The Union, Kingswinford

Side-street local with bay windows, a L-shaped interior and a very dull side extension (housing the toilets, which were outside previously?). Fairly plain inside but starting to get spooked up in readiness for Halloween, and the dartboard seems to be the main amenity (but there was also a blazing real fire in the main seating by the bar). Although just one of the four handpumps was in use, this dispensed a surprisingly palatable Wye Valley HPA (£3.60), and a reversed Hobgoblin Gold clip was also visible.

This is a detached Banks's Victorian pub, with a patio area. It is a cottage style pub with side extension. It has had a make-over recently, with the central entrance being flanked by bay windows in cream and the side of the pub and the name have been painted in crimson. There is a canopy covering the ground floor and a dog-tooth cornice. The interior has an L-shaped room, which is in white and cream, with a white ceiling. The perimeter and stool seating are also in cream. Small fireplaces to the left and right show the former rooms. The TV had sport on and there was no music. There is a pull down screen (not being used). There is a dart board. Some sport memorabilia and old photos are on the walls. The service was friendly and a few mature locals were in. Beer; usual tap stuff with Banks's MILD, Bitter and Jennings Cocky Blonde on handpull - the blonde was decent. A nice little locals pub, with a solid bench of real ales. Very pleased i popped in and would happily return for one.