The Dudley pub on the doorstep of stunning nature reserve

Saltwells Inn, on the doorstep of the Saltwells National Nature Reserve in Brierley Hill, is a real travellers' rest for weary hikers and locals alike. It is also steeped in history.

Owner Dean Pearsall describes the venue in Saltwells Lane as very much food and family-oriented and beer lovers tend to agree as the beer gets a thumbs-up as well.

Described by the Dudley & South Staffordshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) as "a privately owned pub, renowned for its excellent value food".

Camra adds: "It's a very child-friendly pub offering tasty meals for the kids, plenty of outdoor seating plus a garden and play area."

The current building is believed to date back to the 1930s, but the original building dates back even further.

There was reference to it in The Natural History of Staffordshire, published in 1636 by a Doctor Robert Plot, where the area was referred to as the Salt Wells of Lady Wood, with members of the public taking the brine spa areas.

Using this spa was advertised in the early 1800s 'for the healing qualities of its medicinal spring waters'.

Originally known as the Lady Wood Saline Spa, but later the Saltwells Spa, the first reference to it being a pub or inn was in 1810, when a drinking den of that name was kept by a Thomas Holloway.

Owner Dean, a trained chef, previously managed the venue for seven years before buying it from his boss in 2000.

Dean has been in the pub trade for 31 years and before that was a chef at several venues.

He began at a local pub, while studying at catering college and then moved on to venues such as Johnathans and Brockencote Hall to hone his catering skills.

Dean also knows how to keep his ales.  He said: "We have always been a free house, our favourite ale is Butty Bach from the Wye Valley Brewery and our clients love it."

It is also a hotel, so those wanting to explore further the local beauty spots like Buckpool and Fens Pool Nature Reserve or Bumble Hole Nature Reserves can take advantage of one of the 10 rooms available.

Like many in the hospitality trade, pubs have been hit badly by the cost of living crisis.

"It has been tremendously tough with all the energy rises that at least tripled the costs," said Dean.

"Food and drinks have also escalated at least double and obviously only a fraction of these can be passed onto hard-pressed customers."

Dean is still upbeat and has regular custom from walkers and ramblers, together with many retired lunchtime regulars and lots of families who enjoy the food and play areas.