Places to ‘refuel’
129 Bilston Street, Sedgley, DY3 1JE
The AA said: “Home of the Sarah Hughes Brewery, the Beacon Hotel is a restored Victorian tap house that has barely changed in 150 years.
“Proprietor John Hughes reopened the adjoining Sarah Hughes Brewery in 1987, 66 years after his grandmother became the licensee. The rare snob-screened island bar serves a simple taproom, with its old wall benches and a fine blackened range; a super cosy snug replete with a green-tiled marble fireplace, dark woodwork, velvet curtains and huge old tables; and a large smoke-room with an adjoining, plant-festooned conservatory.
“On a tour of the brewery you can see the original grist case and rare open-topped copper that add to the Victorian charm and give unique character to the brews.
“Flagship beers are Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby and Sedgley Surprise & Amber, with seasonal bitter and two guest beers from small microbreweries also available.
“Food in the pub is limited to filled cob rolls but there is a designated children’s room and play area, as well as a large garden.”
Garden, child friendly, not listed as dog friendly
Vine Lane, Clent, DY9 9PH
The AA said: “Tucked into one of the sharp valleys which cleave the glorious Clent Hills, the Vine started life as a watermill at the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. Reborn as a pub in 1851, beers from Wye Valley, supplemented by cider and perry fresh from the Malvern Hills reward ramblers challenging the mini-mountain range that are the Clents.
“Recover in the tranquil wood-side gardens behind the flower basket-hung pub and consider a tempting menu that specialises in game and fresh fish offering the likes of pan-fried, local pigeon breast, followed by Moroccan beef tagine; pave of halibut ; or The Vine’s game pie. Leave space for tasty home-made desserts.”
Garden, child friendly, dog friendly
The Green, Tanworth in Arden, B94 5AL
The AA said: “Older visitors might remember (or perhaps try to forget) a TV soap called Crossroads, many of whose outdoor scenes were shot in Tanworth, doubling as ‘Kings Oak’. The pub overlooks the small village green and war memorial, and has stood here since the 17th century.”
Child friendly, dog friendly, village green at front serves as pub’s garden
Walsall Road, Summerhill, WS14 0BU
The AA said: “Just four miles from Lichfield, this light, airy historic pub is on the banks of the Lichfield Canal, which is currently being restored. You’ll find a good selection of real ales and excellent freshly made dishes, prepared in the open kitchen.
“The set lunch might start with artichoke risotto and smoked egg, followed by braised ox cheek, mashed potato and heritage carrots, while the a la carte menu could offer locally-shot pigeon or fresh Dorset crab, with main courses like venison saddle and sausage with wild mushroom and potato terrine, or hake fillet, poached mussels and fish sauce.
“The large, attractive beer garden is perfect on sunny days.”
Garden, child friendly, dog friendly