The Vine Inn Bathams — Restaurant in Dudley

The Vine Inn also known as "The Bull and Bladder" the Batham's Brewery is in The Delph in Brierley Hiĺ, not far from the Merry Hill Shopping Centre. There is ample free car parking opposite the Vine on the other side of the road. This proper Black Country boozer is like stepping back into the early 20th century with dark wooden, old fashioned fittings and the bar and lounge off a central corridor and a large outdoor seating/smoking area at the back. The clientele is older men in cloth caps enjoying their pints of Batham's bitter (the pub's signature drink, brewed on site). I prefer the sweeter Batham's mild. A pint of Batham's mild and a half of cider was less than a fiver....great value. Onto the food which for me is the Vine's crowning glory. The Vine only serves food between noon and 2pm on weekdays and no food is served in the evenings, mind you there are tens of cobs and rolls in a cabinet in the bar for those who need some food to soak up the beer in the afternoon and evening. The food itself is ordered at the kitchen entrance where there's a display of the pies made with beef and Batham's gravy in a tin foil tray. There's also a pork or steak sandwich and a HUGE Ploughman's lunch for £4.50. The pies are £5 and the sandwiches £3.50. You pay for your food at the kitchen entrance and are given a numbered ticket. You sit down either in the bar, lounge or outdoor area telling the waiting staff whereabout you are sitting. We both had the big Ploughman's lunch for £4.50 which comprised 2 slices of either granary or white crusty bread, a great hunk of mature cheddar cheese, a large piece of boiled ham (vegetarians can ask not to have this), lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, silverskin pickled onions, beetroot and Spanish onion. One slight quibble they forgot my Branston pickle! Friends have had the pies which come with fat chips and mushy peas and the pork sandwich both of which they said were excellent. I have had 2 Ploughman's at the Vine now and must say it's THE BEST Ploughman's...

Bathams original pub where the beer is brewed in the adjacent brewery. I was filled with a sense of excitement as I approached the pub, the anticipation was high. Upon entering the pub I walked through the door on the right into the small bar at the front. Friendly locals discussing daily life over their pints of frothy foamy goodness. My pint was positively glowing, it glistened in the day light and was majestic it's appearance. Their bitter is classic, very malt forward with a nice sweetness from the malt sugars. A little hop bite and a touch of diacetyl. I stayed for a pint of mild and that for me was about as good as a mild could ever be. Creamy, sweet, full body and mouth feel, Moorish and effortlessly drinkable. The sense of history and importance in British brewing can be felt here. Wonderful enrichening experience that I...

Used to visit this lovely pub before lockdown and went yesterday to renew my acquaintance again. The food is as lovely as ever with a choice of hot and cold food. I chose one of the massive ham cobs with a side salad which I think cost me £2.60! Just unbelievable value for all of the food. I arrived at about 12.45pm and it was absolutely rammed,so try and get there for 12ish if you want to eat,it may just be a good bet to avoid having to queue. Left with a takeout of a corned beef cob and a ham and tomato one and a pork pie to savour later. This is the Batham's brewery pub with plenty of rooms to sit in and eat your meal. Fantastic place and staff really friendly even though they were very busy. Would not hesitate...