jun: Davenports Bee-Zone [3.5] and Heatwave, Roosters Oakey Cream, Purity Pure Gold, UBU and Mad Goose, Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best, Marstons Pedigree plus Westons Old Rosie Cider.

Coach House in Solihull
Sat 6 Jun: The Wychwood Hobgoblin[3.5] is now on.

The Bear in Berkswell
Sat 6 Jun: GK IPA, Speckled Hen, London Pride[3.5], they usually have Bombardier too.

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Fri 5 Jun: Abbott, GK IPA, Celt(?) Golden Pippin-just gone, Mordue A'l Wheat[4.5]

Red Lion in Earlswood
Thu 4 Jun: Everards Tiger, Landlord [2.5]& Bass. Forthcoming guest ales are shown on a small blackboard by the door.

Coach House in Solihull
Thu 4 Jun: Wow! There are two handpumps on the bar now, one of which had a Wychwood Hobgoblin clip turned round. Enquiries revealed that the handpulls were installed about two months ago - "I don't know why we didn't do it before" was the barman's comment. No real ale available at present but is expected to be on within 24 hours. Hobgoblin will be a regular offering. We have a real ale gain!

Hogs Head in Solihull
Wed 3 Jun: Wells Bombardier [3.5] and Greene King Old Speckled Hen.

O'Neill's in Solihull
Tue 2 Jun: The handpumps are still there but without any pump clips. Enquiries have revealed that this pub no longer stocks real ale [0].

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 28 May: Cotleigh Golden Seahawk (4.2%) [3.5], Butcombe Gold, Clark's Rams Revenge, Slaters Premium, Weston's Organic delight Vintage Cider, plus regulars Greene King Abbot, Ruddles Best, Purity UBU and Marstons Pedigree.

Boat in Minworth
Mon 25 May: Aston Brewery Co. Heartlands Bitter (4.2%) [3], Tetley Bitter and Greene King Morlands Old Speckled Hen. This pub is tucked away by the canal, close to the Asda superstore at Minworth. Note: It only sells real ale during the summer months but is a really nice pub nonetheless.

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Mon 25 May: Wadworth Lily the Pink[3.5], Jennings Tom Fool[3.5], GK IPA Ped.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 21 May: Marstons Merrie Monk [3.5], Banks & Taylor Black Dragon Mild, Slatters Monkey Magic, Caledonian XPA, Purity Pure Gold and UBU, Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best, Marstons Pedigree plus Westons Old Rosie Cider.

solihull arden club in solihull
Fri 15 May: sharps i p a alongside sharps eden both in good condition but the i p a was sensational 5/5

Saddlers Arms in Solihull
Sat 16 May: Wychwood Rye Smile 4.2%[3], Burton Bitter.

Metro Bar in Solihull
Sat 16 May: Grafton Summer Bliss 4.5%[4], Enville White.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 13 May: Banks & Taylor Black Dragon Mild [4] - an excellent brew, well worth trying. Also available: Caledonian IPA, Grainstore Ten Fifty, Westons Old Rosie Cider, Purity Mad Goose and UBU, Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 10 May: Adnams Broadside [4], Highgate Davenports Englands Glory and Hobsons Bitter.

Grenville Club in Solihull
Sat 9 May: RCH Pitchfork[5]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 9 May: Moorhouses Black Cat[5], Deuchars XPA[4.5], Grainstore (?) 5%[3.5],UBU, Mad Goose

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 6 May: Moorhouse's Black Cat [4], Bend Brewery Wild Blue Yonder, Oakleaf Pompey Royal, Weston's Marcle Hill Cider, Purity Pure Gold, Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot and GK Ruddles Best Bitter.

Woodmans Rest in Solihull
Mon 4 May: Wooden Hand Pirates Gold [3.5], Brew Dog Trashy Blonde [3], Greene King Abbot and IPA.

Wharf in Hockley Heath
Sat 2 May: Youngs Special [3.5], Theakstons Best Bitter [3] and Courage Directors.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 22 Apr: Moorhouse's Old Boss [4], Flying Dutchman Wit Bier, Sinebrychoff Porter (6.2%)[3.5], Epic Pale Ale and Weston's Marcle Hill Cider - all as part of the JDW Real Ale Festival. The regular Purity, Greene King and Marstons beers were also available.

Fleur-de-Lys in Lowsonford
Mon 20 Apr: Greene King Hare Raiser (4.1%) [4]. This is a guest beer - a new brew - and, I was told by the landlord, that it has been so popular he has kept it on for an extra week. Also on were Greene King Abbot and IPA.

The Waterman in Hatton
Tue 21 Apr: First visit in a long time, initiated by a business trip, so not really there to drink. The beer list was Hook Norton "Kingfisher Waterman" (3.6%) [3] - Elgoods "Mustang" (5.0%) and Salopian "Monarchy World Series" (4.0%). First chance this year to sit outside, the beer was good, the food was nice but pricey, and the staff were attentive and pleasant.

The Crabmill in Preston Bagot
Mon 20 Apr: Tetleys, Abbott Ale & Purity UBU [3.5]

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Wed 15 Apr: Hobsons Bitter [3.5], Courage Directors & Adnams Broadside.

Red Lion in Knowle
Sat 11 Apr: Cottage Brewing DB5 [3.5], Springhead Bitter, Black Sheep Best Bitter, Skinners Hunny Bunny, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Greene King Abbot and (of course) M&B Brew XI.

Waterman in Hatton
Sat 11 Apr: Wye VAlley HPA [3], Nelson Jack Knife, Slaughterhouse Stout Snout III and Hook Norton Kingfisher Waterman. Worth a visit for the beers but the food is pricey.

Brasshouse in Birmingham, B1
Fri 10 Apr: Located on Broad Street, next to the canal, this pub is Cask Marque accredited. Black Sheep Best Bitter [4], Banks' Bitter [3] and Timothy Taylor Landlord [3.5]. Their next guest ale was due to be Wadworth 6X.

The Colebrook in Haslucks Green
Fri 10 Apr: 8 real ales available (yes 8), 5 of the usual plus Batemans Eggs-B [3.5], York's Terrier [4] and one from Scotland (that I forgot to write down). Their website recommends the Bank's which seems a bit modest of them.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Tue 7 Apr: Slaters High Duck (4.1%)[4], Slaters Premium, Highland Irish Whiskey Ale, Purity Pure Gold and Mad Goose, Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot and Ruddles Best. Note: there was no evidence of Greene King IPA. The new deal is Ruddles Best at £1.49. Is this a permanent change?

Golden Acres in Damsonwood, Solihull
Mon 6 Apr: Cottage Whippet Real McCoy [3], Oldershaw Old Boy [3.5] and Black Sheep Bitter.

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sat 4 Apr: Snepherd Neame Canterbury Jack (3.5%) [3], Skinners Hunny Bunny (4.5%) [3], Hook Norton Old Hooky, Greene King Abbot and M&B Brew XI.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Mon 30 Mar: A slightly disappointing selection as the pub clears its cellars for the forthcoming festival (from 15th April). Highgate Irish Whiskey Ale [3], Purity Pure Gold [4], Marston's Pedigree, Davenport's Original and at least 4 'coming soon' signs which are expected to be available during the next 2 days.

White Swan in Solihull
Mon 30 Mar: Currently closed for a minor refurbishment. Expected to re-open later this week.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 28 Mar: Highgate Davenports Englands Glory [3.5], Hobsons Best Bitter and Courage Directors.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 18 Mar: Greene King Ruddles Best [3.5], Abbot and IPA, Highgate Irish Whiskey Ale, Elgoods Thin Ice (4.7%), Purity Pure Gold and UBU plus Marstons Pedigree.

Arden Club in Solihull
Mon 16 Mar: Phoenix Thirsty moon 4.6%, Acorn Barnsley Gold 4.3%[4]

Municipal Club in Shirley
Mon 16 Mar: GK IPA, Speckled Hen. These two seem to be the club's regulars now.

Boat in Catherine-de-barnes
Thu 12 Mar: Hobsons Best Bitter [3.5], Courage Directors and Highgate Englands Glory.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Mon 9 Mar: Highgate Dark Mild [3], Englands Glory, Irish Whiskey Ale and Fox's Nob, Slaters Premium, Purity Mad Goose, Greene King Abbot and IPA plus Marstons Pedigree. The The Highgate beers are being offered at a revised price of £1.89/pint and CAMRA members' vouchers are being accepted for these.

Sharmans Cross in Solihull
Tue 10 Mar: Brew X1, landlord[4]

Horse & Jockey in Bentley
Sun 8 Mar: Cairngorm Sheepshaggers (4.5%) [4.5], Leeds Brewery New Moon, Banks' Bitter and Bass. Well worth going that extra mile or three to this pub for a superb pint!

Bell in Coleshill
Sun 8 Mar: Wychwood Hobgoblin [4] and Courage Directors. This pub has three banks each of three handpumps but does not appear to make enough use of them, with only two real ales available on this occasion. Very good pint of Hobgoblin, though.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 7 Mar: Highgate England's Glory [3], Courage Directors and Hobson's Best Bitter.

Old Bill & Bull in Yardley, B25
Sat 7 Mar: No real ale [0].

British legion in Solihull
Fri 6 Mar: Hidden Quest[4], Badger Bitter[3.5], Church End Gravediggers[4]

Hogshead in Solihull
Thu 5 Mar: Further to my report earlier in the week, the promotion of Wells Bombardier at £1.45/pint is still on - a cask ale which is 4p/pint cheaper than the rival promotion of Greene King IPA at Wetherspoons!

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 5 Mar: Robinsons Trouble & Strife (4.1%) [4.5] in excellent condition. Also on: Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Highgate Mild, Slaters Premium, plus the regulars - Greene King Abbot and IPA, Marstons Pedigree, Purity Pure Gold and Mad Goose.

Reservoir in Earlswood
Sun 1 Mar: Pedigree, Gales Swing low[3.5] followed by Brain's St David's day[3.5]

British Legion in Solihull
Thu 5 Mar: Hidden Quest [4]

Sharmans Cross in Shirley
Wed 4 Mar: Deuchars Caledonian IPA (3.8%) [3.5], Tim Taylors Landlord [3]

Herons Nest in Heronfield
Wed 4 Mar: Black Sheep Bitter, Bass & Tim Taylor Landlord [3]

Hogshead in Solihull
Tue 3 Mar: Four handpumps but still only Wells Bomabrdier available [3]. The promotional price of £1.45/pint for Bombardier appears to have finished.

O'Neill's in Solihull
Tue 3 Mar: No real ale available on this occasion [0]. Timothy Taylor Landlord pump clip turned round on one pump, the other pump devoid of any clip.

Gate Inn in Nether Whitacre
Sun 1 Mar: Wychwood Dirty Tackle (4.0%) [4], Ringwood Fortyniner (4.9%) and Banks' Bitter. Although this pub is not in the Solihull Branch area it is close by and well worth a visit, as is the nearby Dog Inn.

NBSS

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 28 Feb: Cottage Whippet (4.5%) [3.5]

Drum and Monkey in Solihull
Thu 26 Feb: Davenport's Export Bitter, Hobson's Best Bitter[4]. These are their two regulars "till things pick up"

Drawbridge in Shirley
Tue 24 Feb: Bombardier, Marston's Sweet Chariot, Davenports Export Bitter, GK Abstinence, Morrissey Fox bitter[4] I was assured that all the beers were on

Anchor Inn in Hurley Common
Sun 22 Feb: Banks' Original [4], Banks' Bitter, Marston's Pedigree and guest ale Wychwood Dirty Tackle (4.0%) [4] in very good condition.

Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath
Sat 21 Feb: Theakstons Best Bitter [4], Timothy Taylor Landlord and Courage Directors. Not much seems to have changed here.

Blue Bell in Warings Green
Thu 19 Feb: Thatcher's Heritage [3], Weatheroak Lighht, Grafton Hayloft Bitter, Leeds New moon - there are 3 guests, no regulars.

Bulls Head in Earlswood
Thu 19 Feb: Thwaites Bitter & Lancaster Bomber, Wainwright [5]

The Navigation in Lapworth
Tue 17 Feb: G-K IPA, Holdens bitter, Hook Norton bitter and Timothy Taylor's Landlord [4]. They have had problems with the cellar flooding (being next to the canal) but with new pumps fitted it is all OK now. Why not pay them a visit ?

Tom O'the Wood in Rowington
Tue 17 Feb: Flowers IPA, Purity UBU, Gold and Mad Goose [4.5] - they only have 3 hand pumps, so you have to wait while they fetch this from the cellar (tough, but well worth the wait)

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Thu 12 Feb: Highgate Englands Glory [3] and Courage Directors. The Hobsons Bitter was off.

Plough in Shustoke
Sun 15 Feb: Bass, Banks' Bitter and Shepherd Neame Spitfire [4]. Black Sheep Best Bitter is also usually available but, on this occasion, had run out.

Horse & Jockey in Bentley
Tue 10 Feb: Cottage Brewing Rocket Ale (4.2%) [4.5], Bass and Banks' Bitter.

NBSS

Test Arms in Testville
Mon 9 Feb: tested

Gate in Nether Whitacre
Sun 21 Dec: Guest ales: Marstons Ugly Sisters (4.5%) [4] and Brakspear Oh Be Joyful (4.8%) [4]. Regular beers are Marstons Pedigree and Banks' Bitter.

Toby Carvery (Wheatsheaf) in Sheldon, Birmingham B26
Fri 19 Dec: Three handpumps here, dispensing draught Bass [3] and M&B Brew XI. The third pump had a Bass clip turned round. Good value Xmas carvery.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 17 Dec: Caledonian Elf Esteem (4.0%) [3], Thwaites Good Elf (4.9%), Slaters Premium, Springhead Bitter and Roaring Meg, JW Lees Plum Pudding, Highgate Old Ale (5.3%) plus the regulars: Marstons Pedigree and Greene King IPA and Abbot.

The Herons Nest in Heronfield
Tue 16 Dec: The Herons Nest seems to be making an effort at the moment. Today they had on Taylors Landlord, Black Sheep Best Bitter and Batemans Santa's Tipple. Unfortunately I did not get chance to try any of them.

Royal Oak in Wood End
Tue 16 Dec: Tetley bitter & Fullers London Pride [2.5]

Bernies Real Ale Off Licence in Shirley
Tue 16 Dec: Oakham JHB & Phoenix White Monk [2.5]

Bull (formerly Bulls Head) in Furnace End
Sun 14 Dec: Marstons Pedigree, GK Morland Old Speckled Hen and GK Ruddles County.

Dog Inn in Nether Whitacre
Sun 14 Dec: Guest ales currently on are Thwaites Nutty Black (3.3%) [4] in superb condition, and JW Lees John Willies (4.5%). Also on are Greene King IPA, Tim. Taylor Landlord, Marstons Pedigree and Wells Bombardier. The Tetley Mild seems to be no longer available but I wonder if the Nutty Black is a temporary replacement?

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 13 Dec: Adnams Broadside [4] and Highgate Davenports IPA [3], plus regular offering Hobsons Bitter.

Arden Club in Solihull
Sat 13 Dec: No beer on but the (turned round) pumpclip was for Adnams Bitter

Colebrook in Shirley
Sat 13 Dec: Pedigree, Bank's Bitter, GK IPA, Batemans Santa's Tipple, Landlord, Batemans XXXB.

Bulls Head in Earlswood
Sat 13 Dec: Thwaites Original,Bomber, Good Elf4.9%[4.5] The Wainwright will be back on to replace the Elf in January.

Blue Bell Cider House in Warings Green
Thu 11 Dec: Everards Sleighbell (4.5%) [4]; Robinsons Mr Scrooge (4.4%) [3.5]; Weatheroak Light Oak

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 10 Dec: Cotleigh Red Nose Reindeer (4.5%) [3], RCH PG Steam, Slaters Premium, Purity UBU, Springhead Roaring Meg, St. Nicks Porter and Rudolphs Ruin, plus Marstons Pedigree, Greene King IPA and Abbot.

Colebrook in Shirley
Tue 9 Dec: As some of you may imagine I think I am in heaven. I am actually typing this in the Colebrook on Tuesday afternoon. The beers on are: Batemans XXB [4]; Taylor Landlord; Batemans Santas Tipple ( 4.0% ); G.K. IPA; Pedigree; Banks Bitter

O'Neills in Solihull
Tue 9 Dec: Caledonian Deuchars IPA [3]. The Timothy Taylor Landlord was off.

Sharmans Cross in Solihull
Mon 8 Dec: Pedigree[4], Batemans Noel(?)4.0% Landlord[4]

Saxon in Cheswick Green
Mon 8 Dec: Bass [2]

Bluebell in Warings Green
Mon 8 Dec: Dr Okells IPA, Marstons Ugly Sisters & Skinners Keel Over [3.5]

Bulls Head in Barston
Sun 7 Dec: Adnams Bitter, Purity Pure Gold, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter and St. Austell Tribute [3.5].

Orange Tree in Chadwick End
Sun 7 Dec: Greene King IPA, Hook Norton Old Hooky and Black Sheep Best Bitter.

Crane & Dragon in Sheldon, Birmingham B26
Sat 6 Dec: This pub is reported in Whats Brewing (Dec. 2008) as having gained Cask Marque accreditation but on this occasion there was no real ale on [0]. I was told they normally have Wells Bombardier but it was being vented and was not ready yet. The pub's own website states they have 3 regularly changing guest ales. There are 6 handpumps (two banks of three) on the bar so I would have thought they could have managed to get one cask ale on. Very disappointing!

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sat 6 Dec: Bateman's Mystic Brews (4.1%), Cairngorm Autumn Nuts (3.8%)[4], Bateman's Santa's Tipple (4.0%), Greene King Abbot and M&B Brew XI.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 3 Dec: Goffs Merlin (4.3%) [3], RCH PG Steam, Sharps Cornish Knocker, Hook Norton Double Stout, Oakleaf Hole Hearted and a Polish Plum beer, plus Greene King Abbot and IPA, Purity UBU and Marstons Pedigree.

THE BIRD IN HAND in HENLEY IN ARDEN
Tue 2 Dec: BEERS ON EVERADS TIGER (2.5) SPECKLED HEN

WHITE SWAN in HENLEY IN ARDEN
Tue 2 Dec: BEERS ON TRIBUNE,BLACK SHEEP,PURITY IBU

RED LION in CLAVERDON
Tue 2 Dec: SHARPS DOOM BAR BREW XI

FLEUR-DE-LYS in LOWENSFORD
Tue 2 Dec: WHITE HORSE-DRAGON HILL GREENKING IPA ABBOT ALE WERE THE BEERS ON

THE NAVIGATION in LAPWORTH
Tue 2 Dec: BEER ON ADNAMS BROADSIDE

THE BOOT in LAPWORTH
Tue 2 Dec: BEER ON WAS HOBGOBLIN (3) SPECKLED HEN TETLEY

NBSS

Redhill Tavern in Yardley, Birmingham B25
Sat 29 Nov: No real ale [0].

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 29 Nov: Oakham JHB (3.8%) [3] and last week was a Slaters beer - a nice change after a season of Cottage ales.

Mason's Arms in Solihull
Wed 26 Nov: Timothy Taylor Landlord [3.5] at 2.20/pint, and Bass.

Bluebell in Henley-in-Arden
Mon 24 Nov: I have received notification from the owner that this pub has gained Cask Marque accreditation. I have not been to sample the beers on offer but am advised that Black Sheep Bitter, Wye Valley HPA and Purity UBU are currently stocked. Note: the pub is NOT open Monday Lunchtimes.

White Lion in Hampton in Arden
Wed 26 Nov: Black Sheep Bitter, Greene King IPA, Hook Norton Bitter & Adnams Bitter [3]

Cock Horse in Rowington
Wed 26 Nov: Hook Norton Bitter, Fullers London Pride & Caledonian Deuchars IPA [2.5]

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 23 Nov: Highgate Davenports IPA [3.5], Adnams Broadside and regular offering Hobson's Bitter.

Tom 'o the Wood in Rowington
Sun 23 Nov: Flowers IPA,Purity Gold[4],UBU[4]

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sat 22 Nov: Greene King Abbot, M&B Brew XI, Brains Top Notch, Mordue Italian Stallion, Wadworths Henry's IPA (3.6%) [3].

Woodmans Rest in Solihull
Sat 22 Nov: Oakham Inferno (4%) [4], Cotleigh Buzzard, Roosters YPA, York Centurions Ghost plus Greene King Abbot and IPA.

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Thu 20 Nov: Roosters YPA [3.5], Thwaites Nutty Black, Mordue Italian Stallion, GK Abbot, Brew XI.

Plume of Feathers in Shirley
Thu 20 Nov: No Real Ale [0]

Drawbridge in Majors Green
Thu 20 Nov: Oakham Inferno [3.5], Coach House Blueberry, York Centurion (?), Wells Bombardier (?). Lots of handpumps & pumpclips facing in various directions - confusing for customers & bar staff!

Red Lion in Shirley
Thu 20 Nov: Adnams Bitter [3], Fullers London Pride, Pedigree, Cottage Howling Ale

Colebrook in Shirley
Fri 14 Nov: Banks's Bitter, Marston's Pedigree, Greene King IPA, Stonehenge Great Bustard & Thwaites Nutty Black [3].

Tom O Wood in Rowington
Thu 13 Nov: Purity Gold [3] & Purity UBU on as standard, there is usually a guest ale as well.

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Thu 13 Nov: Goffs Jouster [3], Purity UBU, Ruddles Best.

Sharmans Cross in Sharmans Cross
Mon 10 Nov: Tim Taylors Landlord [3]. Remember to ask them to top the glass up.

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 8 Nov: Leeds Eagle Owl, Cottage Banger [3] and Adnams Bitter [3]

Red Lion in Baddesley Ensor
Sun 9 Nov: A superb pub. Regular cask beers are Marston's Pedigree and Everard's Tiger. Three guest ales on: Morgans Fat Boy (4.5%), Morland Original (4.0%) [4] and Blue Bear Roar Spirit (4.2% [4].

RED LION in KNOWLE
Fri 7 Nov: Batemans Little Miss Saucy [3.5]

Slug & Lettuce in Solihull
Wed 5 Nov: No Real Ale.....

Masons Arms in Solihull
Wed 5 Nov: Landlord [3.5] & Bass

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 6 Nov: Mansfield (Banks, aka Marstons) Old Bailey[4]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 5 Nov: Outlaw Wrangler[4.5],Highgate Red Rogue[3.5], Firestone Pale Ale[4.5], Yo-Ho yona yona[4.5], Slater's Ouzat, Abbott etc

Woodmans Rest in Shirley
Mon 3 Nov: Greene King IPA, Wychwood Hobgoblin[4], Isle of Purbeck Fossil Fuel[4], Morrissey Fox Blonde[4]

Red Lion in Shirley
Mon 3 Nov: Guest beer:- Cottage Champflower[4]

Red Lion in Shirley
Mon 3 Nov: Guest beer:- Cottage Champflower[4]

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Sat 1 Nov: Stonehenge Eye-opener (4.5%) [4]; Arundel Stronghold (4.7%) [3]; Wychwood Hobgoblin (4.5%) [3.5]; Greene King Abbot Ale; M&B Brew XI

NBSS

Dragonfly in Birmingham Airport
Tue 28 Oct: Started Wetherspoons beerfest early - 5 beers on tap. we tried 4 Triple F Altons Pride 3.8% [3] Wadworths Camrale 4% [3.5] Mikkels Vikings Return(Danish) 4.5% [3.5] & Firestone Walker California Pale Ale 4.5% [3]

Vaults in Knowle
Sun 26 Oct: New brewery spotted from Wainfleet - offshoot from Batemans? Riverside Dixons Old Diabolical 4.4% [4] also Lodden Russet 4.5% [3]

Vaults in Knowle
Wed 29 Oct: 2 Halloween specials on but will probably be gone before halloween! Riverside Dixons Witches Wallop 4.4% [4] & Ridleys Witchfinder Porter 4.3% [3.5]

Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Sat 25 Oct: 1ST sighting of the new Morrissey Fox Blonde 4.2[4] as well as Fullers Red Fox 4.3%[3] and 3 others. improving again?

Wharf in Hockley Heath
Sat 25 Oct: 2 local beers available in addition to normal S & N range. Purity Gold 3.8% [4] & Warwickshire Golden Bear 4.9% [3]

Vaults in Knowle
Thu 23 Oct: Cottage JT 4.0% [3.5] & HMS Victory 4.7[4] both in good condition

Crown in Claverdon
Tue 28 Oct: Brew XI & Abbeydale Dr Mortons Sheep Remedy [2].

Bluebell in Henley in Arden
Tue 28 Oct: Black Sheep Bitter & Purity UBU [2.5]. By the way, the nearby THREE TUNS doesnt appear to open at lunchtimes anymore. Presumably it still opens in the evening?

Beehive in Curdworth
Sat 25 Oct: This pub, in the centre of Curdworth village, changed hands within the last 12 months ago and continues to be popular. Real ales available on this visit were Marston's Pedigree [3] and M&B Brew XI. M&B Mild is also stocked but had run out this time. Good food is also served.

Queens Head in Meriden
Sun 19 Oct: M&B Brew XI, Bass and guest ale Brain's SA (4.2%) [4] in very good condition.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 18 Oct: Hobsons Bitter [3] and Wells Bombardier. The Mild did not sell very well, much to the Manager's disappointment. He told me they had to throw over half of it away, so I guess the experiment will not be repeated any time soon. Old Speckled Hen had been on until recently.

Sharmans Cross in Solihull
Fri 10 Oct: Tim Taylor Landlord [2.5], Marstons Pedigree, Wadworths 6X.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 8 Oct: Freeminer Iron Brew (4.2%) [3], Springhead Rupert's Ruin (4.2%), Puritan's Porter (4.0%), The Leveller (4.8%) and Charlie's Angel (4.5%) plus regulars Marston's Pedigree, Purity Pure Gold, Greene King Abbot and IPA. There is a great emphasis on beers from Springhead Brewery at present as the pub is holding a 'Meet the Brewer' evening on Wednesday 22nd October from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, with a rep. from Springhead. See in pub for more details - there are notices on the bar.

Hogshead in Solihull
Fri 3 Oct: Four handpumps but only two real ales - Wells Bombardier [4] in very good condition and Fullers London Pride. If this is the usual quality of the ales on offer then the Cask Marque award is fully deserved.

NBSS

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 28 Sep: The third handpump is now working and is dispensing...Hobson's Mild! [3.5]. A new Mild outlet for the area - and most welcome. Also available are Hobson's Bitter and Wells Bombardier

Navigation in Lapworth
Sat 27 Sep: Holdens Black Country Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Adnams Bitter & Deuchars IPA [3]

Colebrook in Shirley
Tue 23 Sep: Batemans Combined Harvest, Batemans Falling Leaves [3.5], Tim Taylor Landlord, Greene King IPA, Pedigree, Wells Bombardier

Red Lion in Shirley
Tue 23 Sep: Adnams Bitter, Fullers London Pride, Pedigree & Everards Sunchaser [3]

Horse & Jockey in Bentley
Sun 7 Sep: Okay, so I've wandered off the "patch" again but it is well worth it to visit this pub. Guest ale on is Cottage Brewing Temple Meads (4.5%) [4.5] in great condition. Also available were Bass, Banks' Bitter and Everards Original (5.2%). There is a beer festival here from 12th to 14th September - 21+ real ales plus ciders. Catch it if you can!

Bulls Head in Barston
Wed 3 Sep: Adnams Bitter, Hooky Bitter, Tim Taylor Landlord & Butcombe Gold [3.5]

Malt Shovel in Barston
Wed 3 Sep: Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, Robinsons Olympic Gold [3] & St Austell Tribute.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 3 Sep: Guest ale today is Wickwar Coopers' (3.7%) [4]. Regulars Greene King IPA and Abbot, Marston's Pedigree and Purity UBU also available.

NBSS

Herons nest in Heronfield
Mon 25 Aug: Bass[3.5] Only

Wharfe in Hockley Heath
Fri 29 Aug: Courage Directors, Theakstons Bitter, Cottage Whippet[4]

Bulls Head in Barston
Sun 31 Aug: Butcombe Gold (4.4%) [3.5], Timothy Taylor Landlord (4.3%) [3], Hook Norton Hooky Bitter (3.6%) and Adnam's Best Bitter (3.7%).

O'Neills in Solihull
Sun 31 Aug: Black Sheep Bitter [2.5], Tim Taylor Landlord [3]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sun 31 Aug: Amongst others: Fat Cat (Brewery unknown) [2.5], Woods Wonderful [3], Beowulf Bronze [1.5]

Town House in Solihull
Wed 27 Aug: Wells Bombardier [2.5]

Navigation in Wootton Wawen
Mon 25 Aug: Just outside our Branch area, this pub is worth a visit. Well-kept beer and good, reasonably priced food, with excellent service - despite being busy. Beers on were M&B Brew XI, Greene King Ruddles County [4] and Wychwood Hobgoblin [3.5]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 21 Aug: Today's guests are White Horse Flibbertigibbet (4.3%), Marston's Classic Pale Ale (4.2%), York Brewery Yorkshire Terrier (4.2%), Brains SA (4.2%) and Bateman's Summer Swallow (3.9%) [3]. Regulars Greene King Abbot and IPA, plus Marston's Pedigree and Purity UBU also available. Robinson's Olympic Gold is advertised as 'available soon' in the upstairs bar.

Greville Arms in Solihull
Wed 20 Aug: Wells Bombardier, Tetley Bitter & Tim Taylor Landlord [3]

Golden Acres in Solihull
Wed 20 Aug: Wells Bombardier, Cottage Windsor Castle - new barrel not quite ready, Hidden Fantasy - end of barrel, replaced by Scattor Rock Guzzler [3.5]

Harvester in Olton
Wed 20 Aug: Cottage Ark Royal, Woods Wonderful [3], GK Abbot, Old Speckled Hen & John Smiths.

Olton Tavern in Olton
Wed 20 Aug: No Real Ale [0]

Sharmans Cross in Solihull
Thu 14 Aug: Pedigree[3.5], Bass, the Landlord was off but the pump clip was not.

White Swan in Henley in Arden
Wed 13 Aug: Jennings Cumberland [2] & Adnams Broadside (& Black Sheep Bitter not on)

Nags Head in Henley in Arden
Wed 13 Aug: Theakstons Bitter [1.5] & Wells Bombardier

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 13 Aug: Guest ales on today are Spinning Dog Herefordshire Old Bull (3.9%) [3] and Nethergate Augustinian (4.5%) [3.5]. Also are the regulars: Greene King IPA and Abbot, Marstons Pedigree and Purity UBU. There is another Wetherspoons beer festival lined up for the second half of October with nearly 100 beers to choose from, so I was told by one of the staff.

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Shirley
Wed 6 Aug: The Bernies legend continues - Church End Goat's Milk [4] Ossett Fine Fettle and a new citrus beer from Elland which was also very good [4] but I forget the name, as well as Taylor Landlord for those with more conservative tastes.

Red Lion in Earlswood
Wed 6 Aug: TT Landlord [3] & Everards Tiger.

Oak in Hockley Heath
Wed 6 Aug: Recently re-opened following change of ownership & refurb, no Real Ale [0] - at the moment, but handpumps & casks have been ordered.

Railway in Dorridge
Sun 3 Aug: Hancocks HB (3.6%) [3.5]. Butcombe Gold (4.2%) [3], Bass and M&B Brew XI. Also on was Weston's Old Rosie Scrumpy.

Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath
Sun 3 Aug: No real ale available. Two handpumps had no clips and the other two had the clips turned round. Very disappointing [0].

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 2 Aug: Wells Bombardier (4.3%) [4] and Hobsons Bitter (3.8%) [3.5]. The Management team here is Chris, Claire and Adrian. The Bombardier is officially a 'guest' ale but in practice is a regular offering at present as Wells & Youngs have provided umbrellas for the beer garden. The third handpump is still out of use awaiting parts but when fixed will be used for the guest ale.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 2 Aug: Tom Woods Bomber County[4.5],Archers Crystal Clear[3.5], Phoenix Double Gold[3.5],UBU,Gold,Ped, GK IPA, plus whatever was upstairs

NBSS

Bernies in Shirley
Fri 1 Aug: Crown and Wellington: HPA (3.9%)[4]According to the Good Beer Guide, this beer is only available at the hotel where it is brewed in Sheffield. The good news is that this is not true - I recommend a trip to Bernies right away.

Wharf in Hockley heath
Sat 26 Jul: Milestone Lions Pride (3.8%) [4], Kinver Edge (4.2%) [3], Theakstons Best Bitter and Courage Directors.

Drum and Monkey in Solihull
Sun 27 Jul: Mordue (?)[2], Bateman's Jester IPA, Landlord, Stonehenge Pigswill [3], Bombardier,Hobson's Best.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 24 Jul: Caledonian Lorimer's Cask Lager, Bath Ales Gem (4.1%), Orkney Northern Light (4.0%) [4] - a bit "lively", plus the usual Marston's Pedigree, Greene King Abbot and IPA - and Purity Pure UBU and Pure Gold. Burton Bridge Burton XB Bitter was also on in the upstairs bar.

Red Lion in Earlswood
Tue 22 Jul: Everards Tiger & Timothy Taylor Landlord [3]

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Mon 21 Jul: Abbot Ale and Sharp's Eden Pure Ale & Doom Bar [2.5]

Crab Mill in Preston Bagot
Tue 22 Jul: Tetley Bitter & Purity UBU [3]. (GK Abbot not available on my visit)

Bird in Hand in Beaudester nr Henley
Tue 22 Jul: Old Speckled Hen & Everards Tiger [2.5]

Bulls Head in Barston
Sun 20 Jul: Black Sheep Best Bitter [4], Adnam's Bitter, Hook Norton Old Hooky and Timothy Taylor Landlord.

Woodmans Rest in Solihull
Sat 19 Jul: Wyre Piddle Brewery Piddle in the Pub (4.1%) [3], York Brewery Guzzler (3.6%) [4]. Also on were Greene King IPA (@£1.89/pint), Greene King Abbot and Marston's Pedigree.

Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Tue 8 Jul: Everards Sunchaser, Hobsons Town Crier, Hobsons Bitter [3], Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, Bombardier & Pedigree.

Bulls Head in Earlswood
Tue 8 Jul: Thwaites Lancaster Bomber & Thwaites Original [2] - bit too cold.

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Thu 3 Jul: Wychwood Wychcraft (3.8%) [3.5]; Batemans Middle Wicket (4.4%) [2.5]; Wells Bombardier; Greene King Abbot Ale

Blue Bell Cider House in Warings Green
Thu 3 Jul: Theakston Lightfoot (4.1%) [3]; Weatheroak Liberty (4.4) [4]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 2 Jul: A fine choice of beers available today, viz: Salopian Lemon Dream (4.5%) [3.5], Church End Poacher's Pocket (3.5%), Banks & Taylor's SOS (5.0%), Wychwood Hobgoblin, Caledonian XPA (4.3%), Ramsbury Flint Knapper, Highgate Davenport's IPA, Greene King IPA and Abbot, plus Marston's Pedigree. Also available in the upstairs bar are Naylor's Sunset Ale and Everard's Sly Fox.

Griffin Inn in Church End, Shustoke
Sun 29 Jun: A beer festival was held here over the weekend of Friday 27th to Sunday 29th June inclusive. I visited at lunchtime on the Sunday and found virtually all the festival ales had sold out. However, the following were still on offer: Mole's Barley Mole (4.2%)[4], Thornbridge Jaipur IPA, Tunnel Brewery Boston Beer Party, Abbeydale Black Mass (6.7%)plus regulars RCH Pitchfork, Jennings Dark Mild, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Theakston's Old Peculier and Marston's Pedigree. Also of note is that the brewery behind the pub (original home of Church End Brewery) is back in production as Griffin Inn Brewery, with two of their offerings available at the festival: their first brew, called 'Ere It Is (4.5%), which had run out when I arrived, and Power Surge (5.8%) which was still available.

NBSS

Dog Inn in Nether Whitacre
Sun 29 Jun: This pub continues to impress with the quality of it's beers. On this occasion there was Tetley Dark Mild (this seems to have replaced M&B Mild now), Black Sheep Best Bitter, Wells Bombardier, Marston's Pedigree, Timothy Taylor Landlord and guest ale Wickwar Long John Silver (4.2%) [3.5].

Old Joint Stock in Birmingham
Sat 28 Jun: Beers from the Fuller's range on offer were Discovery [3.5], London Pride, Chiswick Bitter and ESB. There was also Beowulf Dark Raven available [3].

Red Lion in Shirley
Fri 27 Jun: Cottage: I can't believe it (4.1%) [3.5], sadly there was a probem with the CO2 cylinder, so the keg beer was off..... had to drink cask

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 25 Jun: And still the Church End Brewery mini beer festival goes on! Those available today are Rest In Peace (7.0%), Vicar's Ruin, Altar Ale (3.6%) [3.5], Goat's Milk and What the Fox's Hat. Other beers on are: Ramsbury Flint Knapper, Greene King Abbot and IPA and Marstons Pedigree. In the upstairs bar there is also Naylors Sunset Ale and Badger First Gold.

Oak in Hockley Heath
Tue 24 Jun: 'Closed for refurbishment - opening soon'

White Lion in Hampton in Arden
Tue 24 Jun: Adnams Bitter [2.5], Brew XI, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter & Black Sheep Bitter

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Tue 24 Jun: Slaters Top Totty [3], Cotleigh 25 & Ruddles Best

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sat 21 Jun: Nethergate Vixen (3.9%) [4], Wychwood Left Back (4.0%)(both at £2.50/pint), Hook Norton Old Hooky, Greene King ABbot and M&B Brew XI.

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Fri 20 Jun: Hydes Eager Beaver (4.4%) [3]; Wadworth Horizon (4.0%); Wychwood Left Back (4.0%). Roosters YPA coming soon.

The Arden Club in Solihull
Thu 19 Jun: Lancaster Bomber[4] £2.60/pint. Another hand pump but out of use.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 18 Jun: The Church End beer festival is still in full swing with the following available: R. Reg [3.5], Grave Diggers, Pews Porter, Cuthberts and Hop Gun. Also on are Highgate Davenports IPA, Highgate Old Ale, Greene King Abbot and Marstons Pedigree. The Greene King IPA had run out. In the upstairs bar there is Naylors Sunset Ale and Everards Sly Fox.

The Barn in Hockley Heath
Sun 15 Jun: No real ale available [0]. Pump clips on both hand pumps were turned backwards. Disappointing for a Fathers Day outing.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Fri 13 Jun: Full list of Church End ales is R Reg [4], Cuthberts [3], Fallen Angel [2.5], Grave Digger [3] and Pews Porter [3]. More will be brought on as these run out.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Fri 13 Jun: various Church End beers - R-reg was perhaps best - all good and £1.50/pint..... well worth making the effort to get there. Apparently they have some left and still cheap.

Horse & Jockey in Bentley
Sat 14 Jun: Although this pub is not in the Solihull branch area (it is near Atherstone) it is too good not to mention. Guest ales were Hop Back Spring Zing (4.2%) [4.5] - which finished shortly after tried it, and Moorhouse's Blonde Witch (4.5%) [4.5]. Also on were Bass, Everards Original and Weston's Old Rosie Scrumpy. The food is also very good here and is reasonably priced. A skittle alley is also available for hire (£6.95 per person, minimum 15 people - price includes a selected meal from the menu, e.g. Chicken & Chips). There is a beer festival planned for 5th to 7th September 2008.

Drum and Monkey in Dorridge
Sat 14 Jun: Sharpe's Eden[3], Town Crier[4], Bombardier [4], Pedigree, Landlord.

White Swan in Solihull
Fri 13 Jun: Guest ale today is Titanic Nautical Mild [4]. Also on are Greene King Abbot, Purity Pure UBU and Marstons Pedigree.

Municipal Club in Shirley
Thu 12 Jun: Greene King IPA, Hook Norton Hookey Gold[4] £2.30/pint

Bull's Head in Earlswood
Tue 10 Jun: Thwaits Bitter & Lancaster Bomber [4]. The third ale had just expired and a new barrel was on the way.

Red Lion in Knowle
Wed 11 Jun: Nethergate Vixen [3], Oakham JHB, Hydes Eager Beaver, Old Hooky, Brew X1, London Pride

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 7 Jun: Inveralmond Threapledouser [4], Highgate Old Ale amongst others. Festival of Church End Beers on from Friday 13th, and other local ale festivals planned for each month.

Rowington Club in Rowington
Fri 6 Jun: Church End Hop Gun [4], Rudgate Battleaxe as well as the 2 regular beers.

Red House in Solihull
Wed 11 Jun: Thwaites Original & Thwaites Lancaster Bomber [3]

Greville Arms in Solihull
Wed 11 Jun: Tetley Bitter, Pedigree & Tim Taylor Landlord [3]

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 8 Jun: Wells Bombardier [4] and Hobson's Bitter [4].

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 4 Jun: Guest ales today are: Anker Bruin and Palm (both from Belgium), Highgate Old Ale, Davenport's Export and Original, Inveralmond Thrappledouser (4.2%) [3] plus Naylors's Sunset Ale in the upstairs bar. Also on are the usual Purity Pure UBU, Marston's Pedigree, Greene King Abbot and IPA.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Mon 2 Jun: All three handpumps now back in use. Wells Bombardier (which looked in good nick), Elgood's Double Swan, which finished whilst I was there but was still drinkable to the last, and the regular Hobson's Bitter [3.5].

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 1 Jun: Guest beer is Elgood's Double Swan, again in very good condition [4.5]. Hobson's Bitter also available. For the second Sunday in succession, have enjoyed very good food at this pub and excellent service into the bargain!

Falcon in Hatton
Sat 31 May: Seems to be a Marstons pub now:- Pedigree,Banks Bitter, Jenning's Yan T'yan...[3]

Red Lion in Shirley
Sun 1 Jun: Cottage Brewing: Silver Ghost (5%) [3.5] and they had a different 4% Cottage beer on yesterday.

NBSS

The Bulls Head in Wooten Wawen
Sat 31 May: Bateman's XXXB [3] and good food too

Rowington Club in Rowington
Sat 31 May: Wye Valley HPA 4% [4.5] and a lot cheaper than other places nearby.

The Boot in Lapworth
Fri 30 May: Hobgoblin [3] at £3.10 per pint

Bass museum in Burton on Trent
Wed 28 May: Worthington micro brewery. Worthington White Shield [5], St Modwen [4], Worthinton `E`(!)[4]

The Brewery Tap in Brewey Museum, Burton Upon Trent
Wed 28 May: WHITE SHIELD BREWERY BEERS: 'St. Modwen' (4.2%) [4], 'The Brewery Tap' (4.5%) [3.5], 'White Shield' (5.6%) [3.5], 'Worthington E' (4.8%) [4.5]

Drawbridge in Majors Green
Fri 30 May: Moorhouses Black Cat Mild [3 ***May is Mild Month***], Morland Tanners Jack, Wells Bombardier, Courage Directors.

Masons Arms in Solihull
Fri 30 May: Bass and Black Sheep Best Bitter [3.5]. It was pleasing to note the sign behind the bar which states "If you think the head on your pint is too big, a member of staff will gladly top it up for you".

Brewery Tap in Brewey Museum, Burton upon Trent
Wed 28 May: White Shield Brewery brews. St Modwen (4.2%) - soon possibly Coors new Red Shield (4.2%) of the future, The Brewey Tap(?) & two others, Also Worthington E poured straight from the cask (4.8%)[4.5].

Brewery Tap - White Shield in Burton-upon-Trent
Wed 28 May: Worthington E [5]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 28 May: O'Hanlon's Port Stout (4.8%), Hobson's Mild (3.2%)[2.5], Mordue Workie Ticket, Highgate Davenport's Original Bitter, Marston's Old Empire and Pedigree, Greene King IPA and Abbot, Purity Pure Gold and Pure UBU.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 28 May: O'Hanlon's Port Stout, Hobson's Mild [2.5], Mordue Workie Ticket, Highgate Davenport's Original Bitter, Marston's Old Empire and Pedigree, Greene King IPA and Abbot, Purity Pure Gold and Pure UBU.

Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Tue 27 May: Hobson's Best [4], Hobson's Town Crier, Timothy Taylor Landlord Bitter, Marston's Pedigree, Marston's Merrie Monk, Courage Directors. Town Crier is to be replaced by Charles Wells Bombardier soon.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 24 May: Hobson's Bitter [3.5] and guest ale Adnam's Regatta [5] in absolutely fabulous form!

The Shakespeare Inn in Welford upon Avon
Sat 24 May: The whole of Stratford and the surrounding area is dry according to the GBG. Good news, new owners here have changed that. Nice small pub with a beer garden, on a quiet road. Good food and cask marque too. Purity UBU and Hook Norton Bitter [3] (and a warm welcome)

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 22 May: Guests are Beartown Black Bear Mild (5%) [3.5 - May is Mild Month], Hobson's Mild, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, and Butcombe Gold, plus Mordue Workie Ticket "coming soon". Regulars are Greene King IPA and Abbot, Marston's Pedigree and Purity Pure UBU. In the upstairs bar, Clark's No Angel is also available.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 21 May: Among others: Butcombe Gold [4], Hobsons Mild [4 ***May is Mild Month***], Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted [2.5], Beartown Black Bear [2.5]

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sun 18 May: Highgate Bee Zone (4.0%), Sharp's Eden Ale (4.3%) [4], Bateman's Maypole Dancer (4.4%) [4], Wells Bombardier (all at £2.50/pint) and M&B Brew XI (at £1.79/pint).

White Swan in Henley in Arden
Sat 17 May: Adnams Broadside [3.5], Black Sheep Bitter & Hook Norton Hooky Bitter

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Fri 16 May: Guest ales "just gone on today" are: Hanby Cascade, Skinner's Betty Stogs (4.0%), Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted and Beartown Black Bear (5.0%), all in the downstairs bar. Also on were Grainstore Rutland Panther Mild [4 ***May is Mild Month***], Purity Pure UBU, Marston's pedigree, Greene King Abbot and IPA. In the upstairs bra were the Marstons, Greene King and Purity offerings, plus Clark's No Angel (4.0%). The regular beers are selling at £1.79/pint with the guests at £1.99/pint.

Golden Acres in Damsonwood
Tue 13 May: Springhead Charlie's Angel (4.5%) [3.5]; Cottage Jurassic Bark (just gone)

Reservoir in Earlswood
Tue 13 May: Old Speckled Hen & Courage Best [2.5]

Old Royal Oak in Wood End
Tue 13 May: Adnams Broadside & Brew XI [2]

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 11 May: Hobson's Bitter and Elgood's Double Swan (4.5%) [4]. Only two handpumps working at present, the 3rd is still out of commission. Hobson's Bitter is the regular offering now - the Double Swan was in superb condition.

The Vaults in Knowle
Fri 9 May: RCH Double Header (5.3%) [3.5]

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Thu 8 May: Old Mill St George (4.2%) [2]; Beartown Kodiak Gold (4.0%) [3.5]; Woodforde's Wherry (3.8%) [4]

White Lion in Hampton in Arden
Thu 8 May: Adnams The Bitter (3.7%) [3]; Black Sheep Best Bitter (3.8%) [3.5]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sun 11 May: (Among others:) Hanby Cascade [3.5], Grainstore Rutland Panther Mild [3 *** May is Mild Month ***], Stonehenge Pigswill [2]

Golden Acres in Solihull
Thu 8 May: Cottage Jurassic Bark, Black Sheep Bitter & Slaters Premium [3.5]

Highwood in Olton
Thu 8 May: Shepherd Neame Spitfire [2.5] - on in Lounge only, no sign of it in the Bar so make sure you ask.

Hobs Meadow in Olton
Thu 8 May: Ruddles County & Highgate Dark Mild [3 *** May is Mild Month ***]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 8 May: A great selection! Grainstore Rutland Panther [4], Otter Bright, Brewsters Rutterkin, Sonehenge Pigswill, Saltaire Cascade Pale, Purity Pure UBU, Greene King IPA and Abbot plus Marston's Pedigree.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Mon 5 May: No fewer than 11 ales! Grainstore Rutland Panther (3.4%) [3.5], Saltaire Cascade Pale (4.8%) [4.5], Stonehenge Pigswill (4.0%), Otter Bright (4.3%), Brewster's Rutterkin (4.6%), Clark's No Angel (4.0%), Purity Pure Gold (3.8%), Purity Pure UBU (4.5%), Marston's Pedigree, Greene King IPA and Abbott.

Harvester in Olton
Sun 4 May: Cottage Brewery Whippet of Oz 3.9% [3], Salopian Lemon Dream 4.3% [3], Woods Shropshire Lad 4.5% [4].

NBSS

Vaults in Knowle
Tue 29 Apr: Elland Gold Award [4.5], Elland Eden, Acorn St George [3.5], Hop Back Summer Lightning, Tetley Bitter & Ansells Mild.

Red Lion in Knowle
Sun 27 Apr: Hydes 1863 Classic Bitter [3], Titanic Englands Glory [3], Hook Norton Old Hooky, Wells Bombardier, Fullers London Pride and M&B Brew XI (at £1.89/pint)

O'Neills in Solihull
Sat 26 Apr: Just Tim Taylor Landlord [3] on at the moment.

Hog's Head in Solihull
Sat 26 Apr: Fuller's London Pride, Charles Wells Bombardier & Outlaw (Roosters) Wild Mule [4]

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Sat 26 Apr: Okells Bitter (3.7%) [3]; Outlaw Wild Mule (3.9%) [5]; Coach House Honey Pot; Wells Bombardier

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 23 Apr: Batemans Spring Godess[4], Orkney dark Island, Stones(USA)7.2%[5] Ginger beer(?)4.2%, Oakham JHB (just gone), Purity UBU, Pedigree

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Wed 23 Apr: Everards Sunchaser (4.0%) [4]; Morland Tanners Jack (4.4%) [3]; Coach House Honey Pot (3.8%) [3]; Wells Bombardier (4.3%)

The Vaults in Knowle
Mon 21 Apr: Robinsons Dark Hatters (3.3%) [2]; Silverhead Leah Bier (3.8%) [2]; Thornbridge Ashford (4.2%) [2]; Otter Ale (4.5%) [3];

Railway in Dorridge
Mon 21 Apr: Wychwood Hobgoblin (the new 4.5% version) [3]

Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Mon 21 Apr: Old Mill St George (from week 2 of the festival) (4.2%) [3]; Timothy Taylor Landlord; Hobsons Best Bitter; Hobsons Town Crier

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 24 Apr: Wood's Special Bitter (4.2%), Mauldons Black Adder, Robinson's Top Tipple (3.9%) [3.5] and Greene King Abbot [4]. The Marstons Pedigree was "not available".

NBSS

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 23 Apr: Greene King Abbot, Pedigree, Mauldons Blackadder & Robinsons Top Tipple [2].

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 20 Apr: Hobsons Bitter (3.8%) [4] and Morland Old Speckled Hen. The third handpump is out of commission at present but it is hoped to have it back in action soon.

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 19 Apr: Normans Conquest [4] - former Camra supreme champion

Drawbridge in Majors Green
Thu 17 Apr: Beartown Kodiak Gold [4], Old Mill St George, Highgate Fox's Nob, Butcombe Bitter, as well as Deuchars IPA, Fullers London Pride, Charles Wells Bombardier and Courage Directors. Well worth a visit!

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 17 Apr: Some festival ales still available. On offer today are Mauldons Black Adder, Robinsons Top Tipple, Oakham JHB, Caledonian Chocolate Drop, Hook Norton 303AD, Woodfordes Nelsons Revenge [3] - all downstairs, plus Orkney Dark Island in the upstairs bar, along with Westons Conquest Scrumpy. The regulars, Greene King IPA and Abbot, plus Marstons Pedigree are also available.

White Swan in Solihull
Mon 14 Apr: *** NEWSFLASH *** [0 Although the festival has now finished, the White Swan still has a number of casks of festival ales waiting to be tapped. These will continue to be available while stocks last ]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Mon 14 Apr: Caledonian Chocolate Drop (3.8%) [2]; Mauldons Black Adder (5.3%) [3]; Robinsons Top Tipple (3.9%) [2]; Batemans Spring Goddess (4.2%) [3]

White Swan in Solihull
Mon 14 Apr: JW Lees Brewer's Dark (3.5%) [3]; Hydes Trojan Horse (4.2%) [2]; Elgoods Old Wagg (4.0%) [3]; Jennings Sneck Lifter (5.1%) [4]; Hook Norton 303AD (I think this was mis-labelled and it's actually the VERY sweet Ecaussinnes Cookie Beer (5.0%) [1])

British Legion in Solihull
Thu 10 Apr: Church End St George's [4] & Church End Shakesbeer along with Banks Bitter.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Fri 11 Apr: Robinsons Top Tipple, Caledonian Chocolate Drop, Nethergate April Fool, Hampshire Ironside as guests alonside the regular beers.

Vaults in Knowle
Fri 11 Apr: Thwaites Double Century 4.5% [3] Caledonian Deuchars IPA [3] They are advertising another beer festival commencing 18th April for a week or until the beer runs out!

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Thu 10 Apr: Robinsons Dizzy Blonde (3.8%) [3]; Batemans Eggs-B (4.2%) [2]; Adnams Explorer (4.3%); Shepherd Neame Spitfire (4.5%)

Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Thu 10 Apr: Week 2 of the festival: Old Mill St George (4.2%) [3]; Morland Old Speckled Hen (4.5%) plus regulars Hobsons Best Bitter (3.8%); Hobsons Town Crier (4.5%)

Case Is Altered in Five Ways nr Chadwick End
Wed 9 Apr: Not in the Solihull pubs area, but always worth a visit. Current guest beer - Goffs Launcelot [3].

Crown in Claverdon
Wed 9 Apr: Brew XI & Warwickshire Godiva [1] - very soupy looking, tasted OK but not particularly enjoyable.

Drawbridge in Solihull Lodge
Tue 8 Apr: Woodfordes Wherry Best Bitter 3.8%, Titanic English Glory 4.5%, Timothy Taylor landlord; Wells Bombardier, Marstons Peddigree

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 9 Apr: The same range as yesterday was available, except that the Greene King Abbot Reserve had been replaced by Highgate Fat Catz. I tried the Spinning Dog Celtic Gold and rate it a definite [4].

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Tue 8 Apr: The following festival ales were on: Caledonian Chocolate Drop, Theakstons Black Bull Bitter, Wadworth Horizon, Brains' Rev. James, Spinning Dog Celtic Gold, Greene King Abbot Reserve (6.5%) [4] and Wickwar Severn Bore. The usual beers, greene King IPA and Abbot, plus Marstons Pedigree were also available, plus a pump clip showing for Westons Conquest Scrumpy in the upstairs bar.

White Swan (Wetherspoons) in Solihull
Sat 5 Apr: Sneck Lifter[3], Purity Gold, Caledonian Chocolate Drop, Pedigree, Original Plum Brower. I was assured that all of the beers were available.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 5 Apr: The following beers had pump clips showing:- Phoenix Navvy,Pedigree,Abbot Reserve, Store double IPA (California),Wadworth Horizon, Wickwar Severn Bore,Spinning dog Celtic Gold,Gk IPA,Weston's Cider Conquest. Only the usuals Ped,GK IPA etc were on. Only one of the hand pumps was without a clip

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sat 5 Apr: Gales HSB [4], Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Butcombe Brunel IPA (5.0%) and M&B Brew XI. The Brew XI is being sold at £1.79/pint.

Black Boy in Heronfield
Fri 4 Apr: St Austell Tribute (4.2%) [3]; Fullers London Pride

Hobs Meadow in Hobs Moat
Thu 3 Apr: Ruddles County (4.3%) [2]

Harvester in Solihull
Thu 3 Apr: Goff's Tournament (4.0%)[2]; Salopian Golden Thread (5.0%) [1]; Courage Directors; Greene King Abbot Ale

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 2 Apr: Just the 4 festival beers on in here at the moment: Marstons Pedigree, Greene King IPA, Ringwood 78 [3] & Yo-Ho Tokyo Black.

O'Neills in Solihull
Wed 2 Apr: TT Landlord [4] & Highgate Highland Whisky Ale.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 2 Apr: Festival beers on today are Stone Brewery IPA, Jennings Sneck Lifter [4], Ecaussine Cookie Beer, Yo-ho Tokyo Black, Cain's Bock Beer and Marstons Pedigree Six.

NBSS

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 27 Mar: Today is the start of the JDW beer festival and guest ales on were: Loddon Hocus Pocus, Original Wexford (4.4%) and Brains Bread of Heaven (4%) [3]. Listed as coming soon are: St. Georgen Brau Keller Bier and Ecaussinnes Cookie Beer. Also available were regulars Greene King Abbot and IPA, Marstons Pedigree and Purity Pure UBU.

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Thu 20 Mar: M&B Brew XI (@ £1.79 per pint), Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Springhead Liberty, Highgate Irish Whiskey Ale and Moorhouse's Pride of Pendle (4.1%) [4].

Woodmans Rest in Shirley
Sun 23 Mar: Greene King IPA, Abbot [4], Black Sheep [3], Pedigree

Sharmans Cross in Solihull
Sun 23 Mar: Pedigree [3], Bass

Colebrook in Haslucks Green
Mon 24 Mar: Moorhouse Pride of Pendle [4], other guests were Titanic Iceberg & a seasonal Irish ale, regulars are Pedigree, Abbot and Tim Taylor's Landlord

Bulls Head in Earlswood
Mon 24 Mar: Thwaites Bomber [4], pity Wainwright is so elusive - keeps selling out.

O'Nell's in Solihull
Sun 23 Mar: Timothy Taylor Landlord [4] & Highgate Irish Whisky Ale [3]

Bernies in Shirley
Sat 22 Mar: Pictish Bravo (4.7%) [4], also Phoenix White Monk and Silver Fox

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 19 Mar: Usual ales were Greene king Abbot and IPA, Marstons Pedigree and Purity Pure Gold. Guests were Ringwood Fortyniner, Batemans Hooker and Original Wexford (St. Patrick's) Ale (4.4%) [3].

Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Sun 16 Mar: Now under new management, the pub has an 8 week festival due to run from 1st April to 26th May. Votes can be cast to stock any of 6 different ales per week. A total of 42 different ales are available to choose from, including the likes of Woodforde's Wherry, Highgate Fox's Nob, Rooster's Wild Mule and Moorhouse's Black Cat. Booklets containing voting slips are available in the pub now.

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Sun 16 Mar: Highgate Irish Whisky Ale (4.4%) [3]; Hopback Crop Circle (4.2%) [4]; Cotleigh Tawny Owl (3.8%) [2]

Blue Bell Cider House in Warings Green
Sun 16 Mar: Hyde's Trojan Horse (4.2%) [3]; Holden's Golden Glow (4.4%); Young's Special (4.5%)

Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Sun 16 Mar: Brains Bread of Heaven (4.0%) [4]; Marston's Pedigree (4.5%); Hobson's Town Crier (4.5%); Hobson's Best Bitter (3.8%)

Reservoir in Earlswood
Sun 16 Mar: Courage Best, Ruddles County (4.3%)[5]

Griffin in Furnace End
Thu 13 Mar: This GBG-listed pub is not in the Solihull Branch Area but.. ales available were RCH Pitchfork, RCH Firebox, Theakstons Old Peculier, Hook Norton Old Hooky, Marstons Pedigree, Jennings Dark Mild, Holdens Golden Glow, Weatheroak Frog March [4], Batham's Best Bitter [5] and Tunnel Shadow Weaver Stout.

The Drawbridge in Majors Green
Thu 13 Mar: Marston's Pedigree, Wells Bombardier, Caledonian 80 shilling, Brains SA Gold, Caledonian Try'd and Tested

Red Lion in Shirley
Thu 13 Mar: Slaters Common Road [3]

Municipal Club in Shirley
Wed 12 Mar: Greene King Chariot, Everards Pitch Black[3]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 12 Mar: Guest ales were Davenports IPA, Bateman's Hooker and Wood's Shropshire Lass (4.1%) [3]. Regulars Marstons Pedigree, greene King Abbot and IPA also available.

Fleur de Lys in Lowsonford
Sun 9 Mar: Greene King IPA,Abbott, Speckled Hen[3]

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 8 Mar: Green King IPA [3], surprising but true. I chose it as the lightest one there - as the guest usually is.

Greville Arms in Solihull
Thu 6 Mar: Black Sheep Bitter [3], John Smiths & Bankss Bitter.

Old Colonial in Solihull
Thu 6 Mar: Neither Adnams Bitter or Old Speckled Hen available [0]

Golden Acres in Solihull
Thu 6 Mar: Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Scattor Rock Scattor Brain [3]. Springhead Bitter had just finished, to be replaced by a welsh beer from Wye Valley.

The Highwood in Highwood Rd, Olton
Wed 5 Mar: Adnams Bitter [3], in a lively local

Hobs Meadow in Hobs Moat, off Lode Lane
Wed 5 Mar: Ansells Mild, Fullers London Pride [3] obviously refurbished recently.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 5 Mar: Guests were Arundel Sussex Bitter, Batemans XXXB and York Brewery Guzzler (3.6%) [3+]. Also on were regular offerings Marstons Pedigree and Purity Pure Gold. The Greene King Abbot and IPA were both off.

The Black SWwan in Henley
Mon 3 Mar: Banks Bitter, Bateman's XB [3]

The Wharf Tavern in Hockley Heath
Mon 3 Mar: Courage Directors [2], Marston's Pedigree, Theakston's Best, Old Speckled Hen

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 1 Mar: Purity Gold [0]+ four or five others. The Gold was definitely off and was changed without problem.

O'Neill's in Solihull
Sat 1 Mar: Wychwood Dirty Tackle [3], Caledonian Tryd &Tested [4]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 1 Mar: Guest ales were Dark Star Hophead (3.8%) [3], Evan Evans Bitter and Belgian Fruit Beer. Also available: Purity Pure Gold, Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot and IPA.

NBSS

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 28 Feb: Guest beers were Belgian Fruit Beer, Purity UBU and Evan Evans Bitter (4.4%) [4]. White Horse Brewery Giant had run out. Also on were Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot and IPA.

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 21 Feb: Guests were Wells Bombardier [4], JW Lees John Willie's (4.5%)[4] together with regular offerings Greene King IPA, Abbot [4] and Marstons Pedigree.

Fieldhouse in Monkspath, Solihull
Wed 20 Feb: Arundel Sussex Gold [4], Greene King Chariot, Batemans XB, Abbott Ale & Brew X1.

Vaults in Knowle
Tue 19 Feb: Ossett Snowdrop [3], Oakham White Dwarf [4], Wychwood Dirty Tackle as well as the regulars.

VAULTS in KNOWLE
Fri 15 Feb: SLATERS QUEEN BEE - 4 EVERARDS PITCH BLACK(and it was) 3

RED LION in KNOWLE
Sun 17 Feb: Five beers on but only 2 guests Robinsons Tempus Fugit - 2 Old Mill Old Curiosity 2 Both were too warm and lacked condition - probably as not many people were drinking them.

VAULTS in KNOWLE
Sun 17 Feb: Start of mini beer festival. Tried Oakham White Dwarf 3 and Ossett Snowdrop 4. More beers to come as each one runs out.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 17 Feb: Wells Bombardier, Greene King IPA and guest beer Batemans XXXB [4]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sun 17 Feb: Purity Gold [3], Banks & Taylor Shefford Bitter [3], Purity UBU, Green King IPA, Hook Norton Double Stout, Abbot Ale.

Harvester in Olton
Fri 15 Feb: Cottage Brewery The Whippet Strikes Back (4.1%) [3], Salopian Lemon Dream (4.5%) [4], Goffs White Knight (4.7%) [4].

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Wed 13 Feb: Gales Swing Low (3.8%) [3]; Wychwood Dirty Tackle (4.0%) [3]; Wyre Piddle Piddler on the Roof (4.2%) [1]; Greene King Abbot Ale (5.0%)

Blue Bell Cider House in Warings Green
Wed 13 Feb: Robinsons Tempus Fugit (4.2%) [4]; Ruddles Best Bitter (3.7%); Brains SA (4.2%)

Masons Arms in Solihull
Mon 11 Feb: Black Sheep [1], Bass [2]

Hogshead in Solihull
Mon 11 Feb: Skinners Best Bitter [2], Wadworth's Henry's IPA

White Swan in Solihull
Mon 11 Feb: Arundel Sussex Gold [4], Cains Bitter [3], Greene King Abbot Ale, Marston's Pedigree, Greene King IPA

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 13 Feb: Regulars: Greene King IPA and Abbot [4] plus Marstons Pedigree. Guests: Cains Bitter, which ran out whilst we were there and Pivovar Herold Black Chalice, a bohemian schwarzbier (4.8%) [4]- absolutely splendid.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 10 Feb: Wells Bombardier, Greene King IPA [4] and guest Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger (5%) [4]

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 9 Feb: Adnams Bitter [3], Cottage Wessex Warmer (4.5%) [4], assisted by live music

Black Swan in Henley
Sat 9 Feb: Banks [3], they say their normal guest beer (currently off) is from a new Stratford brewery.

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Shirley
Fri 8 Feb: Abbeydale Epiphany [3], E & S Goldrush [4],Oakham Bishop's Farewell [4], Taylor Landlord. A great choice of premium bitters.

Bell in Tanworth-in-Arden
Wed 6 Feb: TT Landlord & Caledonian Deuchars IPA [2]

Colebrook in Shirley
Wed 6 Feb: GK Abbot, Black Sheep Bitter, Pedigree, Old Speckled Hen, Fullers London Pride & TT Landlord [2]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Wed 6 Feb: What a superb choice! Apart from the regular Greene King Abbot and Marstons Pedigree, the following were on offer: Purity UBU, Burton Bridge Sovereign Gold, Newmans Red Stag Bitter (3.6%), Weymouth Jurassic (4.7%) [4], Okells Aile Smokey celtic Porter (4.8%) [4], Vale Pale Ale and Archers IPA. Wetherspoons are already advertising their Real Ale festivals for 2008, these being Thursday 27 March to Monday 14 April and Thursday 30 October to Sunday 16 November. Make a note in your diary!

Coach House in Solihull
Mon 4 Feb: This pub has just re-opened after refurbishment and is now sporting Marston's branding. However, a great opportunity has been lost as this pub still lacks character - and real ale [0].

Dog Inn in Nether Whitacre
Thu 31 Jan: Although not in the Solihull branch area, this pub is well worth a visit as I've reported before. They seem to have bucked the recent trend and had MORE handpumps installed! Beers on were Wells Bombardier, Marstons Pedigree and guest beers Fullers London Pride, Ruddles County [4] and Adnams Bitter [4]. A delightful, characterful country pub with good food and very well kept real ales.

NBSS

The Reservoir in Earlswood
Sat 26 Jan: The mini beer festival: Oakham Inferno (4%) [4]. Danish Dynamite (5%) [4] and York's Yorkshire Terrier (4.2%) [4] - yes I enjoyed myself.

Red Lion in Shirley
Thu 31 Jan: Marstons Pedigree [4] - and I normally go for the guest

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 2 Feb: 10 pump clips showing, 2 on tap, Purity Pure UBU (4.5%) [3] & Tom Wood's Old Timber (4.5%) [4] in pleasant new surroundings. Welcome to a new real ale pub in Solihull.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 30 Jan: Star of the guest beers today is Tring Brewery Legless Lal's Winter Ale (4.5%)[4], a seasonal beer available Jan/Feb. Absolutely superb! Also on is Purity Pure Gold, Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot and IPA.

Wharf in Hockley Heath
Tue 29 Jan: Theakstons Original Bitter, Brains 4.5 & Courage Directors

Royal Oak in Wood End
Tue 29 Jan: Green King IPA [2], Brew X1

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Tue 29 Jan: Milton Sparta [4], Hop Back Special, Joblings Swinging Gilblet (just finished). Bottled beers. Recommendations of beers to accompany dishes on the menu is a nice touch.

Rowington Club in Rowington
Thu 24 Jan: Wye Valley Butty Bach [4], Flowers IPA, Green King IPA.

Navigation in Lapworth
Thu 24 Jan: Holden's bitter [3], Taylor Landlord, Adnams bitter, Highgate Mild. Thatcher's Gold Cider + guest (Old Rosie at the time). New Management Karen & Jake Palfrey keen to take the pub forward.

Old Joint Stock in Birmingham
Sat 26 Jan: Not on Solihull's "patch" but worth a mention if you go into Brum. Fuller's beers on were: Old Winter Ale, Chiswick Bitter, ESB, London Pride and Discovery [2]. The Discovery was a bit disappointing - it is usually better than this. No Beowulf beers on this time.

Drawbridge in Shirley
Thu 24 Jan: Bombardier [4] Only this beer on

Vaults in Knowle
Thu 24 Jan: Tetley Bitter, Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Gales HSB, Ansells Mild, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Tring Colleys Dog [2].

Red Lion in Knowle
Thu 24 Jan: Tim Taylor Landlord, Brew XI, York Terrier & Orkney Red McGregor [3]

Greswolde in Knowle
Thu 24 Jan: Wells Bombardier & Caledonian Deuchars IPA [2]

Wilsons Arms in Knowle
Thu 24 Jan: Bass [1]

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 23 Jan: Guest beers today are Purity UBU and Hook Norton Double Stout [3]. Regulars are Greene King Abbot and Marstons Pedigree. The Greene king IPA was off. There is a special offer for Burns Night, Jan. 25th: Caledonian 80/- at £1.79 per pint, but it is limited availability on the day so get it while you can!

Saddlers Arms in Solihull
Tue 22 Jan: Marstons Burton Bitter [2]. Only £1.83/pint - what is happening with the beer prices in Solihull? - must be the Wetherspoons effect.

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Sun 20 Jan: Oakham Inferno (4.0%) [5]; Mordue Geordie Pride (4.1%) [3]; Elgood's Thin Ice (4.7%) [3]; Cains Dragon Heart (5.0%) [4]

Blue Bell Cider House in Warings Green
Sun 20 Jan: Okell's IPA (4.5%) [4]; Caledonian 80/- (4.1%) [3]

Bulls Head in Meriden
Sun 20 Jan: Again, not in our Branch area but close enough to justify a mention. Wadworth 6X and Tim. Taylor Landlord [4]. This pub has been refurbished and was very busy with both food and drink orders. It used to be one of the 'Vantage' chain (the Herons Nest at Heronfield is an example) but appears to have broken away. There is no evidence of 'Vantage' branding to be found now.

Queens Head in Meriden
Sun 20 Jan: This is not in our Branch area but is close by. M&B Brew XI, G.K. Ruddles County and draught Bass [4].

The Oak in Hockley Heath
Sun 20 Jan: Purity Gold, Purity UBU [4]At 15:00 Drinking and dining area quite busy, but shops very quiet.

Bird in Hand in Henley in Arden
Sun 20 Jan: Speckled Hen, Highgate Mild [3], Everards Tiger [3]. Pub re-opened today.

The Farm in Monkspath
Fri 18 Jan: Tetley Bitter & Wadworths 6X [2]. Both beers now available in both buildings.

Fieldhouse in Monkspath, Solihull
Wed 16 Jan: Guest beers currently Wychwood January's Ale (3.8%) [4], Elgood's Thin Ice (4.7%) [3] and J W Lees John Willies (4.5%). Those sample were cool (more so that at our festival) but not overly so... certainly not enough to frost the glass or impair the flavour. I'll continue to monitor.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 16 Jan: Guest beer was Purity Pure Gold [2]. It was a bit too cold and had a slightly metallic tang to the taste. Purity UBU was off. Regular beers were Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot [3] and IPA.

Herons Nest in Heronfield nr Knowle
Wed 16 Jan: Everards Tiger [2].

Cock Horse in Rowington
Wed 16 Jan: Fullers London Pride, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter & Caledonian Deuchars IPA [4].

The Fieldhouse in Solihull
Mon 14 Jan: Having reported to Julia Hammonds my concern about the extra chilled bitter on my previous visit, I ventured out to the Fieldhouse last night for another sample of their hand pulled bitters. A good selection of bitters was available. The beer was still over chilled for my liking but certainly was not as chilled as the previous Monday when the beer was so cold it was tasteless. I did express my concern with the Bar staff who explained that they have a separate chiller for the lager beers and they can separately control the temperature of the bitters. I am concerned that the trend for serving lager beer extra chilled was also spreading to the bitter as well. I would be interested to hear if anybody else has noticed this.

Navigation in Lapworth
Mon 14 Jan: Holdens Bitter, Highgate Mild, Timothy Taylor Lanlord [4], Adnams Bitter. New Managers very enthusiastic.

Red Lion in Knowle
Tue 15 Jan: Brew X1, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Moreland Old Speckled Hen plus guests Fullers Chiswick Bitter [4], York Yorkshire Terrier & Orkney Red McGregor about to come on. The Fullers was in very good form and at the right temperature.

Rowington Club in Rowington
Mon 14 Jan: Flowers IPA, Church End - What the Fox's That, Archers guest

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Shirley
Sat 12 Jan: Phoenix White Monk [5] & Double Gold [5]. Thornbridge Jaipur [5] (Mother, I'm in Heaven!) & Taylor Landlord always available now. Rich's Medium Draft Cider also available from now on.

O'Neill's in Solihull
Thu 10 Jan: Deuchars IPA [4], Landlord [4]

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 9 Jan: Caledonian 80/- (4.1%) [5] and Purity Pure Gold are the guest beers today. The Caledonian is in excellent form. Regulars on are Greene King IPA and Abbot plus Marstons Pedigree.

Reservoir in Earlswood
Sun 6 Jan: Blacksheep Riggwelter [4] Courage Bitter

Golden Acres in Solihull
Fri 4 Jan: Slaters High Five & Blue Bear White Bear [4] - £2.15/pint, no worries about the £3 pint in this part of Solihull.

Greville Arms in Solihull
Fri 4 Jan: Bankss Bitter, Black Sheep Bitter & Shepherd Neame Spitfire [3] - £2.05/pint, bargain. Good to see Real Ale back in here after a long absence.

Harvester in Okton
Thu 3 Jan: Cottage Brewery Merry Hound (4.2%) [4]. Makes my tail wag.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 2 Jan: Regulars: Marstons Pedigree, Greene King IPA and Abbot. Guest ales: Butcombe Brunel 200 IPA (5.0%) and Everards Sleigh Bell (4.5%) [3].

The Forest in Dorridge
Thu 3 Jan: Tribute [4] Wyre Piddle's Piddle in The Snow (5.2%) {3}

NBSS

Colebrook in Shirley
Sun 30 Dec: Timothy Taylor Landlord [3], Black Sheep Bitter, Marston's Pedigree & Old Speckled Hen

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 23 Dec: Wells Bombardier, Greene King IPA and guest ale Wychwood Festive Spirits (4.7%) [3]

Malt Shovel in Barston
Sun 23 Dec: Timothy Taylor Landlord, M&B Brew XI and St. Austell Tribute [3].

Hogshead in Solihull
Fri 21 Dec: Well.s Bombardier and guest ale (still on) Springhead Fallen Angel [3].

O'Neill's in Solihull
Sat 22 Dec: Caledonian Deuchars IPA [2]& Timothy Taylor Landlord.

White Swan in Solihull
Sat 22 Dec: various usual beers, Purity Gold and Purity UBU - both good [3]

Bernies in Shirley
Fri 21 Dec: Tim T Landlord, Yorkshire Terrier [3], Thornbridge Jaipur [4] so get it while you can, and also Richs cider

Old Sills Rugby Club in Solihull / Knowle
Wed 19 Dec: Green King IPA; Oakham Raucous Reindeer

Church Inn in Birmingham
Wed 19 Dec: The changes to the Church Inn, 22 Great Hampton Street continue: Old tel no discontinued, the new one is 0121 523 2088. Web www.myspace.com/thechurchinnhockley. They are ripping off the wallpaper currently, but still provide a warm welcome and open fires in this Victorian community pub. They still provide excellent Bathams Bitter and Burton Bridge Bitter. The food is rather more expensive than recent times at 12.75 for a steak and chips. All in all an excellent venue, with live music on a Saturday evening.

Case Is Altered in Mousley End
Sun 16 Dec: Hook Norton Twelve Days (5.5%) [4]; Slater's Premium (4.4%) [4]; Slaughterhouse Saddleback (3.8) [3]; Sharp's Doom Bar; Greene King IPA

White Swan in Solihull
Tue 18 Dec: Guests: RCH Steam Sleigh (3.8%) [3] and Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger (5%). Regulars: Marstons Pedigree, Greene King Abbot and IPA.

Hogshead in Solihull
Sun 16 Dec: Wells Bombardier & a surprise guest beer - Springhead Fallen Angel [3]

Throckmorton Arms in Alcester
Sat 15 Dec: Tribute, Hookey[3], Hobsons Bitter[4]

Blue Bell in Henley in Arden
Fri 14 Dec: Hookey [4], Black Sheep

Bernies in Shirley
Fri 14 Dec: Tim Taylor Landlord, Holdens BC Bitter, something from Church End, Nethergate Old Growler [4] - porter

Black Boy in Heronfield
Wed 12 Dec: Fullers London Pride & St Austell Tribute [2] - good condition, but too cold.

Bluebell in Warings Green
Wed 12 Dec: Fullers Chiswick & Caledonian 80/- [3] - strange taste, but think of it as a Mild rather than a Bitter and it's OK.

White Swan in Solihull
Tue 11 Dec: Guest ales: Springhead The Leveller (4.8%) [4] and Springhead Roundhead's Gold (4.2%). Regulars Greene King IPA and Abbot, also Marstons Pedigree.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 8 Dec: Regulars Wells Bombardier [4] and Greene King IPA. The guest ale had been Highgate Pride & Joy (3.8%) but this had run out and was awaiting replacement.

Field House in Monkspath
Sun 9 Dec: Bombardier[4], Old Hookey [4] Abbot, Broadside, Brew X1 Everards Yule Fuel(4.0%)

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Shirley
Fri 7 Dec: Phoenix White Monk [4+], Ossett Excelsior [4] Church End Fallen Angel plus yet another new Church End Beer (Greg?).

Fluer de Lys in Lowesonford
Tue 4 Dec: Ruddles County, Green King IPA & Abbot Ale

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Shirley
Sat 1 Dec: Thornbridge Jaipur [5] and a yet another new beer from Church End, which was also very drinkable!

Black Swan in Henley-in-Arden
Wed 5 Dec: Davenports IPA [3] & Banks Original

Cock Horse in Rowington
Tue 4 Dec: Hooky Bitter, Deuchars IPA [3] & Fullers Pride

Crown in Claverdon
Tue 4 Dec: M & B Brew X1 and Purity Gold [4]

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 5 Dec: Guest ales today are Highgate Stocking Filler (4.3%) [4] and Highgate Old Ale Winter Warmer (5.35%) [4]. The regulars are Greene King IPA and Abbot, and Marstons Pedigree.

Red Lion in Shirley
Mon 3 Dec: Regulars Marston's Pedigree, Adnams Bitter and Draught Bass were joined by Slater's Premium (4.4%) [3] which ran out, but was replace by Cottage's HST (4.4%?) [4]

NBSS

The Harvester in Olton
Mon 18 Nov: Cottage Brewery Trembling Whippet, 4.1% [3], Greene King (Morland) Old Speckled Hen, 4.5% [3], Woods Wonderful, 4.8% [4+]. Wonderful in all senses of the word.

White Lion in Hampton in Arden
Sat 1 Dec: Brew XI, Black Sheep Bitter, Hook Norton Old Hooky and Adnams Bitter [3] - not sure which is the guest. Good food.

Heron's Next in Heronfield (Knowle)
Sat 1 Dec: Tim Taylors Landlord, Everards Tiger [3]

Town House in Solihull
Sat 1 Dec: Wells and Youngs Bombardier [4] £2.85/pint

The Colebrook in Shirley
Fri 30 Nov: Reopened after a minor refurb. 8 handpumps and 7 beers. Tuesday deal includes food & something blonde and fizzy, or a real one. Regulars: TT Landlord, Pedigree, GK Abbot. Guests: Black Sheep, Adnams Explorer, Deuchars XPA & Everards Original [3] (although I think they were slightly confused with their "guest" tags)

Coach House in Solihull
Fri 30 Nov: Still no real ale. Not worth bothering with.

White SWan in Solihull
Wed 28 Nov: Regulars on were Marstons Pedigree and Greene King IPA. Guests: Purity UBU [3+]. Davenports IPA had just run out and Otter Ale (4.5%) shown as "coming soon".

Colebrook in Shirley
Mon 26 Nov: Open after refurbishment. 8 diff pumpclips showing and it was said when asked that all 8 were available. Plan is to have 5 on at any time. Caledonian XPA [3]. Caledonian XPA

Dog Inn in Nether Whitacre
Sun 25 Nov: Although not in the Solihull branch area, this is a gem of a pub and well worth a visit. Regular ales are Wells Bombardier, M&B Brew XI and Marstons Pedigree. There is a regularly-changing guest ale as well, which on this occasion was Buckleys Best Bitter (3.7%) [4]. Excellent food is also served here.

Bullsd Head in Earlswood
Fri 23 Nov: Thwaites Original [3] - only beer available due to late deliveries.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 21 Nov: Guest ales on today were two superb porters: Nethergate Umbel Magna (5.0%)[4] and Elgoods North Brink Porter (5.0%). Regular ales were Greene King IPA and Abbot, also Marstons Pedigree.

Oak in Hockley Heath
Sat 17 Nov: 10 Festival ales on in the tent with more ready to be tapped as required. Those I tried were Falstaff Fistful of Hops (4.5%) [3+], Newby Wyke England Expects (4.6%)[3+] and Oakham Gravity (5.1%) [4]. Also tried Houston Tartan Terror (4.5%). This is an acquired taste and may not be to everyone's liking but, nonetheless, worth a rating of [3].

Colebrook in Shirley
Tue 20 Nov: Currently closed for refurbishment.

The Oak in Hockley Heath
Fri 16 Nov: 10 ales available in the festival tent with more ready to be tapped and spiled if needed. Stars of the show are Oakham's Gravity (5.1%) [4] and Leatherbritches Spiced Berry Mild (4.4%) [3+]. Thornbridge's Hark! (4.8%) [3], brewed with coriander, must be tried! Indoors: Purity Pure UBU (4.5%) [4]; Purity Gold

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Thu 15 Nov: The Cask Fresh Ale festival continues with Enville Ale (4.5%) [3]; Burton Bridge Bitter (4.2%) [3]; Wood's Parish Bitter (4.0%); Holden's Black Country Bitter (3.9%).

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 15 Nov: The Real Ale festival draws towards a close with Robinson's Old Tom (8.5%) [3+] a rich toffee apple smell; Oakham's Jeffry Hudson Bitter (3.8%) [3] distinct cut grass smell; Cains Creamy Stout (4.1%) [4]

Barn in Hockley Heath
Wed 14 Nov: Bass [2]

Wharf in Hockley Heath
Wed 14 Nov: Usuals - Pedigree, Directors & Theakstons Best. Guest - Black Sheep Bitter [2].

The Red Lion in Shirley
Thu 8 Nov: the 4th pump is back in action. Bass, Marstons Pedigree, Adnams Bitter and Wentworth Imperial [3]

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Tue 13 Nov: Festival beers are currently Holden's Black Country Bitter 3.9% [3], Burton Bridge's Bridge Bitter 4.2%, Wood's Parish Bitter 4.0% and a really excellent Enville Ale 4.5% [4+] (even my philistine Stella-drinking companion liked this).

White Swan in Solihull
Mon 12 Nov: Festival ales available were Moorhouse's Black Cat [3+], Banks' Salute and Anker Gouden Carolus Blond.

Harvester in Olton
Sat 10 Nov: Cottage Brewery HST (4.4%) [3], Salopian Lemon Dream (4.5%) [4].

Oak in Hockley Heath
Sat 10 Nov: Purity UBU[3](£2.80/pint), Purity Gold[3] (£2.70/pint. No extra charge for halves. Tunnel brewery pump clip turned round.

Golden Acres in Solihull
Fri 9 Nov: Wye Valley Bitter [3], Church End Boston Fat Boy [4] & Scattor Rock Autumn Nights [3]. Chinese meals cheap, tasty & quick, well recommended.

Vaults in Knowle
Thu 8 Nov: Guest Ales: Downtown Amerquad 4.0% (3), Wentworth Marbled White, Wentworth Oatmeal Stout 4.8% (4 - delicious), Dark Star Meltdown 5.0%. Festival going well.

Fieldhouse in Monkspath, Solihull
Tue 6 Nov: Guest Ales: Kelham Island Easy Rider (3), Yorkshire Terrier, Moorhouses Black Cat Mild.

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 8 Nov: Festival ales on today were Titanic Iceberg (4.1%) [3+], Cains Fine Raisin Beer (5.0%) [4] and Greene King Abbot Reserve (6.5%). The regulars were Greene King IPA and Marstons Pedigree.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 7 Nov: Marston's Pedigree, Greene King IPA & from the festival Batemans XXXB (4.8%)[3] & Cains Raisin Beer (5.0%)[2]. Not many festival beers left to come on.

Bernies in Shirley
Wed 7 Nov: Tim Taylors Landlord, York Terrier and I went for the Phoenix (4.1%) Arizona [3], samples as usual

White Swan in Solihull
Tue 6 Nov: Festival ales on today were Robinsons Old Tom (8.5%), Highgate Davenports IPA (4.0%) [2] - on its last legs - and Banks' Salute Ale (4.1%) [3+]. Regulars Marstons Pedigree and Greene King IPA also available.

Saxon in Cheswick Green
Sat 3 Nov: Draught Bass (4.4%) [2]

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Sat 3 Nov: Ember Inn's Cask Fresh Ale festival continues, but is not much in evidence here. Pump clips for Otter Ale, Sharp's Doom Bar, Stonehenge Pigswill and Black Sheep were showing, but only the Black Sheep [2+] was available.

Lyndon in Olton
Sat 3 Nov: Disappointing selection of Greene King IPA or Marston's Pedigree. Didn't stay to taste them.

Farm in Monkspath, Solihull
Sat 3 Nov: Tetley Bitter and Wadworth's 6X [3+]. Competently kept pint of 6X. Didn't try the Tetleys but it looked in good form.

Town House in Solihull
Sat 3 Nov: Bombardier has been replaced by Bass [2]

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Shirley
Fri 2 Nov: Beers from Roosters, Woodfordes and Mayfield featured. New owner Charlie Joannou intends to keep up the standards set by Brian and Dave over the last 25 years.

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Shirley
Fri 2 Nov: Beers from Roosters, Woodfordes and Mayfield featured. Fernandes and Phoenix coming soon. New owner Charlie Joannou intends to keep up the standards set by Brian and Dave.

White Swan (Wetherspoons) in Solihull
Sat 3 Nov: Hampshire king Alfred's [3]

Hogshead in Solihull
Sat 3 Nov: London Pride, Bombardier[4] This is their beer festival but they did have Greene King IPA on earlier

NBSS

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Thu 1 Nov: Stonehenge Pigswill [2],Otter Ale, M&B Brew XI & Badger Tanglefoot

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 1 Nov: Day one of the Wetherspoons Real Ale festival: Guests were Ecaussinnes Fruit Beer (5.0%), Moorhouse's Black Cat (3.4%) and Thwaites Flying Shuttle (4.6%) [5]. "Shuttle" is a new beer brewed as part of the brewery's 200th Anniversary celebrations - and a superb ale it is too! Regulars on were Greene King IPA and Marstons Pedigree.

Saddlers Arms in Solihull
Wed 31 Oct: Two handpumps, both dispensing Marstons Burton Bitter [4]. A bit disappointing that there were not two real ales on but can't complain at the price (£1.78 per pint).

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Tue 30 Oct: Wye Valley Bitter, Wadworths 6X & Phoenix White Tornado [4] - very fruity, plus splendid Halloween decorations!

The Oak in Hockley Heath
Mon 29 Oct: Purity UBU and Pure Gold [4]. Tunnel brewery's Trade Winds had run out. The Pure Gold here was the best pint of this beer I have ever had, possibly because it was served at just the right temperature.

The Harvester in Olton
Mon 29 Oct: Goff's White Knight (4.7%) [3+], Adnam's Broadside (4.7%) [3+], Cottage Brewery Norman's Conquest (5.0%) [4]. Also usual John Smith's Cask and Greene King Abbot. Not a bad selection .

Metro Bar & Grill in Solihull
Fri 26 Oct: Fullers London Pride and Davenports IPA Export Bitter (4.0%) [4]. This appears to be a new brew from Highgate (Davenports) as it does not appear on the brewery website. This is a light golden bitter with a very nice light, clean, almost citrussy bitterness. Very well kept and not too cold! Pricey at £2.90 per pint, though.

Barley Mow in Solihull
Fri 26 Oct: No real ale [0].

The Colebrook Inn in Shirley
Thu 25 Oct: tail end of last week's beers still on sale and 3 beers from the new week's list. Shep Neame Kent's Best [2] a bit cold and Adnams Explorer [3] better

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 24 Oct: Marstons Pedigree and Old Empire [3+], Greene King IPA and Abbot plus Purity Pure Gold.

Metro Bar in Solihull
Tue 23 Oct: Fullers London Pride & Davenports IPA [2] - back under £3/pint (£1.45/half), but shame the Enville has gone.

The Colebrook Inn in Shirley
Tue 23 Oct: Titanic (4.5%) Engine Room [1] - very frothy to pour, took ages to top up the glass (they did this without being asked) and offered a replacement when I pointed out it was cloudy.

Holly Bush in Alcester
Sat 20 Oct: Regular beers:- Black Sheep, Purity Gold,UBU,Uley Bitter. Guests:- Goff's Merlin[4], Spitfire,Hobgoblin,Hornbeam (brewing from July 2007 - GBG)Top Hop[4]

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Wed 17 Oct: Marston's Pedigree, Greene King Abbot Ale, Duchy Originals Organic & Black Sheep Bitter [3]

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 17 Oct: Greene King IPA and Abbot, Marstons Pedigree and Old Empire plus Rooster's White Rose (4.3%) [3].

Harvester in Tanhouse Farm Road, Olton?
Tue 16 Oct: Salopian Brewery Golden Thread 5.0% [4]. Cottage Brewery Norman's Conquest [4] GBG says it is 7.0%, blackboard in pub says 5.0%. Tastes like 7.0% but at £2.40 a pint!!! Suits you sir!

The Navigation in Lapworth
Sun 14 Oct: Great country pub. Warm and friendly staff, and locals. Good beer and food, all at reasonable prices. Timothy Taylor’s Landlord [4], Holden’s Black country Bitter (3.9%)[3], Brew XI as a guest, another guest bitter. Rosies cider (7.3%) [3] Andrew leaves at the end of Oct may run to Nov, so under new management for Xmas. Food was excellent, beer great and the food prices reasonable.

Red Lion in Knowle
Thu 11 Oct: Cairngorn Trade Winds [5], Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted, Taylor Landlord, Reverend James, Duchy Organic, Brew X1, Speckled Hen. Cask Fresh Ale Festival 12th October - 25th November will feature beers from different areas of the Country each week.

Oak in Hockley Heath
Fri 12 Oct: Purity Gold [3], Purity UBU, Tunnel IPA. Beer festival planned for 3rd & 4th November - to be run by Purity with guest ales.

Orange Tree in Chadwick End
Thu 11 Oct: Tetley Bitter, Hook Norton Old Hooky & Greene King IPA [2]

Durham Ox in Shrewley
Thu 11 Oct: Greene King IPA not on, Hardy & Hansons Olde Trip [2] - not as expensive as expected, £2.45/pint.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 10 Oct: It seems to be "regular ale" day today. Available were Marston's Burton Bitter and Pedigree, Greene King Abbot and IPA plus Purity Pure Gold. The Greene King IPA was in superb condition [4+].

Harvester in Olton
Tue 9 Oct: Cottage Brewery Golden Arrow [4] + four other usual offerings.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Fri 5 Oct: Wells Bombardier, Greene King IPA and guest ale Marstons Sweet Chariot [2+].

Oak in Hockley Heath
Wed 3 Oct: Purity Pure Gold [4], Purity UBU, Tunnel IPA. Also Leffe Blonde on draught and an interesting organic lager called Freedom!! What agreat real ale gain and well worth a visit.

Masons Arms in Solihull
Fri 28 Sep: Salvation of sorts. Bass and Black Sheep Best Bitter (3.8%). [2]

Pop World in Solihull
Fri 28 Sep: No real Ale

Slug & Lettuce in Solihull
Fri 28 Sep: No real ale.

NBSS

Golden Acres in Solihull
Fri 28 Sep: Harviestoun Late Harvest [3], Purity Pure Gold [4], St Austell Tribute [3].

Coach House in Solihull
Fri 28 Sep: Still no Real Ale in here [0].

Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Mon 24 Sep: Wells Bombardier (4.3%) [3]

Blue Bell Cider House in Warings Green
Mon 24 Sep: Caledonian Try'd & Tested (4.2%) [4]; Weatheroak Light Oak (3.6) [3]; Jennings Cumberland Ale (4.0) [3]

Bulls Head in Barston
Wed 26 Sep: Hook Norton Hooky Bitter, Adnams Bitter, Ruddles County & Hardy & Hansons Olde Trip [3].

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 26 Sep: Greene King IPA [4] and Abbot, Marstons Pedigree, plus Purity UBU. Guest beer Banks & Taylor Dragon Slayer was "not available". The IPA was served a bit too cold but improved greatly after being allowed to warm up for about 20 minutes.

Bulls Head in Furnace End, Shustoke
Sun 23 Sep: Marstons Pedigree, Jennings Snecklifter and Marstons Sweet Chariot [4]. Okay, this pub is not in the Solihull Branch area but is well worth a visit, as is the GBG-listed Griffin nearby.

Municipal Club in Shirley
Fri 14 Sep: Black Sheep, Old Hookey[3] Iwas told some time ago that they would have a second beer.

Olton Tavern in Olton, Solihull
Wed 19 Sep: A great opportunity has been wasted to make Real Ale available again following refurbishment. Despite the recent advertising claiming to offer draught beers and cask ales, there is no Real Ale offered at all. Fizz Fountains only, sorry! [0].

Highwood in Olton, Solihull
Wed 19 Sep: Don't bother. This pub does not serve real Ale [0].

Red Lion in Knowle
Tue 18 Sep: Arundel Castle [4], Duchy Organic Original [3], Timothy Taylor Landlord, Brew X1 & Speckled Hen. Fullers Seafarers (3.8%) about to come on. There shouold normally be six real ales available. Look for the guest handpumps and blackboard that are not easy to spot when you first walk in!

Vaults in Knowle
Tue 18 Sep: Reverand James [3], Springhead Roaring Meg, Deuchars IPA, Gales HSB, Ansells Mild & Tetley Bitter.

Red Lion in Claverdon
Tue 18 Sep: Hook Norton Bitter & Purity Gold [2] - reasonable, but poor given Purity's relentless high standards. Probably NOT the Brewery's fault! NB - still no pumpclips used.

Black Swan in Henley in Arden
Tue 18 Sep: Bankss Original & Davenports IPA [3]. They got off fairly lightly after the flash floods in July, as their cellar is above ground level. However the Bird in Hand further up the hill wasnt so lucky and is apparently still closed, so may appreciate some support from us when it reopens.

White Swan in Solihull
Tue 18 Sep: Usual Greene King Abbot, Marstons Pedigree and Burton, also Purity Pure Gold and Springhead Sweet Lips (4.6%) [3]

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 15 Sep: Hop Back (3.5%) GFB [4]

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Shirley
Fri 14 Sep: Beers from White Horse & Red Lion Breweries. Both very good [4].

Three Tuns in Henley in Arden
Wed 12 Sep: Fullers London Pride [2] & Timothy Taylor Landlord.

Bluebell in Henley in Arden
Wed 12 Sep: Shepherd Neame Spitfire, Black Sheep Bitter & Purity Gold [3].

Black Swan in Henley in Arden
Wed 12 Sep: Banks's Original & Davenports IPA [3]

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 12 Sep: Guest ale was Wychwood Wychcraft (3.8%), usually available only in bottle but also seasonally in cask [4]. Also on was Purity Pure Gold, UBU, Marstons Pedigree and Greene King Abbot.

Crabmill in Preston Bagot
Tue 11 Sep: Purity UBU (4.5%)[3],Tetley & Greene King Abbot Ale. Expensive at £1.35 a half for the UBU, but it was a lined glass.

Drawbridge in Majors Green
Mon 10 Sep: Wells Bombardier, Caledonian Deuchars IPA [3], Pedigree, Directors.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 9 Sep: Regulars Wells Bombardier [3] and Greene King IPA. The guest beer had run out (pump clip turned round - believed to be a Wadworths ale but cannot confirm this). There has also been a change of Manager at this pub recently.

Bernies in Shirley
Sat 8 Sep: Fernandes (4.1%) Centennial [5] also Phoenix Spotland Gold, TT Landlord, and Hopback Summer Lightning

Wharf in Hockley Heath
Fri 7 Sep: Old Speckled Hen, Theakston Best Bitter [3], Marston's Pedigree & Courage Directors.

Nag's Head in Henley in Arden
Wed 5 Sep: Charles Well's Bombardier [3]

White Swan in Henley in Arden
Wed 5 Sep: Black Sheep Bitter, Hook Norton Hooky Bitter [3] & Adnams Broadside

Red Lion in Shirley
Wed 5 Sep: Cotleigh Harrier Lite(3.5%)[4], Marston's Pedigree & Adnams Bitter

NBSS

Bernies in Shirley
Sat 1 Sep: Fernandes Simcoe (4.1%) [4]

Golden Acres in Solihull
Fri 31 Aug: Scattor Rock Guzzler [3], Harviestoun Liberty Ale [3] & Charles Wells Bombardier.

Red House in Solihull
Fri 31 Aug: Thwaites Original [2] & Thwaites Lancaster Bomber

Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Thu 30 Aug: Highgate Pheasant Plucker (4.1%) [4]; Smiles Blond (3.7%) [3]; Adnams Regatta (4.3%) [3]; Adnams Broadside

Tom o' the Wood in Rowington
Thu 30 Aug: Shepherd Neame Spitfire & Greene King IPA [3]

Navigation in Lapworth
Thu 30 Aug: Bath Spa (3.7%) [2], Highgate Dark Mild. Holdens Black Country Bitter & Timothy Taylor Landlord

Cock Horse in Rowington
Thu 30 Aug: Hook Norton Hooky Bitter, Caledonian Deuchars IPA [2] & Fuller's London Pride

Barley Mow in Solihull
Thu 30 Aug: Dont bother with this pub, no Real Ale in here. [0]

Rowington in Rowington Club
Sun 26 Aug: Theakston (4.2%) Grouse Beater [4] Stonehnge (4%) Pigswill [4] and many others in the beer festival outside RCH Pitchfork [4] at the bar

Punchbowl in Lapworth
Sun 26 Aug: Landlord [2]

Drum & Monkey in Bentley Heath
Sun 26 Aug: Maeston's Night Watchman [2], Hobson's Best Bitter & Charles Wells Bombardier

White Lion in Hampton in Arden
Fri 24 Aug: Hook Norton Old Hooky, Black Sheep Bitter, Adnams Bitter [4] & Brew XI

The Bull's Head in Barston
Tue 21 Aug: 4% Saltair Blonde [4] Ruddles County (4.3) [3] - not the hoppy taste I remember, only on the finish. Adnams Bitter and Hooky Bitter

Red Lion in Knowle
Tue 21 Aug: Hydes (4.1%) Summertime Blue [2] Probably a good beer - far too cold. Most pumps closed at the same time for cleaning

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Mon 20 Aug: York Guzzler (3.6%) [3]

Blue Bell Cider House in Warings Green
Wed 22 Aug: Wetheroak Light Oak [4], with Theakston Grouse Beater & Marston's Pedigree on soon.

Drawbridge in Major's Green
Wed 22 Aug: Young's Waggledance & Charles Wells Bombardier [3]

Colebrook in Shirley
Wed 22 Aug: Regulars Marstons's Pedigree & Timothy Taylor Landlord. From the August list Hop Back Summer Lightning & Young's Waggledance (5%)[3], with Elgood's Golden Newt on next.

Punchbowl in Lapworth
Wed 22 Aug: Tim Taylor Landlord [2] & Bankss Bitter

Reservoir in Earlswood
Mon 20 Aug: Guest beer was Banks's Original [2]

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sun 19 Aug: Guest ale was Elgood's Golden Newt (4.1%) [4+]. Also on was regular Greene King IPA but the Bombardier had run out. Also noted was the fact that one set of handpumps has been removed and replaced by a "Fizz fountain". I hope this is not a sign that Real Ale is on the way out at this pub. Observations from others would be appreciated.

Crown in Claverdon
Wed 15 Aug: A Slaughterhouse Beer [3] as Guest. Can't remember the name!

Sharmans Cross in Solihull
Thu 16 Aug: Ped,Bass, 6X, Landlord [4]

Vaults in Knowle
Tue 14 Aug: Wye Valley Thatcher's Ale [4], Timothy Taylor's Golden Best, Deuchars IPA, Burton Ale, Tetley Bitter & Ansells Mild. Very pleasant without the smoke, and the Pork Scratchings are good!

White Swan in Solihull
Tue 14 Aug: A great improvement! All five real ales available: Regulars Marstons Burton and Pedigree, Greene King Abbot plus guest beers RCH Double Header (5.3%) and Spinning Dog Brewery's Top Dog (4.2%) [4].

Old Royal Oak in Wood End
Mon 13 Aug: Brew XI & Timothy Taylor Landlord [3] Substantial partially covered decked area nearing completion.

Dog Inn in Nether Whitacre
Sun 12 Aug: Regular ales are Brew XI, Wells Bombardier and Marstons Pedigree. This hostelry has recently started having a guest beer, which today was Bath Ales SPA (3.7%)[5]. This was in excellent condition. Although I didn't try the regular ales, they also looked to be in top condition. This pub is well worth a visit.

Bernies Real Ale Off-Licence in Shirley
Sat 11 Aug: Malvern Black Pear [4]

Bell in Tanworth in Arden
Sat 11 Aug: Timothy Taylor Landlord [4] & Black Sheep Bitter.

Golden Acres in Damsonwood
Sat 11 Aug: Black Sheep Bitter plus Riverside Dixons Desert Rat [3] & Brewdog Peroxide Punk [4] - brewery only started 4 months ago.

Winged Spur in Ullenhall
Fri 10 Aug: Flowers IPA, Wye Valley Bitter & Slaters Queen Bee [3]

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 8 Aug: Guests on today were Purity Pure Gold and Stones Pure Gold (4.1%) [3], well worth a try. Regular ales Marstons Pedigree, Burton and Greene King Abbot also available.

Drawbridge in Majors Green
Thu 9 Aug: Deuchars IPA [4], Marstons Blonde, Youngs Waggledance and a Holts Summer beer (I forget the name). The pub has benefited from the lack of smoke, in my opinion.

Fieldhouse in Monkspath, Solihull
Thu 9 Aug: Brew X1, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Youngs Waggledance, Bath Wild Hare (organic) 5.0% [5] - a real mouthfull with a strong hoppy finish - well worth trying.

Drum & Monkey in Four Ashes
Tue 7 Aug: Regulars - Bombardier & Hobsons Best Guest - Camerons Best[3](3.6%)

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sun 5 Aug: Stonehenge Pigswill [4], Youngs Waggledance, Highgate Pheasant Plucker, Adnams Broadside as well as the usual Brew XI.

Boat in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 4 Aug: Okells Summer Storm (wheat beer) 4.2% [4], a very refreshing pint. Also regulars Greene King IPA and Wells Bombardier.