The Firs - Indian Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Wolverhampton

I arrived at 3pm, pushed in my wheelchair, and had come especially for a late lunch with my 2 friends, my dog, and theirs. The last time I’d checked, this was a dog friendly pub. I had no idea that it had changed, and I was extremely disappointed and embarrassed to discover that it had changed when my friends had driven from Telford to come and see me; it was my fault for choosing to go there. The Landlord firmly told us it was guide dogs only that the policy on access to dogs have changed. We were left to sit outside in the 5 degrees weather, to quickly down our drinks, and go back to my home again; in hindsight I wish we would’ve gone straight home or to The Mermaid, which do welcome dogs. If your regulars are so vocal about how fed up they are with your new dog free policies, how do you think new customers will feel. We would have spent 3 meals, and 3 more drinks today, and undoubtedly come back.

As for the disabled friendly access, that’s an absolute joke for wheelchair users. Crossing the road on the pedestrian crossing, especially being new to the pub, you have to be wheeled to the right (going to the rear of the property via the car park), you’re still greeted by a huge step at the front of the pub; this is impossible for wheelchair access. We finally found you have to be wheeled past the side of the pub, to the pavement of the side road, then navigate your wheelchair over a narrow step there.

I certainly will not return to the pub unless both of these issues are addressed; for me, the latter is not only non negotiable,...

The Firs was built in the 1950's at the same time as the large housing estates nearby. In those days most people used The Firs as their primary place of socialising. The men drank beer and the ladies drank fruit juices. It was full most nights and at weekends you needed to be there by 7pm to be sure of having a seat. Children were universally not allowed in pubs. If a man had too much to drink and used the F word he was immediately told to be quiet by everyone else. Ladies never swore. Today everything has changed. Society has changed beyond all recognition. And so The Firs had changed to meet these new demands. If your 20 to 40 something you will like the place a lot. You can get sloshed on your favourite largers or shots, music will be played loud enough to drown out conversation and bad language bandied freely around. Yet The Firs remains the local community pub and attracts all age groups. It is no longer busy every night because there are too many other ways to spend an evening but friendships are forged there and still. Meals are available from a varied menu lunchtime and early evening. Draught Marston's beers are usually available too. And off course all the largers, ciders and shorts too. The lounge is large and tries to be comfortable. The Bar is blokey and can be very noisy To summarise, The Firs is a modern local community pub that tries to suit all the people...

We popped in early one Friday evening hoping to get a table and every single one was reserved. We didn't mind - it's so pleasing to see what was a soulless , atmosphere-lacking pub rejuvenated. We ordered takeaway and had a pint whilst we waited. I've given 3 for atmosphere only because they were clearly part way through refurbishment. I'm sure once it's finished it will be a really comfortable place to relax and enjoy some fantastic food. I barely had time to start my second drink before our food was ready, so we eagerly sank our drinks and got the food home. No two ways about it - the food was absolutely lovely. I was so pleased with the vegetarian options. So often in restaurants (not just Indian food places) the veggie offer is limited, with most places offering bizarre niche dishes. Not so here - if Butter Paneer was what I fancied, Butter Paneer is what I could have. And it was so tasty. My daughter was really happy with her paneer tikka wrap and hubby's chicken jalfrezi was very tasty too. I can't wait to come in for a sit-down meal in a few weeks when the refurbishments are done. I'm so pleased to finally have a decent restaurant on my doorstep and I wish the owners...