Real Ale Reporter

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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: Hogs head Fullers London Pride 4.5% rating 1 very poor condition (end of barrel?)

whit swan in solihull
Mon 24 May: Purity Gold Purity 4.6% rating 5 brilliant. Barman recommended UBU also. Foxs Nob Davenports Highgate 4.3 rated 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% rated 1 left ½ pint so dissapointingly poor, may have been end of barrel. Caledonian mild mayhem 3.55 rated 3 Bishops finger shepherd neame 5% rated 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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Reports older than about a month are periodically moved to the archive.