AJ outside the Why Not Inn, March 2001

This is a top quality hardcore West Midlands boozer full of real people who go there because it's their local and it's a good pub that satisfies their needs. Not easy to find. Click on the map links towards the top of this page, and to be sure take a good street map along. The pub's kind of tucked away up an alley but fortunately they've written 'Why Not Inn' on the side of the pub in big letters so you shouldn't miss it if you're within 30 yards or so. I guess it's half way between Halesowen and Stourbridge just south of the A458 in the 'Black Country.'

Fortunately this pub still retains plenty of character and for one thing hasn't been knocked through into a single large bar like thousands of others around the country. It's been around for well over 100 years and was extensively refurbished at the end of the last century in 1999. It's a genuine locals pub with a very strong following and they get through a lot of beer. There's a busy main bar with a real fire and plenty of real ale including a local Bathams brew and guests. That's where you'll find the drinkers, and in the rooms beyond you'll find the diners enjoying the tasty filling meals that they are well known for. We were very lucky to be squeezed in on a busy Sunday lunchtime. The staff were very friendly and the roast dinners that they cooked for us can only be described as excellent. The folk on the next table, obviously regulars, had brought their own 'doggie bags' for the excess. On Sunday's they give you the option to just have a single course or pay a little extra for two or three courses. We just managed the two!

Their menu extends far beyond Sunday roasts with unusual meats such as kangaroo and ostrich available at times along with fresh fish, and for dessert their home-made rhubarb crumble is well worth trying.

All in all, a very down to earth locals pub with a lively atmosphere and great beer and food.

A great Sunday roast and a decent beer, March 2001