Sportsman — Restaurant in Sandwell

A lot of nostalgia and memories involved when discussing this Desi-Pub. I've had many great nights in here over the last 20 years, to the soundtrack of the Punjabi songs on the jukebox! Also been in on West Bromwich Albion match days when it's absolutely packed. Quite busy when big matches are on tv too.

Food-wise, it's one of the original Desi-Pubs where people have been going for a Mixi. It may not always be to the taste of newer people in the mixed grill scene, but a lot of us older guys love it.

Visited recently for the first time in years and was surprised that they've finally introduced table service. There had previously been occasions where I've ordered over £200 worth of food in a big group of lads, and we'd been made by the chef to collect it all ourselves! It's still the same main chef there though.

Good selection of drinks. Noticed the prices have gone up a fair bit, but that's just life at the moment with almost everywhere. Bar area is great for chilling out with a beer, playing pool etc. Separate restaurant area is very comfy with big booths for large groups. Big outside space too for smokers or drinking...

Extremely underwhelming. Visited after many years. Was a regular haunt during my post-grad days in mid-90's Birmingham. Great food then. Pleasantly surprised that The Sportsman was still in business. The quality of food was so so underwhelming this time. How could the quality of food be allowed to decline so alarmingly over time? Ordered Sizzling Mixed Grill, Fish Pakora, Spring rolls, Popadoms etc, standard starters really. Chicken tikka bright red in colour, but no flavour whatsoever. Wings crisped to perfection but no seasoning and no taste. Kebabs way too fat and dry. The fish was decent though, but on the basis of spending over £50 on disappointing starters we left without ordering mains. Won't be back in a hurry. Spend your hard earned...

Outstanding food at pre-2008 prices. Few things compare to a Desi pub - great cuisine, friendly locals and a down-to-earthness (look it up) severely lacking in towns across the land. Having ventured down to the Black Country from Wrexham, we found our train delayed by an hour or four, so decided to hop off at the Hawthorns train station, walking to the Sportsman on the recommendation of Jay Rayner in the Guardian. I can say with some certainty our return leg will have a similar pit-stop (and the luggage will have copious room for leftovers!). Well done all involved and what a refreshing lunch it was for two wee...