On a day out of the city we visited this super secluded pub on the outskirts of Kings…read moreNorton/Wythall. I actually really like the vibe of the place! Apparently this place brews their own ales onsite which I like a lot I however am not drinking at the moment so went for a reliable diet coke and just took in the country side setting and traditional vibe of the space......oh....and half a pack of pork scratchings ;) If you are looking for a nice quiet traditional countryside pub where you can walk in in your wellies with the dogs this is ideal!

Revisited -8/8/12. I checked the website to read the menu, and saw things were the same; which was…read moregreat I was looking forward to the whiting, and the fillet steak. As I have said before, one of the best places around for a fillet steak. It was our wedding anniversary, and my wife and I were looking forward to the evening. I'd booked a taxi (£20 round trip), booked the table. All set Arrived very few people in the place, the music was bordering on the funereal (ner the end of the evening the CD went into a stutter). Still I had my steak to look forward to. Arrggh! They've changed the menu. No whitebait, no fillet steak. New Chef! I was a captive audience. The next best thing I liked on the starter menu was the pâté. This was good, the toast was nice and hot, the pâté was flavoursome, and the Cumberland chutney added to the flavour. The only thing that let it down was that I was looking forward to the whitebait. Now that I have revisited the site I can see where things went wrong. I used the drop down tab Real Food and looked at the standard menu. I should have looked to the left-hand side and looked at the item: **Take a look at our 2012 main menu** Unfortunately, this wasn't obvious enough on my previous visit to the site. If you have top tabs then that is where I am going to go first and not news items. Drinks to start I had a pint of WHB My wife had a large glass of Pinot Grigio; it would have been more cost effective to have bought the bottle. Again I missed read the wine menu per glass prices. Perhaps it's my age. My wife chose the sirloin steak, and I had the ribeye. They were very tender, but mine was quite thin for a ribeye, and the streaks of fat, that normally makes this steak juicy, were absent. The chips were nice and chunky, but too much for me after the starter. The waitress assured me that the peas weren't tinned, but they had that sweet flavour. However, I must admit that I enjoyed the flavour. It was all washed down with our favourite red wine Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza a bit overpriced at c.£19, shop price is about £9.50. We even order another bottle of wine at the end, a Pinot Grigio, that was nice too. The waitress was very attentive, and took time to chat, but I suspect that was due to the lack of clientele. Also, when I arrived, I couldn't see my name in the book for the reservations. Yes, the evening was clouded by what we expected, and what we went to the restaurant for in the first place. My wife said she wouldn't revisit. I've dropped it one start, but really would only have done so by a half. Shame.27/7/11 Update Food good as usual. One of the best places locally for a good fillet steak. I have mine blue, and no blood oozing out. I didn't have a sweet, but I had a starter of whitebait, which was very nice. My wife went for the traditional prawn cocktail. She enjoyed. This is so 70s, but it's a favourite with most people. I enjoyed the beer. The wine, which we have bought in Spain when on holiday, was perhaps a bit overpriced, but couldn't fault the taste. Only one fly in the ointment I had to wait over half an hour for the bill. -- I haven't been back here for quite some time. When we arrived it was packed with elderly folk, and I believe they do a special deal before 18:30, but I haven't got the details. Starters, not a great selection from my point of view, but that makes for an easier time in the kitchen. I had the pate, and it was fine, I like mine coarser, but still very nice. My wife like deep fried brie, and there was plenty for a starter. We decided to take the chance on the 21 day hung Scottish beef. We both had the fillet. My wife likes hers closer to well done, whereas I prefer blue. If the steak is as sold it shouldn't be a problem. Both were actually quite something. Mine just seem to melt in my mouth, and had a lovely taste. My wife enjoyed hers, and left some simply because of too mu brie. So I helped out. Everything was freshly prepared and cooked. The starters had freshly prepared salad. None of this preparing in the morning, going dry in the afternoon, and served limp in the evening. The staff were friendly, and joined in with the banter. Yep, a place well worth visiting. I was too full for the sweets. I hear that the pub side have very good ales. Comment from their website: The only pub to win the CAMRA Pub of the Year Award four years running. Evening Mail Restaurant of the Year.Returning on the 18/9/09 will do a follow up review. Some people hade said that this place isn't consistent, but it has been for me. I had the Chilli Chicken for my starter, and it was delicious. The chilli sauce sweet, with a little kick. I had the T-Bone steak this time, and wasn't disappointed. My wife had the fillet, and it was equally as good. A chatty waitress who we knew from a previous restaurant. If you get her talking, she won't stop. No, that's not a criticism, she was very nice, and funny, with some witty banter.

It's about 12 months since my wife and I visited. I have to say we have always enjoyed the place,…read moreand the food. I think it was a Whitbread Out and Out previously, and the food was exceptional and the service impeccable. The red wine was always served at the right temperature. Since the change I have notice very slight changes. The staff don't seem to be as well trained, but pleasant none the less. The food has been fine too. I am glad they have reinstated being able to book rather than turn up on speck. I can't comment on the beer, I tend to drink wine. I hope that their standards haven't declined. Returned on 17/7/09 - Hadn't booked, but was able to get a table for four, but only two of us so that was good. I can't fault the food. I think somethings are a bit pricey. The chicken on skewers (£4.75). They failed with no French mustard, and my wife had stilton with her ploughman's instead of chedder, but she likes stilton. My mixed grill was just about right for my appetite, but again I think it was a bit pricey.

This is more of you're upmarket eatery with a bar than a traditional pub. It's been refurbished…read moreand redorated so looks good both inside and out. There's a beer garden but for me it's rather close to the road to make it an enjoyable place to sit. For his reason I've only ever been during the colder/ wetter months or days. Inside it's quite tightly packed so if you have children who need their space, this place isn't for you in my opinion. It's also quite dark and snug, which is another reason I prefer it in the autumn and winter. The food is good quality and nicely presented. I've always enjoyed what I've eaten here, and the beer's good to. If you have fussy eaters in your party, this place might not be for you either, but it makes for a pleasant way to enjoy a meal nonetheless.

Great canalside location, large beer garden, interesting menu and good food…read more What's not to like?

The queens head is a great night out and seems to be the only place for people who love rock music…read more Carol, the new owner is doing a great job and bringing the place back to life and she makes up drinks promotions on the spot. They also do a lot of work for local charities and host a lot of young local talent on band nights

There are dog-friendly pubs and pubs that do not mind dogs. This is the former. We are not dog…read moreowners and perhaps would have avoided this place had we known in advance. However apart from the occasional ear piercing yelp we were pleased to spend our evening out dining here. The waitress was friendly and genuine with it, the food arrived in serious baskets which is quite a novelty without being pretentious. No complaints.

We reached the Tom O The Wood by canal on a narrowboat. Our route took us past many canal side pubs…read moreand you would be hard pressed to better the Tom! We were worried it would be too posh to allow dogs, but the initial modern gastro restaurant look & feel soon vanished! the truth was that CJ was greeted with a dog biscuit from a huge vase full at the door & was welcomed with open paws! The same welcome was afforded to the kids as well! The decor & furnishings was beautifully done, a lot of effort & time had been made to create a very smart pub/restaurant. Their fantastic menu was matched by a great selection of real ales & wines On our 120 mile trip, the Tom was possibly the nicest pub we found don't miss it, moor outside & check it out for yourselves!

This is a lovely little country pub not far from redditch - up towards the m42 from the warwick…read morehighway. The pub has a beer garden for the summer. Its great for lunch or for tea time, has lovely country feel and a nice menu. Not too expensive, but it can get vbusy especially of an evening at the weekend. Parking is out the front of the pub and down the side. Is down a little ocuntry pub. Suits middle aged customer best, although i have been there with my friends (25) but more mature customers.

A good local pub, highly recommended.read more

Great pub, has a very traditional, cozy and casual feel to it, as if I could get a warm beverage…read moreand sit next to a fireplace...no idea if they have one or not but this is the feel I get from Boat Inn! Place is great for families as well as probably dates too and serves pretty good food, typical British pub food plus more. I enjoyed a vegetarian ravioli (delicious) but hesitated between a few other options, including the bass with risotto (colleague ordered) and the veggie burger (other colleague ordered)--both of which they said were quite good as well. Appetizers and desserts both looked great too, but none of us were interested in having more than the main course. Service was a bit all over the place (gave one of us the wrong drink, took a while to get the correct one and the waitress also forgot what one of our orders was but hey, didn't matter too much as it wasn't what I'd consider to be bad either) Hope to go back again at some point to try the other meals they have!

This is a nice cosy pub in Solihull. They have some good dark ales, no blondes ales :-(…read more. Good selection of lagers and other drinks. All the staff here are very friendly and welcoming. Good is great, make sure you check out the mushroom with pepper and Stilton sauce starter!

Visited: 29/6/18 Food Standards' Rating: 5/5…read more Our friends had already arrived, and were sitting out the back on the patio area. First drinks. Had a good bit of banter with the people greeting guest. Really friendly atmosphere. Seating on the patio was extremely comfortable. Getting more drinks was easy peasy. A chap came and took our food order, and then with more drinks coming we went inside to our table. Five of us in total. I ordered the salmon, with the grapefruit and wasn't disappointed; I could have eaten more.... Before they took the food order they alerted us to the fact that there were only two fillet steaks left if we wanted to lay claim to them, and my friend and I did. I eaten at places before that claim that the steaks are 28 days' old. These were absolutely perfect. I had mine cooked blue, and it was beautiful. A crusting of crack pepper, and it was sumptuous. £27. None of the steaks are actually shown on the menu, so it really does depend upon what is available. (Aubrey's dry aged beef.) My wife had the fish cakes for her main, and really liked them. Pre-dinner drinks consisted of Gin and Fevertree tonic, Pinot Grigio, I stuck to Beck's, but my friend had some other light beer and lager, neither to my taste. With meal the women had Viognier (£25?), and us two blokes had a Malbec (£35). The waiter took time to explain about the Malbec, and was very enthusiastic in providing the details. Full marks for his love of what he does. OK. Ready for this...... With a rounding up with a tip £400 for the five of us. I put it down the ladies' tonic waters.....

I was invited here for a friends birthday and having heard very good things was extremely looking…read moreforward to it. When I arrived the venue has a large rear car park and you immediately walk into what is quite a small pub, I stood at the bar and waited for other guests to arrive and was pleasantly surprised by the drinks selection. A number of beers on draft and a very good wine selection, at reasonable prices with a lot of staff behind the bar so service was prompt. Once our party had arrived we were taken through into a rear dining room which was much larger and had a relaxing atmosphere. The food was fantastic there is a frequently changing menu with a number of specials on offer. I opted for the steak (and asked for it blue) which was cooked to perfection and of very high quality. Next to me a friend ordered the kiln roasted salmon and grapefruit salad which also looked amazing. Food was served quickly and despite being a party of 12 at the same time. There were no problems and everyone was incredibly happy. The staff were fantastic and took care of every minor detail. Definitely worth a visit, and fantastic value for money considering the quality. It does get busy so you will have to book a few weeks in advance for groups but considering what is on offer this is to be expected!

The Black Swan in Henley may not receive as much tourist trade as the other pubs in Henley as it is…read morethe last on the High Street. However, we made the effort to walk all the way to the end of the street and just before you fall back into the countryside there is a great pub. Inside the Black Swan is a tastefully decorated public house with nicely spaced out wooden tables. This is perfect for a quiet meal, the food is ok for the price. We popped in for an afternoon pint but ended up staying much longer. The bar man had nearly finished his shift but that didn't distract him from giving us a warm welcome. He nearly persuaded us to give the scrumpy cider a try but we opted for a larger and an ale. Outside there is a beer patio next to the pub or a small beer garden through the car park. I'd highly recommend this friendly pub if some of the other places in Henley are too posh or busy for your tastes.

The weather was fine so I took train to the gorgeous city of Henley-in-Arden to and made the most…read moreof it visiting some pubs of its high street. Although it is placed in the end of the street, Black Swan was my first choice of visit. This traditional pub and restaurant has a genuine welcome to guests. Its decor follow a very classic type of pub with wooden booths and carpet. It seems to attract an older clientele so this pub tends to be a quiet place but far from being a boring place to have some drinks or a meal. I have spotted a nice soundtrack in the background with the best of 60 music without being the usual hits. The average price of a pint is a beer not so much over £ 3 and their jacket potatoes are just delicious and costs only £ 3.95. Free WiFi is available and the staff is really friendly, inclusive coming to your table for taking orders. The lady who was serving us was pretty much busy indeed but offered the password of the Internet in the establishment with a pretty smile on her face. Black Swan is probably not the most popular pub in this famous high street but it's certainly the most pleasant one in the area.

This place looks lovely and warm and cosy from the outside, exactly like a good old fashioned pub…read moreshould look. However, entering the pub, all the tables were labelled reserved, and the candles, décor and clientele was a little too upmarket for my liking. I persevered and continued to attempt to find a table that had not be reserved, but unfortunately could not. I was about to walk out, when a member of staff kindly offered to allow me and my friends to sit anywhere, and removed the reserve sign from the nearest seating area. In this instance, my initial liking for the Bluebell had been rekindled by the staff, who were very friendly and welcoming to the likes of a scruff such as me. Although I still felt a little too underdressed to fit into their sleek, modern designed interior, which was littered with bear skin rugs on the floor, curtains around doorways and potpourri scented toilets. Drinks prices were reasonable, which I found highly surprising, as I thought they would reflect the pub surroundings. I purchased a sailor jerry and cranberry juice for around £3, so nothing to complain about there. I found it very interesting that the Bluebell doesn't keep cranberry juice in cartons, but has small glass jars full of the fruit juice instead. I'd never seen anything like this before!

Betwixt Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon lies the sleepy town of Henley-in-Arden. It's 30 minutes…read moreby train from the city centre through glorious postcard perfect English countryside, and on a summery Saturday we headed there to try out a Michelin recommended pub - The Bluebell. They've been around a while, in fact the Tudor hostelry has been feeding and watering the public for half a millennium, so they've had plenty of practise. For the last decade owners Leigh and Duncan Taylor, and their head chef James Devonshire, have been offering food that has won plaudits including two AA rosettes, and he Good Food Guide Midlands Restaurant of the Year 2013. They offer coffee and cake from 10am, lunch from noon, and dinner from 6pm. Obviously there's an à la carte menu and they've also just launched a two course for £10 lunch club, available Tuesday to Saturday, noon till 2.30, and that's what we went to sample. The restaurant and bar are intimate spaces with low Tudor beamed ceilings, flagstone and wooden floors, and heavy velvet drapes. The furnishings are eclectic and owner Leigh's eye for design is obvious with shabby chic furniture, artistic lighting, and quality stemware adding to the overall feeling of lusciousness. The private dining room looked particularly inviting. The lunch club menu (two courses for £10, or three courses for £15) is changed daily, so you get what you're given i.e. there are no options. If however you don't like that day's offering (I think that's unlikely) you can of course eat from the normal menu. On the day we went, the lunch club menu comprised Sweet Corn and Basil Velouté followed by Cottage Pie with pickled red cabbage, and dessert of Pavlova with English Strawberries and Chantilly Cream. We started our lunch with a "Bluebell-ini" (£7) that's Prosecco and strawberry juice, with a ripe strawberry on the rim. Our first course was the Velouté of Sweet Corn and Basil. Served in a vintage tea cup and saucer the smooth and creamy velouté was well seasoned, piping hot, with light sweet corn and basil flavours. It was served with sourdough bread made onsite from a "mother" dough that Chef James has lovingly nurtured for three years. The sourness of the bread worked well with the sweetness of the corn. As you'd expect The Bluebell are big on using the best suppliers, and the quality of produce shone through, worthy of mention was the creamy butter from Netherend farm, and that they use Aubrey Allen butchers for their meats. The main was a Cottage Pie, which initially I thought might not be summery enough, but the side of pickled cabbage with star anise lifted it so that it was not at all heavy. The pie itself had great beefy flavours with a good texture, and the mash was fluffy and buttery and attractively piped with crispy grilled edges. The wine list is impressive and there are 15 by the glass. I went for the delightful Veramonte Chardonnay (£6.25 a glass, or £25 for the bottle). We also had a glass of the Luigi Bosca La Linda Malbec (£7.15 a glass, or £28 for the bottle). Those wine lovers amongst you will know from just those two name-drops that there are plenty of good wines to choose. Not a wine drinker? Worry not, there's a good selection of other drinks including Purity ales (a local independent brewery). In the interests of fully reviewing it, obviously we had to have desert. A large pink quenelle of crispy sweet meringue was topped with Chantilly cream, roasted pistachios, and English strawberries. A super finale to a summer luncheon. Monthly event nights are run at the venue for about £40 which includes a three course dinner and entertainment. Coming up in July is a Calypso night with singers and dancers, and then in August there's a Ratpack night. I like venues that are run by a small and dedicated team because their passion translates in to the food and the service. That's exactly what The Bluebell will offer you. Quality produce, well prepared, and served with care and enthusiasm for what they offer. The £10 lunch offer really is extra-ordinary for this quality, so get there when you can. We will inevitably be back, which given that we get a nosebleed when we cross Brum's middle ring-road, is testament to how much we liked it. Simply delightful.