The Hollybush, Gorcott Hill, Nr Ullenhall

May 22 2008 By Graham Young

FOR reasons which will become much clearer in a future column, this review began in Moseley where I'd arranged to meet two friends.

Rejected from our intended destination for the most bizarre reason ever, we then spent 90 minutes on a booze cruise... with no booze.

Sitting in the back seat, peering round the front head restraints as we whizzed round endless corners, I felt like a kidnap victim growing hungrier and hungrier.

Then, suddenly, a brain wave. Had I heard of the Hollybush? Nope. Gorcott Hill? Never!

And so we were sorted after a journey which had already taken in Selly Park, Kings Norton, Druids Heath, Hollywood, Wythall, Dickens Heath and Earlswood (twice!).

With throats tightening like three desert camels in a sandstorm, we were soon enjoying two pints of shandy and, for me, a lovely pint of Cornish bitter.

The staff were very friendly and our food offered value for money.

I had a spinach cannelloni with decent sauted potatoes and a crispy salad.

Dan made smart work of his Hunter's Chicken and chips with veg while ravenous Ian demolished his substantial dish of ham, two eggs, chips and salad with a side order of granary bread.

* The Bill

Ham, double egg, chips, salad . . . .£6.25

Cannelloni, sauteed potatoes, salad .........................£6.75

Hunter's Chicken, chips and veg . . .£7.95

Granary roll and butter . . . . . . . . . . .80p

Total ........................£21.75

* Verdict

PLUS: Characterful hillside pub that's surprisingly close to the A435 Birmingham to Redditch road.

MINUS: My pasta was a touch underdone.