Wolverhampton:
Outside, it’s very Victorian. Inside, pleasant enough, but it’s had a pubco makeover sometime in the not too distant past. That’s not ruined it, but it’s a bit formulaic, but the beer was fine, the staff were nice, and there was nice outside space. It seems to be a nice community pub, just a short way out of town.
Wolverhampton:
The pub’s page on Whatpub reckons this was built in 1958, which I strongly suspect is bollocks. The pub’s own site reckons it became a pub in 1958, being previously an off-licence, and it looks Victorian to me.
Whatever, it is a wonderful place. Multi-roomed, traditional in feel, great real ale, a friendly landlord, outside space, and cobs behind the bar.
Only minus point? Nappy changing, with running commentary, in the lounge. hopefully, that’s not a regular thing.
The Wellington is as good as ever, the beer is as good as ever, and though Welly the pub cat is in retirement, there are apparently new Pub KIttens!
Other than that, unchanged, though under new management.
Birmingham City Centre:
Right next door to The Wellington, it’s a bit of a different thing, so they’ll probably co-exist quite happily.
This place is definitely towards the hipster craft beer end of the market, (faux-industrial light fittings, scaffold poles, a la Brewhouse and Kitchen) but it’s still a pretty Ok place to drink, or at least, it was on a Thursday afternoon- I think had it been a busier time I’d have liked it less. Great choice of beer, nice staff, outside space. Only real disadvantage is the (vertical) distance to the toilets, though there is an accessible one on the ground floor.
Birmingham City Centre:
Located within/below Hotel du Vin in what was previously the hotel’s cellar bar.
Felt odd, this one. Trying to appeal to an upmarket audience, but noticeably a bit tatty, though it looked like a refurb of some sort may be imminent. As it’s the cellar bar it’s slightly below street level, and quite dark, but it wasn’t unpleasant. Staff weere nice, beer and prices pretty good for here. Very quiet even for a Thursday though.