The Red Lion, Stourbridge

Another attractive pub on Brettell Lane, with an opened-out but very traditional L-shaped interior. There is also an improved beer garden at the back, partly on a slightly elevated wooden deck. With seven handpumps on the counter, I found four from Holden's - including the Sunburst American Pale Ale (£4.30) - plus a couple from Salopian and a cider being poured.

Official site of The Red Lion - www.theredlionamblecote.co.uk

Official site of The Red Lion - www.theredlionamblecote.co.uk

First off, I am staggered I've not been to Amblecote before. There are four good beer guide ticks in a small triangle of streets.... this being the first and directly opposite a 25a bus stop. The first new bus route in Worcestershire for as long as I can remmeber. This is a traditional pub, with a side room with nice comfy bench seating and a fireplace. Long bar. A tidy rear beer garden. Whatpub says its part owned by Salopian. I noticed one of their beers but the other five or so were all from different breweries. I went for a Buxton Brewery Wangdoodle. Very nice it was too.

Spent a happy hour in the extremely busy beer garden (due to the current Covid rules). All tables were being used with many booked in advance but had no problem popping in for a couple. I went for Oracle and Lemon Dream. Both were excellent. According to my father the Golden Glow was also good.