You Said....

Posted Monday, April 18, 2011
I wouldnt recommend this pub. We reserved a table, as it was rammed, no point in doing so, it was taken by another couple. Squeezed in on the end of a table with a party of 10!. the food was a 50 minute wait. The bar man told us the mixed grill comes in a packet.. lovely! the mash potato on the cottage pie.. well you could tell it was instant! you are told that the food is homemade, i think some are, but most the food on the menu isn't. on the plus side, they had a huge back garden to sit in, (although so tables were free) and it was right along side the canal, with was nice.
Sharon, Stratford upon Avon

Posted Monday, April 11, 2011
We went as a group of 26 for my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. Really regretted the choice of venue. All of those who chose steak or chicken found the meat to be of either very poor quality (steak, which contained huge lumps of fat) or bland (double chicken breast! a few bits and pieces thrown on top of a very thin piece of chicken).  Those who chose the large fish complained that it was predominantly batter.  So okay, the meals appeared to be large in quantity, but in quality - miniscule. Plus points were nice staff and quick service, but that pales into insignificance if the food is desperate. We are having to arrange a replacement event for my parents, as this totally spoilt their day. Black Boy - big black mark.  My advice, avoid.
Ray

Posted Tuesday, November 30, 2010
We regularly visit the Black Boy in Knowle for a family meal and we are never disappointed.  The staff are always polite and helpful and the food is always delicious.
Caroline in Solihull

Posted Friday, October 29, 2010
Having moored up for the night at the back of the pub we walked in through the rear and found a pleasant country public house, a couple of well deserved pints later all 7 of us ordered meals, they all came out together in a good time, only two of the meals were the same so we had a good selection of the menu. After the plates were cleaned away the general comment was how good the meals were and that we would be returning again. Well done to the staff for a great evening.
Andy  in Solihull

Posted Wednesday, October 13, 2010
My wife and I just had the best Sunday roast (10/10/10) and we agreed how well cooked well presented by polite and helpful staff wonderful pint of well kept bitter the wife was driving, well done to the staff for a pleasant environment garden and grounds are splendid
Dave n Gwen

Posted Monday, September 13, 2010
Can't believe all of the bad reviews on here I have visited the black boy many times and have always had a great meal I have also found the staff to be very friendly and helpful I would recommend this place to anyone wanting good pub grub and a friendly atmosphere.
Andrea

Posted Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Visited pub earlier today never been before was recommended by a friend. Upon arrival we were greeted by smiling staff we all had roast dinners which were hot and tasty and very reasonably priced. All in all a great afternoon out good food lovely surroundings and friendly staff I will definatly be back.
Steven James

Posted Tuesday, August 24, 2010
My friend and i visited the Blak Boy on Tuesday 17th August we had a fantastic meal both had steaks cooked to our liking and tasted great. Staff were polite and friendly and what we thought was really nice was there was some one with a birthday the staff bought a cake out and all sang happy birthday with nice big smiles and nice big voices what a lovely friendly well worth a visit pub . Well done Black Boy .
Lucy Stone

Posted Tuesday, August 3, 2010
15 years ago this pub was an excellent place to go for food and drink. I've revisited the Black Boy a number of times over the past few years only to see the place become worse and worse. This has been dragged down by the current owner who clearly cares little about customers or the pub's image. The food is shockingly bad, the waiting times are awful and the staff all walk around in their black tops and trousers covered in what appears to be the surface of the kitchen floor. Plenty of chav/asbo freaks and uniques now inhabit the pub, no longer is this a serene spot to go for a decent pub lunch/dinner.  Shameless? No more like shameful.
Matt

Posted Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Visited this pub on 3/6/10 after an absence of 2 or 3 years.   Still the same old cluttered seating area and bored waiting staff.   Waited 2.5 hours for food.  My daughter, 4, was very hungry and I was becoming very concerned.  Food eventually came and was at best OK.  Needs to be managed far better than it is.  
Sally, Wolverhampton

Posted Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Arrived at the pub and sat down next to a couple who had just started there meals when we overheard them saying it was the worst meal they had ever had. Great start but id been there a few times before and thought they were over reacting. Then our meals came out OMG what a load of rubbish that place has gone down hill my steak was rubbery and scampi swimming in grease, we complained to the waitress who just said sorry. We then we went out to the beer garden and noticed lots of half eaten meals. Note to Ellie it does not matter that your grandad owns it, its still rubbish. I think your grandad has made his money out of that pub and has now lost interest maybe he should pass it on to you.
Paul From Sutton Coldfield

Posted Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Reserved table for four had only three chairs and cleaning fluid and cloth on it. Had to ask for an additional chair and for cleaning materials to be removed (didn't get around to cleaning table though). Food is cheap and cheerful (in the extreme perhaps) and portions generous but quality not so good. Steak was a poor quality cut that tasted like it had spent quite some time in a freezer and lamb was fatty and not the best. Worst were potatoes. Mash was bland and synthetic tasting while chips looked good (chip shop style) but didn't taste great. Tasted like the oil/fat used for cooking them should have been changed quite some time ago. The place was busy and didn't have to wait too long. Beer (real ale) is actually really good. Might return, but only for beer and a sandwich! The whole point of going out to eat is to get something that's better than you would cook at home and I've never cooked anything at home that was this disappointing. Location and setting amazing - though place would benefit from a serious makeover from the ground up - perhaps Gordon Ramsey should pay a visit!
Hengist Pod

Posted Monday, February 8, 2010
Been a few times now over a 6 month period tried various meals, Could be much much better! Does not appear to have any real structure or leadership or any real interest on whether you enjoyed the food or not, perhaps the staff are afraid to ask! Some of the food appears to be quick micro food, something you would make yourself in a hurry, and sometimes it's very good, depends on what you have. Beer ok, Fish chips ok, but not restaurant quality, not cheap either. We will try again some time in the future to have the fish & Chips, safe option, would not gamble on taking friends just in case! Nice location. My advice to Management is monitor the staff ensure the customers are happy, take the cook in a bag meals off the menu, it tastes average and you can tell it's not fresh. If you are going to cook specials, make sure the chef is up to speed and trained and enjoys cooking, because we get the impression that to he or she it's just a job and has no passion in cooking. Thanks.
The traveling couple

Posted Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Hi all do not normally feel the need to complain, However here goes. Me and my partner attended on Tuesday 2nd Feb 2010 at approx 19;00hrs first time at this pub, on parking up very nice went up to the Bar all fine, ordered drinks and food. Drinks were fine, we had a Cheese garlic bread starter which was really nice, I had 1/2 chicken & ribs, my meal was ok'ish chips wasn't cooked properly carrots soggy but edible. My partner had the Mexican Steak, The steak was like boot leather again chips wasn't cooked properly. Now we have had dodgy meals before but when reported they changed the meal. However when a member of staff came over asking if the meal is ok my Partner replied no its really not, the guy laughed and then realised we wasn't laughing so apologised then said" I will have a chat with the chef but I doubt if we can do anything about it.?? strange reply!! we stopped in the pub finished off our drinks 15mins later still no one returned, the pub was very quiet so didn't understand why no one had returned to discuss our complaint, so anyway we had already paid for the meals but still had to pay for some drinks, barman said did you enjoy your meal, no we said oh sorry about that he replied we paid and left, ???? very strange again. Anyway will not be attending again, which is a shame could be a nice pub if was managed better.
Terry & Kate

Posted Monday, November 9, 2009
I am gobsmacked by some of these reviews!!  I go the Blackboy as often as possible - even booked to go for a christmas dinner with family who i won't see over christmas and what a bargain that is £13.50pp for 3courses.
Yes they can be extremely busy and when they are - they aren't as quick to wipe over the tables, but once asked they are straight over to do this.  The menu is brilliant - would recommend the Steak Pie every time or cottage pie (but ask for a gravy boat).   As for expensive - you are having a laugh, you can not be serious (these people must be eating at Arena pubs - cheap and cheerful).  You pay for what you get at the black boy - yes the portions can be a lot (especially the Chilli) but you get good quality food.
As for the staff - I have always found them welcoming and friendly - can be a bit slow the later you go, but always polite...
I really would recommend the Black Boy and think most people who have gone there would!!
Stacey

Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I can't believe all of the negative comments on here. What do you expect when you pay such cheap prices. The food is good pub grub. You get large portions and I have always found the staff to be lovely. I have been there hundreds of times and never had a bad meal. It is busy in there but only because it is so popular. I don't know what everyone is expecting-it doesn't try to be Gordon Ramsey's restaurant!!
Katie

Posted Monday, October 12, 2009
Awful absolutely awful. Rude member of staff on the bar. Menu was appetising but when the meals arrived the reality was so different. I felt embarrassed because I was treating 6 people. Food very poor quality and cold. Everybody left most of their meal to be cleared away. A complete waste of time and an expensive bad experience. Nice plants at the entrance of the pub though so look good from the outside.
Tim from Birmingham

Posted Monday, September 28, 2009
Went for a visit on 26/9/09 despite all the bad comments on here, glad we did, the staff were really friendly and up for a laugh, the food was lovely, i had a cheese and onion baguette, the bread was lovely and fresh and the cheese was really tasty with a nice fresh side salad, and a few chips, husband had the large cod and chips, it was huge, and he said very nice, son had burger and chips from the kids menu, he enjoyed it too. The garden is beautiful and very well looked after, it was a very busy afternoon, but we only waited about 15 minutes for our food order to be delivered, so all in all we have no complaints, and we had a wonderful afternoon, thanks to all the staff. We will definitely be back.
Karen and Stuart Brown

Posted Monday, September 28, 2009
If a proper caring family ran this pub it would make a world of difference. The staff do not care a bit about the customers . If it was not in such a great location it would have closed down years ago. Ps try changing the 10 year old menu.
Rob from Knowle

Posted Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Nice Pub - shame about the rude and unhelpful little fat man  who is either the owner or manager. Food is poor and cleanliness is poor - baby high chair we were offered by staff was caked in old mashed potato. Dining here was a very unpleasant experience which will not be repeated.
Peter from Knowle

Posted Monday, August 10, 2009
Awful owners of a great pub. This public house has the worst staff i have ever encountered. The pub itself is beautiful. The staff do not care about there customers at all, i had a meal there i ordered there special of the day of a 16 ounce steak and wasnt asked how i would like it cooked so, ihad to say excuse me but could i have that steak well done. The barman laughed and said yep its usually that way anyway. When i recieved my meal it looked big and i thought great, But when i cut into my steak it poured with blood, so i took it back to the bar and told them i wasnt happy with the meal, the barman snatched the plate out of my hands and said sorry mr ramsey and went through to the back with it. I waited 30 minutes for my meal to be brought back out (by this time my wife had finished her meal) so i went back to the bar and asked the other barman behind the bar where my meal was. He said that the meal had been provided to me and that i didnt want it so it was binned and thats that. I refused to accept this and demanded to see the manager, and was told from the corner by a lady sitting at the bar that she was the manager and my food will come in 5 minutes, Low and behold i did recieve my food "the exact steak with the piece missing that i cut out myself" burnt to a cinder and chips still had blood running through. Obviously it was the same exact plate of food. I asked for a refund and i was told to leave.
Paul in solihull

Posted Monday, July 27, 2009
Went for Sunday lunch on 26/7/09. Food - Awful. Beef appeared to be cut with a razor, mash powdery, and veg watery. Service - Awful. Sat outside along with six other families under a canopy on a cold wet and windy July day.
One customer asked to have the patio heaters switched on and the member of staff looked at the canopy, pulled a face and said "there not supposed to be open man". He then proceeded to wind the canopy in! leaving six families exposed to the elements and trying to eat their lunch. Another customer asked to see the manager and he responded by reluctantly lighting the patio heater. When the manager arrived she said with a smirk "they are only sun canopies" but they were keeping all of us dry!!!! Did we enjoy our meal - NO.
Jane & Steve

Posted Thursday, February 5, 2009
Been there this month after seeing the pub advertised on a young man's t-shirt on a college video on youtube, took a drive out to visit and couldn't believe how great the place was great atmosphere ,friendly staff and wonderful food . After reading the other reviews i couldn't believe how wrong they was. 
Phil

Posted Monday, December 15, 2008
Vicky Pollard Mecca. I thought shell suits were out or is it just me. Otherwise great food and value for money.
John R

Posted Monday, November 3, 2008
Pretty awful, whole pub is cramped with tables. Supposed pub garden suffers from the same concept. Food is of the quantity not quality variety. Veg was of the pre-war variety, that is they started boiling them when Chamberlain was in office, so they should be nice and soft for your visit. Highlight...is some of the walls have canal stuff of mild interest, which can make the long wait for your food just zoom by.....there is also a fair bit of pub  fake antique claptrap nailed to the walls.
If you like your food large and bland, enjoy jostling for position with an eclectic mix of Asbo families and hoardes of pensioners it might just be your cup of tea but sadly not mine!
Critical Matt

Posted Monday, November 3, 2008
A visitor to the area, I was walking along the canal and eyed the prospect of a canal side drink and meal with relish. The sun was shining, the trees were in their autumn finery. Idyllic. I didn't stop though, piped pop music blaring from speakers in the garden. Why? Who goes outdoors to listen to pap/pop music in a rural setting?
Robert, Scotland.

Posted Monday, August 25, 2008
A really lovely place with lots of atmosphere. Really good food, big portions and low prices with friendly service. Love going always worth it. Delightful setting as nice walks, great in rain or shine.
George

Posted Friday, May 30, 2008
Very disappointed, visited Bank Holiday Monday 26 May.  Very busy, screaming kids, and food not good at all. 
Ordered chilli con carne, far too much food on the plate for anyone to eat. Too much rice and chips and there was hardly any meat in the chilli.  Could serve up less food and charge less, well overpriced. The only nice thing about the pub is its setting, other than that far too over-rated.
Alison

Posted Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Good for a drink but will not be eating there again!! I went there with my partner and friends for a Sunday meal.
One meal had a hair in it and had to be returned, the plaice was swimming in fat, and my turkey was just like boil-in-the-bag from 25 years ago! Only the lasagne looked reasonable. The chips looked slightly dehydrated.
That said, the garden next to the canal is pleasant on a sunny afternoon.
Deryck

Posted Monday, May 5, 2008
DISAPPOINTED.  All-in-all : COULD BE BETTER.
My 1st visit in 20 years! Food was average and could have been much better with very little effort. Large portions aren't everything! Lasagne sold as being made to a special in-house recipe tasted like tinned pie meat with a bit of curry powder added! Steak of fish & chips were ok (safe bets). Veg was like school dinners old standard.  Service was average but no one was over friendly or helpful. Sticky dining tables could do with a reasonable clean between customers! That said if you need somewhere for the kids to play while you eat - the climbing frame is excellent. Can't imagine the place being very pleasant if it were full but was ok with the few fellow customers at our off-peak visit.
Vicky

Posted Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I recently had my father 80th birthday at the black boy and Russell Turner and his staff could not do enough to ensure that he had a great day. Thank you all.
Nick Whitehurst

Posted Monday, March 10, 2008
I have visited this pub for food five times since last November 2007.On each occasion I have received prompt service, excellent choice and delicious food at a reasonable price. Long may it continue.
Pete Thorp

Posted Monday, February 25, 2008
Cramped.  Unsavoury atmosphere.  Owner? quite rude with regards to our son by the bar.  My Father in law opened a tab, and the bar staff took his credit card off him and put it in a drawer at the bar! Vile, will not be returning there, even though we were offered a free meal by a polite female member of staff.
Diane and Craig

Posted Monday, February 18, 2008
I visited this establishment on Saturday with my soon to be wife.  We had a starter (Chicken Tikka), Main Course (16oz Rump steak + Pepper sauce) and a desert (Chocolate fudge cake).  I must say this was probably the best pub meal I have ever eaten and that's saying a lot.  The starter was delicious, the steak, chips and sides were both tasty and well cooked.  I was very very impressed and will most definitely be going again very soon.  Congratulations on a fantastic meal, with well mannered, polite staff.  You can expect my custom for some time to come.
John Merchant  Visit: Sat 16th February 2008.


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Posted Monday, February 18, 2008
Plenty of food on the plate but sometimes feel that you are on a production line in and out ASAP and the food can be tasteless on a Sunday 1 guy in particular a the bar always puts me off quite rude and arrogant they need to learn some people skills I get the feeling if you are a regular they are talkative and friendly towards you, if not you feel as though you should feel lucky to be eating there such a shame, could be so much better with friendlier staff
Loi

Posted Monday, February 11, 2008
Went for the first time to black boy. great food, good value for money, great staff very helpful and friendly. highly recommend it.
Mr & Mrs Brady

Posted Sunday, May 7, 2006
very cramped environment to eat in, tables weren't clean, Sunday lunch poor standard. waiting staff were very bored looking. garden was ok though
Michael and Sarah

Posted Monday, April 10, 2006
I've been there once, I think its really good value and tasty! You get a huge portion, at a low price, but still its very good food! The Atmosphere is cheery
Clauds

Posted Monday, February 13, 2006
My grandad owns it!
Ellie

Posted Thursday, February 2, 2006
if your going for food its good. however does not cater for drinkers.
The Ranger

Posted Tuesday, December 20, 2005
We eat at the black boy regularly, it is fantastic. Try the lasagne, there is something in it to make it taste fantastic.
Dave and Jane

Posted Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Poor table service, long delays between meals being served to table. Some items on the plate were cold not even warm. Nobody working there seemed interested.
Dave

Posted Monday, December 5, 2005
Not a pub-more like a canteen! And full of folk from chelmsley wood on 'their night in the country'. Lots of E-reg Mondeos in the car park and fat birds + their offspring ordering steak'n'chips. Food is ok though.
Alex

Posted Monday, November 21, 2005
Fantastic food, big portions at low prices without loss of quality. great service. highly recommended.
Jason

Posted Tuesday, October 25, 2005
We eat at the Black Boy whenever we have anything to celebrate and then some. Great food, friendly staff and a great atmosphere
Lynette Lee

Posted Wednesday, December 8, 2004
Absolutely delicious food and massive plates lovely in the summer sitting in the beer garden by the canal
Kelly

Posted Monday, November 29, 2004
Menu superb, however one or two new items could be added adding more variety
David Handy

Posted Monday, October 20, 2003
We think the pub is brilliant. There's room outside the back were we could sit and chill whilst looking over to the canal. The staff were so friendly that served us and also, v. good looking (BLONDES)! Its so affordable. How people can say its not very good I don't know. you obviously got no taste!
E N M

Posted Wednesday, October 8, 2003
Lots of people from towns come here and think its a nice rural pub. This place could be excellent and probably once was, what a shame it isn't now.
Tobes

Posted  Wednesday, September 24, 2003
I remember this place when it was a REAL pub' ;)
TG

Posted Wednesday, May 28, 2003
Absolutely lovely
Sian

Posted Saturday, May 17, 2003
Best pub food in the borough. Gets very busy lunchtimes which is
understandable. Affordable priced drinks, great beer garden, situated in a
picturesque location
Flash

Posted Friday, May 16, 2003
Good selection of guest beers & friendly staff. The BIG beer garden is the focal point, especially during the summer with a children's play area and excellent seating facilities.
Flash

Posted Sunday January 12th 2003
Really nice place use to go there as a kid for a family day out and its still the same friendly place nice for a romantic night out
Jenny

Posted Friday October 25th 2002
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE could anyone tell me where I can get a copy of the framed poem which is hanging on the wall outside the toilets??? We recently visited The Black Boy with our friends from Virginia, USA and she thought the poem was hilarious and the food out of this world!
We would love to be able to send her a copy of this poem as a memento of her stay in England and her visit to the Black Boy. CAN ANYONE HELP ??
Denise Darby Den@shoey21.fsnet.co.uk

Posted 24 October 2002
Can I just say some of the male staff are so gorgeous!!!!! Ask some of the female staff they will tell ya!
Lu

Posted 22 October 2002
The staff are very polite, and helpful, nice for eating out in the summer as it overlooks the canal. The locals (Ken) are also very nice to talk to and the food is great value for money and highly recommended.
Sarah

Nice pub for the summer sitting by the canal top draw, food not bad.
Julian

Really good country pub! In the summer it is a great place to eat & drink as you can sit out side in the beer garden over looking the canal! The food is great value for money you get loads! great variety as well from 16oz steaks to Balti's to your traditional pub grub! well worth a visit.
Claire

This page is part of the Solihull Online Pub Guide and is not connected with any of the pubs and bars listed.