Black Country Ales

Black Country Ales Proudly Brewing in the Black Country. Serving our Specialist Real Ale Pubs.

The Black Country Ales Brewery has been established through a genuine love of traditional ales. We brew our outstanding selection of beers using only the finest ingredients to the highest possible standards. Our acclaimed master brewer believes that the way to make the perfect pint is a no compromise combination of time, passion and dedication to the art. Brewing started on the site around 1834 by

Edward Guest (a butcher by trade) as a side line for his local customers. The Guest family brewed for many years before passing the business on to Eli Bradley in 1870. The Bradleys carried on the tradition of producing hand-crafted real ales of quality for six generations but this finally ceased just after World War II and the brewery was moth balled. Today much of the original equipment remains on view alongside all new micro brewery plant, and so, once again, this gem of West Midlands brewing heritage is serving up the finest hand crafted Black Country Ales to discerning drinkers all over the county. Our estate of Black Country Traditional Inns stretches across the West Midlands and Warwickshire providing communities with our renowned welcome and warmth.

We are pleased to be working in collaboration with fellow Midlands brewer Salopian Brewery on a series of tap takeovers ...
12/06/2026

We are pleased to be working in collaboration with fellow Midlands brewer Salopian Brewery on a series of tap takeovers across our pubs throughout the summer.

Based in Shrewsbury, Salopian Brewery has built a reputation for producing a range of well-regarded cask ales, from classic pale beers to more contemporary hop-forward styles.

Both breweries share a commitment to well-kept cask ale and its place at the heart of traditional public houses.

A selection of Salopian beers will be available at each event alongside our own range.

The next takeover takes place at The Robin Hood Pub. in Willenhall from today and throughout the weekend, with further dates scheduled across our pubs during the coming months.

We look forward to welcoming you to a number of our pubs.

For many people, the Real Ale Trail is a chance to discover new pubs. For Martyn Brunt it has also been an opportunity t...
10/06/2026

For many people, the Real Ale Trail is a chance to discover new pubs. For Martyn Brunt it has also been an opportunity to explore them with his dogs, Bertie and Norman.

Since collecting a Passport at The Prince of Wales in Birmingham back in March, the trio have travelled by train and on foot to 53 pubs across the Trail.

One favourite stop has been the The Nursery Tavern, Coventry, where Bertie and Norman are now well known, particularly when there's a chance of a cheese and onion cob at the bar.

The photograph shown here was taken on the day Coventry City's promotion parade passed the end of the road, with both dogs dressed for the occasion in Coventry City shirts.

Dogs are welcome across many of our pubs, making them a straightforward place to call in while travelling or walking.

Thank you to Martyn for sharing his photographs from the Trail.

To mark his 70th birthday, John Brabbins of The Craven Arms in Birmingham recently spent the day at Copper Beech Brewing...
08/06/2026

To mark his 70th birthday, John Brabbins of The Craven Arms in Birmingham recently spent the day at Copper Beech Brewing Company helping to create a special beer to mark the occasion.

Invited by the Copper Beech team, John was involved in choosing the beer style and name, as well as taking part in the brew day itself, from stirring the mash to adding the hops.

Black Country Ales regularly features beers from independent breweries across the country as part of its guest beer offering, and we're pleased that this special brew from fellow local brewers Copper Beech, based in Worcester, will be making its way into our pubs in the coming weeks.

We'd like to thank Dan and the team at Copper Beech Brewing Company for their hospitality and look forward to sharing more details when the beer is released.

This weekend The Prince of Wales, Birmingham welcomes Yorkshire brewers Mallinsons Brewing Company for a special tap tak...
05/06/2026

This weekend The Prince of Wales, Birmingham welcomes Yorkshire brewers Mallinsons Brewing Company for a special tap takeover.

Known for their single-hop beers and hop-forward cask ales, Mallinsons has built a strong reputation among real ale drinkers for showcasing the character of individual hop varieties.

A range of Mallinsons beers will be available throughout the event, with the brewery team visiting the pub from 4pm on Saturday to meet customers, discuss their beers and share a little about the brewery's story.

Work is now underway to rebuild The Three Fishes in Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury, following significant damage caused w...
02/06/2026

Work is now underway to rebuild The Three Fishes in Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury, following significant damage caused when a lorry struck the building in November 2024.

Black Country Ales had completed the purchase of the pub shortly before the incident, with progress subsequently delayed while matters were resolved with insurers.

A programme of reconstruction is now in place, including the rebuilding of the damaged section of the property, alongside improvements to the internal layout and facilities.

Black Country Ales would like to thank the local community for its patience and understanding throughout this difficult period.

A reopening date will be announced in due course.

World Cup matches will be shown live throughout the tournament at Black Country Ales pubs, including England's opening g...
01/06/2026

World Cup matches will be shown live throughout the tournament at Black Country Ales pubs, including England's opening group stage fixtures.

Traditional pubs have long been part of major tournaments, with familiar surroundings, community atmosphere, conversation around the bar and well-kept real ale alongside the matches themselves.

For many, England games are as much about where they are watched as the football itself, with pubs continuing to provide the sort of setting people naturally come together in during major occasions.

England In Your Local.

25 Years in a BottleFirst brewed in 2024 to mark 25 years of Black Country Ales, Jubilee IPA was created as a commemorat...
29/05/2026

25 Years in a Bottle

First brewed in 2024 to mark 25 years of Black Country Ales, Jubilee IPA was created as a commemorative beer to celebrate the company's silver anniversary.

Brewed as a traditional English IPA, a small number of bottles remain available while stocks last.

£16 per 12 bottle pack.

Available for delivery or collection:
https://shopblackcountryales.com/products/jubilee-ipa-12-bottle-pack

Fancy running The Old Bull's Head, the Black Country Ales Brewery Tap? The Old Bull’s Head is a traditional real ale pub...
28/05/2026

Fancy running The Old Bull's Head, the Black Country Ales Brewery Tap?

The Old Bull’s Head is a traditional real ale pub in the heart of Lower Gornal and home to the Black Country Ales brewery.

One of the original Black Country Ales houses, the pub has long stood at the centre of the local community and remains closely associated with both the brewery and the wider estate.

As the brewery tap, it holds a special place within Black Country Ales, welcoming both loyal local regulars and visitors from across the region.

The pub also plays an important role in our Brewery Tours, welcoming visitors looking to learn more about Black Country Ales and traditional brewing.

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Black Country Ales would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Lyndsey Bullock, who, after many years with the company, is stepping away from The Old Bull’s Head.

Over the years, Lyndsey has successfully run a number of pubs across the estate and has been a familiar and respected part of Black Country Ales for a long time. We thank her for all her hard work, commitment and contribution over the years, and wish her every success for the future.

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We are seeking someone with a genuine interest in pubs, people and real ale. Experience with cask ale is preferred but not essential. High standards and a strong work ethic are most important.

This role would suit a couple, though individual applicants are welcome. Accommodation is provided above the premises.

✉️ Interested?
Email [email protected]

As part of the Black Country Ales Real Ale Trail, this group recently completed their third ‘25 pubs in a day’ challenge...
26/05/2026

As part of the Black Country Ales Real Ale Trail, this group recently completed their third ‘25 pubs in a day’ challenge, travelling 205 miles to visit pubs across the region in a single day.

Setting off from Netherton, where the group are moored on the canal, a long-standing part of Black Country life, they travelled through Worcester, Malvern, Hereford, Tenbury Wells and Ludlow, continuing on to Shrewsbury and Shifnal before returning to the Black Country to complete the route.

The day was organised by Paul Scrutton, with the group travelling in two cars with nominated drivers.

A long day, well travelled, and a fine way to take in the pubs across the region.

Well done to all involved.

We are pleased to confirm that Black Country Ales has purchased The Plough, a Grade II listed building, in the market to...
23/05/2026

We are pleased to confirm that Black Country Ales has purchased The Plough, a Grade II listed building, in the market town of Ross-on-Wye.

Ross-on-Wye occupies an elevated position overlooking a broad bend in the River Wye, and has long been valued for its setting and its role as a centre for trade and travel, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, with the pub situated a short walk from the centre of the town and the river.

The town has a strong tradition of alehouses, serving residents and visitors drawn to the surrounding countryside, with its central streets forming part of everyday life.

Our intention is to honour the heritage of the building by looking after its character, while bringing it into use as a traditional market town pub, serving local regulars and visitors alike.

With the pub expected to reopen at the end of the summer, we are currently seeking a licensee.

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We are looking for someone with a genuine interest in running a traditional town pub, with a focus on well-kept cask ale and high day-to-day standards.

Experience is preferred but not essential; a strong work ethic and attention to detail are most important.

The role would suit a couple, though individual applicants are welcome. Accommodation is provided above the premises.

📩 Interested applicants should email [email protected]

Address

69 Third Avenue, Pensnett Trading Estate
Kingswinford
DY67FD

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