David Hannah outside The Vine, Spring 1999

A classic traditional West Midlands drinking house with an impressive historic frontage on the B4172 Delph Road, near the junction with the A4100. The Delph Road . In my mind one of the classic pubs of Britain, nothing flashy about it, its just a basic, down to earth drinkers paradise. It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and has welcomed workers for decades and no doubt will continue to do so for many to come.

It still welcomes workers, but also visitors like myself from further afield and the odd shopper from that modern giant characterless warehouse they call Merry Hill though the 'i' might be replaced by an 'e' for some. No big chain beers to be found here, just the full range of Bathams fine beers brewed in the brewery next door. They're a true Black Country brewery producing decent beers at prices that you just don't see in big chain pubs. During 1999 the mild was still well below 1.30. Service was prompt and friendly even though the pub was crowded. The front bar is really the place to meet the black country characters, the place seems to be teeming with them.

Good lunchtime snacks are available at lunchtimes including sandwiches, samosas and good old faggots were on the menu too! They've a good range of scratchings too.

The pub's called the vine though is known locally as the 'Bull and Bladder' after the butchers shop that used to be next door.

Definitely going back.