We look at 9 of the best Desi pubs in the Black Country, what makes them great and how they've changed the region's food scene
We take a look at what makes a Desi pub, what you can get when you go through the doors and some of the best places to see in the region.
The desi pub combines a nice pint of beer with the sizzle and taste of a curry.
There are many places across the region which have become popular for their food, cooked in a clay oven, and for a wide selection of beers - and it has become something well-known as part of the Black Country's culinary landscape.
But what is a desi pub, what kind of food is available to buy and what area of the region has the best or most popular desi pub?
As part of the Black Country festival and the run-up to Black Country Day this Sunday, July 14, let's take a look at what makes a pub a desi pub and the food behind it.
What is a desi pub?
The term is used to describe a public house which is owned or managed by a landlord of Indian origin and which serves Indian and South Asian food, while also maintaining elements of the traditional British pub.
How did the concept of a desi pub originate?
The concept of the desi pub originated during the 1960s following widespread migration from the Indian subcontinent to the UK.
They were first established to break the racist colour bar, which saw many non-white customers refused service, and have since evolved into a modern-day celebration of multiculturalism.
What pub is considered to be the oldest in the region?
The Vine in West Bromwich claims to be the first desi pub in the region.
The pub is a hit with West Bromwich Albion fans, and also is a popular destination with visiting supporters, with owners saying some of the comments they get from away fans include that they wish they had a desi pub like The Vine near them.
Does a desi pub look any different from a regular pub?
To all intents and purposes, it will feel like walking into a regular, traditional pub when you go through the doors of a desi pub. There will be tables and chairs and the bar area.
The Red Cow is one of many desi pubs in the region to have a different sign outside the pub. Photo: Elliott Brown
Some differences may include displays on the outside walls of the food on offer or, in some cases, different signs outside the pub, as well as a familiar tandoori cooking smell emanating from the kitchen.
