Club is best in Midlands

Described as an "oasis" by members, regulars at the Coombs Wood Social Club, in Lodgefield Lane, Halesowen, have suspected for years they were able to enjoy their ale in one of the best clubs in the area.

Now their suspicions have been confirmed after the cosy club was named West Midlands Club of the Year 2006 by Camra (Campaign for Real Ale).

The club beat off competition from dozens of other hopefuls from around Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire to scoop the prestigious award.

As if that were not enough, the club has also landed the accolade of being the best club in Halesowen and Stourbridge.

The club won the awards after impressing Camra judges with its range of real ales, its friendly family orientated atmosphere and its annual beer festival.

As well as boasting about 900 members, the club also has five adult cricket teams, sixteen bowling teams, a junior football team and around 50 youngsters in the youth cricket section.

Originally the recreation ground for the Stewarts & Lloyds steelworks, later British Steel, the club has gone from strength to strength since becoming independent when the works closed in 1989.

Bar manager Nick Jones said the secret of the club's success was its family atmosphere. "It's a close-knit place where everyone knows everyone else," he said.

"It's a place where parents can come to enjoy a night out knowing their children will be made to feel welcome and there are other kids to play with. There's always something going on, whether it's an entertainer, a barbecue, sports on the television or one of our teams playing outside.

Nik Antona, regional director of Camra, said: "Coombs Wood Sports and Social Club was judged as the West Midlands club of the year and has beaten off a lot of competition to do so.

"The club has consistently shown a commitment to real ale and thoroughly deserves this accolade."

Regulars at the club have praised the award-winning venue for its friendly atmosphere. Kevin Baker and Paul Marson regularly pop down to the club for a pint. "I love the friendliness and the comfortable, hassle-free atmosphere," Kevin said. "When you come down here, it's like being part of one big happy family."

His friend Paul added: "You get the best of both worlds. Adults can enjoy a drink while the kids play together in a safe environment.

"You know everyone down here and there's never any trouble."

Youngsters Steven Jones, Adam Smith, Shaun Baker and James Andrews said they all enjoyed the huge playing field outside the club.

They said: "They have got a big ground where we can play football and cricket while our parents are inside.There's lots to do down here and it's better than being stuck at home." Camra members Garry Mills, Stan Stevens and Jeff Brook said they were all impressed with the range of real ales on tap.

Jeff said:"There are always at least six real ales on tap and they're always changing. Nick Jones is a fellow beer buff and it's nice to drink in somewhere that's run by someone who shares our passion."

Maureen and Geoffrey Lawson said they had been members of the club for about 14 years. They said:"We like coming here because we know everyone and it's a great social life. It's very much a family club and you can come along with your children knowing they'll be made to feel welcome."

Club regulars George Scriven and Kevin Rudge described the club as an "oasis" which was easy to miss if you did not know where it was.

"I love everything about the club," George said.

"The social side is absolutely fantastic, there's never any trouble and the atmosphere is always friendly."

"It's just a great place to be," Kevin said. "It's an oasis and if you didn't know it was here it would be easy to miss."

By Jon Wood