The English pub is an institution and the West Midlands has something for everyone in its eclectic choice of bars, inns and pubs serving craft and tap beers, ciders, artisan gins, wine, cocktails – and food.

Some pubs serve upscale seasonal food and are institutions in their area, mainstream pubs serve the staples including fish and chips, steaks, salads, regional sausages, pies (look for home-made), black pudding, faggots (a bit like meatballs). Sunday roast carveries are on the menu everywhere from pubs to hotels. (Visitor tip: The locals love their Sunday roasts so you need to book.)

Town or country, many pubs and bars are in historic buildings so expect to find plenty low beams and atmospheric settings.

In Birmingham city centre find bars such as The Victoria, a 19th century theatre bar with live music, burlesque, comedy, The Gin Vault and Ginger's. In the Jewellery Quarter (JQ) find Rose Villa Tavern with a diner-style menu and The Lord Clifden with a garden with seasonal BBQ. Purity Bar & Kitchen is a craft beer bar with bar snacks and some beer-paired items on the menu. while real ale pubs include The Anchor in Digbeth with micro brewed cask beers, organic brews, craft kegs and cider.