The Starving Rascal, Stourbridge

Tapered corner pub on a junction, given the standard Black Country Ales semi-traditional makeover inside the opened-out bar and the side room in the angle. Six cask ales - including their Jubilee IPA (£4.45) plus Oakham Inferno and Fixed Wheel's Con-Door-Man as guests - along with a couple of ciders on a total of 12 handpumps. Comfortable enough, but sadly completely empty on a Monday evening.

Identikit Black Country Ales. Great as a local. Doesn't get the pulse racing if you a in a new area looking for a new experience. GBG2025 entry. Kinver May Bug in reasonable condition.

A random joker as it wasn’t on the list but on walking past I spotted the Black Country Ales livery. A classic BCA place inside with their usual decor. Buzzy atmosphere. Of unusual note is the brick vaulted room in the cellar. Usual gamble with the over-extended beer range, my Titanic Iceberg was a bit pump tired but fine for a swift chug (NBSS 2.5). Apparently named after its resident ghost.