Station, Sutton Coldfield

I went into the Station pub three times during a recent visit to the UK and saw it operate at both ends of the spectrum. On a rainy Monday evening, it offered a very quiet, homely and convivial place to sup your ale. And then on a Saturday night, it was packed to the rafters as many drinkers spilled out into the beer garden to listen to the two live DJs, despite it being a very chilly evening.

The Station is a very decent pub, but you'd be better off nearby at The Duke if you fancy a quiet pint on a Saturday.

The only downside to The Station - and I wasn't the only one to notice this - is that the young female barstaff were a little snotty and aloof. Not being an experienced UK drinker, I asked them for bottled lager recommendations, and they shot me a look as if I'd asked them to come and have sex with me in the car-park.

21 Oct 2009 15:34

The Litten Tree, Sutton Coldfield

The Litten Tree touts itself as a sports pub and in all fairness it's a good place to watch a game. I went there for the recent game with Villa and Chelsea and there was a great atmosphere, as you'd expect with many of the regulars being Villa supporters.

It was nice to see a Wetherspoons manager really on top of things. He directed us to a vacant table when he saw us frantically looking for seats and I saw him helping out behind the bar and carrying food when things got extra busy. Top marks to the gentleman.

21 Oct 2009 15:24

The Duke, Sutton Coldfield

Undoubtedly one of my favorite pubs in Sutton. It's a real no-nonsense, old school drinking establishment. The Duke is how all city back-street pubs should be, where it's still possible to strike up a conversation with a stranger in the snug. When it's saturday night in Sutton and you've had enough of ear-splitting music and groups of loud women out on a hen night - there is always The Duke.

The outdoor seating area is large but very under-used it seems.

21 Oct 2009 12:24