Real Ale Reporter

If you have any beer spottings or topical news to share, please

	add your report

You'll also get the chance to log your beer scores with CAMRA's National Beer Scoring System. If you are a CAMRA member please do this as it can help guide the selection of pubs for the Good Beer Guide. Note: the NBSS site requires you to register. It is a separate system from the main CAMRA site and will give you a different password.

Lady Lane Wharf in Earlswood
Sat 4 Feb: The Backyard Brewhouse (3.9%) The Hoard [3], something to do with Staffordshire's recent find of gold.

The Reservoir in Earlswood
Sat 4 Feb: Beer, cider and sausage festival weekend. Sausages excellent. Cider said to be good. Castle Rock (4.7%) Elsie Mo [4.5], Robinsons (4.3%) Long Kiss Goodnight [3.5], Holts (4.2%) Two Hoots [3], Exmoor (4.5%) Gold [3.5] and a couple of other good beers. Beer on the cold side when poured and improved as it warmed up (but better than the other way round). A pleasant walk there and returned in the snow, a good day in Earlswood.

Bernies in Shirley
Tue 31 Jan: Allgates HARMONIE (4.1) rare Czech hops [4]

The Railway in Dorridge
Thu 26 Jan: Mad Goose [4.5]

The Vaults in Knowle
Thu 26 Jan: Tribute [4.5]

The Black Boy in Knowle
Thu 26 Jan: I returned to see if the quality had improved from the last visit. I am glad to say that it had. The Tribute was absolutely brilliant. [4.5]

Drum & Monkey in Four Ashes
Tue 31 Jan: Usual GK beers + the Drum's very own beer!! Hence: Greene King Drum & Monkey (3.8%) tasted suspiciously like Abbot......

Boat Inn in Catherine de Barnes
Sat 28 Jan: Marston's Single Hop Wai-iti [[3], Greene King IPA and Wells Bombardier. The guest ale for February will be another of the Marston's Single Hop ales - Galaxy.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 26 Jan: Wold Top Wold Gold [4], Byatt's Urban Red [4], Shepherd Neame Late Red [2. 5], Greene King Abbot Ale [2.5].

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 26 Jan: Brentwood Winter Warmer [3], West Country English Ale [3], Jennings Snecklifter [4], Ti tanic Iron Curtain [3].

Black Swan in Henley
Tue 24 Jan: Bob joined us for this one, so he went for the Bateman's: XB [3.5], Brakspear bitter [3], Sharps Doombar [2.5]

Black Boy in Heronfield
Tue 24 Jan: Cotleigh Tawney Owl [2.5], St Austell Tribute [3], Fullers London Pride [3.5]... nice to see the trad brewers can be the best

White Lion in Hampton in Arden
Tue 24 Jan: Good choice and all in good condition: Purity Mad Goose, Brew XI, Sharps Doombar, Hobson's bitter (3.8%) [4], St Austell Tribute (4.2%) [4]

Black Swan in Solihull
Sun 22 Jan: UBU, Mad Goose[4], Titanic Iron Curtain[3.5], Ringwood Old Thumper, Hobgoblin

Black Boy in Knowle
Fri 20 Jan: St Austell [1.5] Served far too cold. Food very good.

White Lion in Hampton
Fri 20 Jan: St Austell Tribute (4.2%) [4.5], Purity Mad Goose (4.2%) [4] plus 3 other ales

The Forest in Dorridge
Tue 17 Jan: HPA, Hook Norton Bitter and Milk Street Brewery's Cobble Wobble [3]

Assembley Rooms in SOLIHULL
Mon 16 Jan: Abbot, Ruddles, Moorhouse Premium Bitter, Adnams Old Ale, Brewster Decadence[4.5]

The Bulls Head in Barston.
Fri 6 Jan: Purity Mad Goose-brilliant. [4.5]

Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Fri 30 Dec: The"guest" beer was Greene King Reserve-(over 6%) [2.5]

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 31 Dec: Adnams Christmas Cheer (4.0%) [3] - dark and fruity, Greene King IPA and Wells Bombardier. A deservedly popular pub and still doing brisk business, even after the lunchtime "rush".

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 31 Dec: Adnams Christmas Cheer (4.0%) [3] - dark and fruity, Wells Bombardier and Greene King IPA. A popular pub, still doing brisk business even after the normal lunchtime "rush".

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 31 Dec: Adnams Christmas Cheer (4.0%) [3] - dark and fruity, Wells Bombardier and Greene King IPA.

Red Lion in Shirley
Sat 31 Dec: Slaters Top Totty (4%) [3.5]

Bernies Off License in Shirley
Wed 28 Dec: Blackwater (4%) Santa's Big Sack [4.5], Skinners (5.5%) Jingle Knockers [4], Timothy Taylors Landlord and York (4.5%)Humbug all good

Fleur de Lys in Lowsonford
Tue 27 Dec: Thwaites Lancashire Bomber[4]. Very nice pint and warm cosy pub with good food.

White Swan in Solihull
Tue 13 Dec: Biere de Noel. Belgian. Excellent condition. Uninspiring flavour.[3]

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Sat 10 Dec: GK IPA, Abbott, Doombar, White Horse Wayland Smithers 4.4% [4], Adnams Jolly 34% [4], Keltek King 5.1% [4]

Municipal Club in Shirley
Sat 10 Dec: GK IPA, Speckled Hen

Reservoir in Earlswood
Mon 5 Dec: Wetheroak [3]

Saxon Inn in Cheswick Green
Thu 8 Dec: Hereford Celtic Gold (4.5%) [3], Castle Rock Harvest Pale (3.8) [4.5]

Reservoir in Earlswood
Mon 5 Dec: Arkells Wiltshire Gold [3], very nice but served too cold. Weatheroak Ale was also available.

Miller & Carter in Hockley Heath
Fri 2 Dec: Just re-opened on Friday after extensive re-furbishment, upmarket steakhouse very nice inside. Only two beers available Purity UBU[3.5] & Marstons Pedigree[3.5]. Had one pint of Ubu but had run out and they were having trouble with the barrel!

The Red Lion in Knowle
Sat 3 Dec: Liberation IPA[4], Nethergate Border[4] Timothy Taylor not quite ready, seems to be a regular, also a Christmas special from Adnams was available but not written on blackboard

The Fieldhouse in Monkspath
Fri 2 Dec: UBU [4] T Taylor Landlord [4]

The Vaults in Knowle
Wed 30 Nov: St Austell Tribute [4]

The Wilsons in Knowle
Wed 30 Nov: Marstons EPA [2]

The Forest in Dorridge
Fri 2 Dec: UBU Wild Goose [4] Tim Taylor Landlord [4] You are invited to join the pub's real ale club. If you do, you receive your 20th pint free of charge.

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Thu 1 Dec: UBU [4] Tim Taylor Landlord [4]

The Vaults in Konwle
Wed 30 Nov: St Austel Tribute. Top class. [4]

Assembly Rooms in Solihull Town Centre
Mon 28 Nov: Jaipur. A truly memorable pint. It was so good I had to stay for a second one. [5]

Boat Inn in Catherine de Barnes
Sun 27 Nov: Wadworth 6x [3], Wells Bombardier [3] and Greene King IPA. A busy and popular pub - deservedly so.

Greswolde Hotel in Knowle
Fri 18 Nov: Pub had Greene King IPA, Spitfire and Bombardier. Asked for Spitfire, but it ran out before my pint was pulled, so opted for Bombardier. Excellent pint [4], good temperature, clear and tasty.

The Vaults in Knowle
Fri 18 Nov: Winter beer festival started today. 3 Beers on at present St Austell 'Proper Job', Byatts Brewery 'Coventry Bitter 3.8%[4], York Brewery 'Conspiracy Ale 4.5%[3]. The Beer list available from behind the bar has 20 beers listed some listed as being new beers. I think that some will be on later in the week.

White Lion in Hampton-in-Arden
Thu 10 Nov: Presenting Most Improved Pub award. Purity Mad Goose [4] - excellent flavoursome pint, good enough to have a second rather than try one of the other beers.

Cock Horse in Rowington
Tue 8 Nov: Branch meeting and AGM. Tried Hook Norton Hooky bitter [3] - okay, a bit bland for my taste.

Queens Head in Meriden
Sun 13 Nov: Close to our branch "border". Greene King London Glory [4] - looks like a new addition to their range, draught Bass and M&B Brew XI.

Boat Inn in Catherine de Barnes
Sat 12 Nov: Wadworth 6X [3], Wells Bombardier and Greene King IPA.

White Lion in Hampton-in-Arden
Thu 10 Nov: Hobsons Best Bitter [3], St. Austell Tribute [3], Purity Mad Goose, Sharps Doom Bar and M&B Brew XI.

The Blue Bell in Warings Green
Sat 12 Nov: 3 real ciders and 3 real ales on; Wye Valley HPA [4]

The Cock Horse in Rowington
Mon 7 Nov: We had our AGM here on Monday. Fullers London Pride & Hooky Bitter [3] both on. Running out of time to visit this pub with its impending sale as a house!!! We dont have many pubs of real character on our patch but this one has character in abundance. It will be a real sad loss to the area when it goes. Anyone who hasnt been should take the chance to visit while they can.

Station cafe Bar in Dorridge
Sun 6 Nov: Theakstons [3] & Deuchars [3] both on and in good order.

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Sat 5 Nov: Keltek King (5.1%) [3], Sharps Doom Bar plus Greene King Abbot and IPA.

Blue Bell in Warings Green
Sat 5 Nov: Wye Valley bitter on tap. 2 pump clips turned round (even on a Saturday lunchtime). 2 real ciders.

Rowington Club in Rowington
Sat 29 Oct: Fyne Jarl (3.8%) [4], nice bitter and seemed stronger than it is.

Tom O the Wood in Rowington
Sat 29 Oct: Sadler's Worcester Sorcerer (4.3%) [3]

Blue Bell in Warings Green
Thu 27 Oct: No real ale today

Lady Lane Wharf in Earlswood
Thu 27 Oct: Thatchers trad and Cheddar Valley, Wye Valley HPA [3.5] and StAustell Trelawny both selling well (Trelawny even more popular than Tribute). Felt like a busy local, despite being in the middle of nowhere.

White Swan in Solihull
Wed 26 Oct: Despite Dawn's departure all seems well. Thatcher's Cheddar Valley cider, 2 usual beers and 5 guests from smaller breweries (4 to 5%) Including a seasonal bitter from Gosport (4.2%) [3.5]. New manager expected soon, so please keep us posted.

White Swan in Solihull
Sun 23 Oct: Caledonian Cossack 6.0%, Hilden Twisted Hop 4.3%, Hawkshead Brodies Prime 4.0%, Vale Long Dark Nights, Kalamazoo Black Silk

Mason's Arms in Solihull
Sun 23 Oct: Marston's EPA, Abbott, Bass, UBU[3.5], Rooster's Wild Mule[4]

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sun 23 Oct: Nethergate Border (4.8%) [3], RCH PG Steam Bitter, Acorn Sorachi Ace IPA, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Purity Pure UBU and the ubiquitous Greene King IPA.

Red Lion in Knowle
Thu 20 Oct: Rooster's Wild Mule [4.5] plus around 5 others

The Forest in Dorridge
Fri 14 Oct: Beer festival 20 Ales + cider & perry Mostly unusual beers. The pick for me being Salopian Oracle [4.5] & Wye Valley Silver Lining [4.5] can't remember all the beers but some of the others were; Oakham Citra [3], Nottingham Brewery Rock Ale Mild [3], Cotleigh Tawny [3.5], Adnams Ghostship [4] and Backyard Red [3]

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Sun 16 Oct: White Horse Wayland Smithy[3.5], Itchen Valley Godfather[3.5], Maxim Brewery Double Maxim[3.5]

Queens Head in Meriden
Sun 16 Oct: Again, just off our patch but within easy reach. Hook Norton Old Hooky [2.5] and Bass [3].

Ye Olde Saracens Head in Balsall Common
Sat 15 Oct: Just outside our Branch area but worth a visit. Marstons Wicked Witch [3.5] in very good condition, together with Marstons Pedigree and Banks' Bitter. Good two-for-one meal deals, too.

Station Cafe Bar in Dorridge
Sat 8 Oct: No real ale; both pump clips turned round[0]

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Sun 9 Oct: RCH PG Steam[4], Nethergate Border[4], GK IPA&Abbott

Red Lion in Knowle
Sat 1 Oct: Rock Brewery, Revival - it has been on for over a week now and earns a mark 4.5 from me. Beautiful refreshing session beer.

Station cafe Bar in Dorridge
Wed 28 Sep: Slight update to my previous report The regular ale is now the Theakstons Bitter Current guest is Deuchars IPA [3]

Station cafe Bar in Dorridge
Mon 26 Sep: A new real ale venue!!! Speckled Hen is on as a regular 1 guest ale per week. This week its Theakstons Bitter

Sharman's Cross in Solihull
Sun 18 Sep: Brakspear's Oxford Gold[0] (problems with dispense), Marston's EPA[1] (gone off), 3rd handpump - nothing on

Municipal Club in Solihull
Sat 17 Sep: GK IPA, Morland's Original Bitter[3] Very similar drinking experience to GK IPA

The Vaults in Knowle
Sat 17 Sep: Ossett Brewery, "Mellow Yellow 4.5%[3.5]

The Red Lion in Knowle
Sat 10 Sep: Thwaites Dans IPA [4]

The Forest in Dorriidge
Sat 10 Sep: Hook Norton Old Hooky[3] A little biit cloudy but still a decent pint. Salopian Brewery, Oracle[4]

Assembley Rooms in Solihull
Sat 3 Sep: Poor choice of beers and only 1 or 2 of low gravity. Service even worse.

The Reservoir in Earlswood
Sat 3 Sep: Marstons EPA [3] & Black Sheep

Masons Arms in Solihull
Fri 2 Sep: Purity UBU [4], TEA and Bass. Popular place for watching the football on TV but thinned out a little after the match. Friendly staff.

Masons Arms in Solihull
Fri 2 Sep: Purity UBU [4],TEA and Bass. Popular place for watching the football on TV. Crowd thinned out a little bit later on. Friendly staff.

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Thu 25 Aug: Fuller's Summer Ale[3.0], Fuller's India Pale Ale[3.5], GK IPA[3.0], Tomos Watkin OSB[3.0], Daleside Square Rigger[4.0]. All the beers were in 1st class condition and at just the right temperature.

Red Lion in Shirley
Thu 25 Aug: Adnams Southwold (3.7%) [3], Slaters Original (4%) [3.5] and coming soon Theakstons Old Peculier - should be ready on Saturday

Queens Head in Meriden
Sun 14 Aug: Not quite in our Branch area, but close - and worth a visit. A very friendly pub, with well-kept real ale. Available today: Sadlers Worcester Sorcerer [3.5], Shepherd Neame Spitfire and M&B Brew XI.

Blue Bell in Warings Green
Sun 14 Aug: No real ale due to slip up in delivery. Next delivery for guest beers on Monday and all back to normal by Thursday with the regulars. Sunday lunch good and wide choice of ciders as usual. Impressive collection of BSAs in the car park.

Boat Inn in Catherine de Barnes
Sun 7 Aug: Wadworth 6X [3], Wells Bombardier and Greene King IPA. Very popular pub, with a friendly atmosphere and cheerful staff.

Heron's Nest in Heronfield, Knowle
Sat 6 Aug: Harviestoun American IPA (5.0%) [3.5], Purity Pure UBU and Wadworth 6X.

Tom O'The Wood in Rowington
Sat 6 Aug: This pub is closed (temporarily) - again. There are notices in the windows stating that all stock and valuables have been removed and that a caretaker is on site.

Cock Horse Inn in Rowington
Sat 6 Aug: Tetley Dark Mild [3] and Fullers London Pride. Hook Norton Hooky Bitter is also usually available but had run out - there had been a high demand for it recently. This pub is under threat of closure and is fighting to stay open. Please support this lovely old pub - go along and sign their petition and enjoy a pint or several in the process.

Railway Inn in Whitacre Heath
Sun 31 Jul: Although not in our branch area, this pub is worth a visit. Recently under new ownership, the number of real ales on offer has increased from two to three, with the quality also improving. Available today were Ringwood Boondoggle [3.5], Church End Cuthbert's [4] and Greene King IPA. From recent observation, the Greene King IPA and Ringwood Boondoggle appear to be regulars, with a rotating choice of Church End ales.

The Bulls Head in Barston
Sat 23 Jul: Sharps Doombar [3.5], Silhill 4.0 [3], Purity Mad Goose [4] , Adnams bitter

The Forest in Dorridge
Sun 24 Jul: Wye Valley HPA, Hook Norton Bitter, Backyard Brewhouse Nipin [4.5] - very nice pale ale

Boat Inn in Catherine de Barnes
Sun 24 Jul: Wells Bombardier [3], Greene King IPA and Courage Best Bitter. Very popular pub, unusually busy for 8:30pm on a Sunday evening with both food and drink service very busy indeed. Hog roast also doing very good trade in the beer garden.

The Saxon in Cheswick Green
Fri 22 Jul: Hobgoblin and Hookey Dark (was called mild) [2.5]

The Sharmans Cross in Sharmans Cross, Shirley
Sat 16 Jul: Purity UBU [3.5], also saw Marston's EPA and a 3rd popular beer but I forget what it was.

The Drum & Monkey in Four Ashes
Fri 15 Jul: IPA & Abbot as usual but gone is the Speckled Hen Today had SunDance which is another GK beer and St Austell Trelawny 3.8% [4.5] probably even better than Tribute. The beer was only launched in June. This pub is on the up. Great improvement

The Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Tue 12 Jul: Abbot Reserve expected today/Wednesday, although this is more often a winter special. Another Thornbridge Jaipur is coming early next week

Masons Arms in Solihull
Sat 25 Jun: Brain's SA [4], Marston's EPA and Bass, plus Weston's Old Rosie Cider.

White Swan in Solihull
Sun 12 Jun: Roosters Elderflower[3.5], Bishops finger, Hobgoblin, JHB[3.5]

The Forest in Dorridge
Sat 11 Jun: Weatheroak, Victoria Works. Two Towers Hockley Gold[4]

The Railway in Dorridge
Sat 4 Jun: Bass [2.5], Hookey [3], Adnams Broadside [4], and beer tastes even better if you cycle there. Pleasant afternoon in the sunshine for CAMRA's 40th

Heron's Nest in Heronfield, Knowle
Sun 29 May: Moor Beer Co. Northern Star [4] and Wadworth 6X. The other guest ale, Vale Brewery Vale Special, had sold out earlier in the day. Guest ales are priced at £3.30/pint but the Wadworth 6X was advertised at £3.50/pint!! They are taking the rise with their prices here.

Bernies in Shirley
Fri 27 May: Ilkley Pale (4.2%) [4] recommended

Tom O The Wood in Rowington
Thu 19 May: YES! Its back! again New management team, new focus - steaks, steak and err steaks - lots of types and sizes all the way up to 48 oz!! Plenty more on the menu besides. Nice pub, nice location, enthusiastic mangers and staff and........3 real ales. Not the most original selection but locals advised them on the initial 3 beers. They are open to suggestions and will look to rotate the 2 least popular. Marstons Pedigree, Greene King IPA & Timothy Taylor Landlord [4.5] Needs to stay open now. Well worth going along for a look.....and a pint. and a 48 oz steak

Miller and Carter in Cheswick Green
Sun 8 May: Purity Pure UBU [3] and Marstons Pedigree.

Old Royal Oak in Wood End
Sun 8 May: Black Sheep Best Bitter [3] and St. Austell Tribute.

Saddler's Arms in Solihull
Wed 4 May: Hobgoblin, Old Thumper, Sneck lifter, Marston's Perfect Union(3.8)[3.5]

Heron's Nest in Heronfield, Knowle
Mon 2 May: Caingorm Tradewinds [4] and Wadworth's 6X. Leeds Brewery Midnight Bell had also previously been available.

White Swan in Solihull
Thu 28 Apr: Batemans Pink Cadillac[3.5], Otter Mild, Silhill 40, GK Celebration(?), Stonehenge Heelstone.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Thu 28 Apr: Bath Ales Rare hare 5.2%, Beartown Black Bear 5%. A range of ciders and the usual Greene Kings

Bernies in Shirley
Thu 28 Apr: Notice on shutter - closed today and open again tomorrow as normal (assume this is Thursday / Friday)

Red Lion in Earlswood
Sun 24 Apr: Everards Tiger[3], Wadworth 6X, Acorn Barnsley Bitter[3.5]

The Blue Bell in Warings Green
Sat 23 Apr: Thatchers Cheddar Valley [3], Black Rat [3.5]

Blue Bell in Warings Green
Sat 23 Apr: Wye Valley HPA [3] and Butty Bach [3.5], Black Sheep Bitter [3], sat in the garden by the canal, summer has arrived.

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Sat 23 Apr: Young's Special Bitter [3.5], Wells Bombardier and Courage Best Bitter.

The Red Lion in Knowle
Thu 14 Apr: Just re-opened after some refurbishment works. Timothy Taylor Landlord[4]£3.10 a pint!!...

The Drum & Monkey in Dorridge
Thu 7 Apr: Okells "Olde Skipper" 4.5% [3.5], Abbot Ale, Greene King IPA,

Saxon in Cheswick Green
Mon 4 Apr: Jennings Cocker Hoop [4] and Wye Valley HPA [3.5]

Fieldhouse in Solihull
Sat 2 Apr: Brains Milkwood [3.5], Timothy Taylor Golden Best [3], Batemans Victory Ale, Purity UBU and Greene King Abbot.

Saxon Inn in Cheswick Green
Sun 3 Apr: Taylors Landlord[3.5] Jennings cocker Hoop[3.5], Purity Gold[3.5]

Red Lion in Shirley
Fri 25 Mar: Marston's Pedigree, Slaters Why Not, Cottage Irish Hound; Bird's Ashborogh Pale (4%) [3] and it is a new brewery in Bromsgrove

Arden Club in Solihull
Thu 24 Mar: Speckled Hen, Hardy & Hanson Kimberley Bitter, Rugby Brewery Grand Slam[3.5]

Malmaison in Birmingham Mailbox
Wed 23 Mar: Pint bottle of Mad Goose - pleasant, but over £5

Boat Inn in Catherine-de-Barnes
Thu 17 Mar: Brain's Milkwood [3.5], Courage Directors and Young's Bitter. These are part of the Cask Festival running from 15/-2/11 to 29/03/11.

Assembly Rooms in Solihull
Sat 12 Mar: Speckled Hen, Abbot, Ruddles Best, Titanic White Star[4], Adnams Broadside

Woodman's Rest in Shirley
Sat 12 Mar: GK IPA, Abbot, Batemans XXXB, White Horse Village Idiot 4.1%[3.5], Adnam's Lighthouse, Brain's Milk Wood (brown) 3.4%

The Colebrook in Hasluck's Green
Sat 12 Mar: Pedigree, Greene King IPA, Wadsworth 6X, Purity UBU, Timothy Taylor's Golden Best and Worthington White Shield (yes, White Shield in cask)

Red Lion in Knowle
Fri 11 Mar: Batemans, Victory Ale[3.5] Purity UBU, Greene King Abbot Ale, White Horse Village Idiot[3]

Railway in Dorridge
Sun 6 Mar: Purity Mad Goose [3], Bass, M&B Brew XI plus Weston's Old Rosie Cider.

Woodmans Rest in Solihull
Sat 5 Mar: Triple fff Alton's Pale Ale (4.8%) [3.5], Brain's Milkwood, Adnam's Lighthouse plus Greene King Abbot and IPA.

Saddler's Arms in Solihull
Tue 1 Mar: Jenning's Cross Buttock[3], Sneck Lifter[3], Old Empire, Old Thumper[3.5]

Reports older than a couple of months are periodically moved to the archive.