Top beer night for travellers

Beer-lovers across the region are on the right track for real ale heaven thanks to a new guide put out by Travel Midland Metro bosses.

The guide lists some of the best pubs within walking distance of tram stops.

It has been compiled in conjunction with the Campaign for Real Ale, and includes some of the best pubs Birmingham and the Black Country has to offer.

Rubbing shoulders with Wolverhampton's Great Western and Posada pubs, are Wednesbury's Bellweather and Ocker Hill's Wagon & Horses in Toll End Road.

Carters Green's Wheatsheaf is a short hop from Dartmouth Street stop, while the guide also highlights the Billiard Hall near West Bromwich Central.

In Birmingham city centre, meanwhile, the guide mentions the Wellington and the Briar Rose in Bennetts Hill, and the Old Joint Stock Company in Temple Row.

Travel Midland Metro spokesman Phil Bateman said that the guides, which came out yesterday, would be available in pubs and at Travel West Midlands travel shops and gave peopel the basis for a great night out.

"This is about our third reprint of this guide, which just goes to show how popular it has been in the past," he said.

"As well as listing a host of CAMRA recommendations, it also has a directions part that tells people how to get there.

"It is a great aid for a fantastic night out."

West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson, who is a fan of real ale, was on hand to support the launch of the new guide.