I visited three of the cosiest pubs in the Black Country - here was my favourite
I visited three of the cosiest pubs in the Black Country and this is what I thought.
Upon entry, the smell of the fire and cobs on display was enough for me to feel at home.
There’s something unbeatable about a traditional Black Country pub that forgets fancy cocktails or loud music and goes for the simplicity of good people, tasty food and a blazing fire to warm you up in the bitter cold of winter.
There are so many options to chose from in my local area - so I visited three of them to see if I could find my favourite and to learn about what earned them the reputation of being some of the cosiest pubs in our region.
The Waterfall Pub on Waterfall Lane
The first stop on my list was local favourite, The Waterfall Pub on Waterfall Lane. This cosy pub is a community-focused Black Country pub located on the edge of Blackheath and Cradley Heath and is known for the selection of local real ales. The pub sells Holden's beers and Bathams which is a unique pull for people in the area.
Upon entry the smell of the fire and cobs on display was enough for me to feel at home, the pub is also divided into two separate bars rather than one big open plan space. This allows for comfy corners and the winter feel any cosy pub hunter like myself is looking for.
Speaking to owner Claire about the pubs cosy reputation, she said: “It’s a proper Black Country pub for regulars. It’s a very welcoming pub full of banter and atmosphere. We have regulars that have been coming here for 20 or 30 years.
“The fires make a pub cosy and where everyone is welcome. We do a Sunday roast in the winter for by the fire too.”
Roberto’s Bar in Halesowen
I also visited Roberto’s Bar in Halesowen, a micro bar with cask beer prices lower than similar bars in the area. The owner Roberto Ross opened in Halesowen in late 2022 after relocating from Digbeth and has just celebrated its 4th anniversary.
The walls were covered in beer memorabilia and some of the seats were church pews sat alongside a piano. From the lights to the chosen items on the wall and the range of beer, the bar drew me in. I was particularly interested in the hand pulled Chouffe and Brugse Zot, as this is a rare find in a Black Country pub and as a Belgian beer fan I will certainly be back.
Owner Roberto shared his vision when decorating the bar and believes it directly links to the pubs success.
He explained: “When I was decorating I had a few things to take into consideration. Firstly, it is an old shop and I didn’t want it to look like one so I added old fashioned and quaint things to the walls. No one wants office white.
“We have church pews which are 88 years old and I couldn’t let them go to waste. They were from a Church in Netherton from 1934. The Church wanted to modernise and it’s little things like that which makes somewhere cosy. More is more, and it helps with a pubs success.
“Moderation is for cowards so that’s why it looks the way it does.”
The Last Jar in Blackheath
The final stop on my cosy pub list was The Last Jar in Blackheath, which is micro bar serving craft ale. The building was previously home to a Barber shop but the bar took over in December 2024.
The bar has a range of stouts which craft brewery fans like myself would appreciate. There are flavours from caramel brownie to Ferrero Rocher. The bars decor features warm lighting and sofas to sink into allowing for the perfect all round experience for drinkers.
John from The Last Jar said: “The customers bring a cosiness but I think it’s the furniture and warm lighting and a good atmosphere too. It’s a bit of a family community pub.”
Which was my favourite?
All three were something special in their own right and are worth a visit if you are looking for a cosy afternoon in the Black Country.
I loved Roberto’s choice of Belgian beer which simply cannot be overlooked, I was impressed with The Last Jar’s choice of stouts and The Waterfalls roaring fire was a highlight of my afternoon.
However, for the two warm fires the Waterfall has to be my favourite in terms of cosiness.
Where is your favourite cosy pub? Let us know in the comments below!
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