Old Swan Inn (aka Ma Pardoe’s)

You'll find yourself walking into something that feels genuinely unchanged—the kind of place where the landlord knows everyone's name and the décor hasn't needed updating because it was never trying to be trendy. The Old Swan (locals call it Ma Pardoe's) sits on Halesowen Road in Netherton and pulls a loyal crowd who appreciate a no-nonsense pub done right. It's warm without being self-conscious, packed on weekends with people who've been coming here for years, and the kind of spot where you can actually hear yourself think on a quiet Tuesday. Those 707 reviews averaging 4.6 stars aren't there by accident—this is the real deal.