The Drum and Monkey, Dorridge

I wouldn't take your family if you have kids. This place is in an area mostly populated by families with kids and the pub used to be full of them. Since the refurb a year or two ago they have discouraged families.

It's not a really bad place, but it could be so much better. Service at the bar is friendly but slow. Beer very average.

Never was brilliant in here, but has gone downhill in last two years.

17 Mar 2006 17:37

The Forest, Dorridge

A nice pub with a range of customers, from the "drinkers" to the young and trendy. Attached to a hotel and a high class restaurant. This place has a semi-wine bar feel.

Good points:

Very good service in the main.

Very high standard of bar food, continuing the standard of food to be found in the restaurant. The "Forest Burger" is truly top notch - on consideration the best burger I have had anywhere. Ask for it rare, you won't be disappointed.

Beer usually well kept and a decent selection of wine, including house wine. Champagne by the glass and reasonably priced. I recommend the guest beer, especially if Speckled Hen, 6X or even better Hook Norton. Otherwise un bel bicchiere di Nastro Azzurro - no hangovers with this lager.

Nice space to drink outside in the summer evenings and they'll often bring your drinks out to the table. Patio heaters to keep you comfortable.

Serves till 12 on Thurs Fri Sat.

The owners used to be in the catering business and I think are refreshingly free of licensed trade preconceptions about pubs. A seasoned pub manager would probably change it, but I'm not sure it would be better.

Small minus points - very often out of the guest beer. Don't know why. Also the ventilation inside has never been right, which gives something of a smokey atmostphere even with few smokers. Doesn't bother me, but I'm told it bothers others, and it does make your clothes smell.

17 Mar 2006 17:27

Nick Worral, Knowle

In fact this is not a bad pub at all. Great beer and a convivial atmosphere with good service.

It's a bit smokey, and not exactly full of the "younger set".

Most of all to be recommended bacause this kind of place is becoming a rarity now. Something of a haven now for the regulars, many of whom come from miles around.

17 Mar 2006 16:57