The Black Boy in Solihull - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Went for lunch with my family ,and we really enjoyed ourselves. The service ,food was great and a lovely atmosphere

Lovely beer gardens staff could definitely visit the toilet a bit more to keep on top of cleanliness and on the beer garden. But overall a nice place

Great pub. Always friendly service makes you feel its a family owned and run pub with amazing standards of food in which you get a lot of quantity and quality for a very reasonable price. Drinks are very unique that are catered to different or specific tastes. Overall a fantastic pub would definitely recommend. YOU HAVE TO GO HERE…

Shocking experience, booked via the website and was basically called a liar when I arrived, the woman who spoke to me has no business working with the public atrocious attitude, food arrived one and a half hours after ordering and was basic to say the least, avoid at all cost, much better places in the location for a meal, never again, can only assume the staff are on basic pay and have no interest in customer satisfaction.

We hadn't been to the Black Boy for several years and went for lunch today. Very well run, clean, tasty food and fabulous staff. It was busy and a good atmosphere. I would definitely recommend and offers very good value. We both had gammon and it was great.

Haven't been here for a few years but my daughter wonted to treat her dad for farthers day dinner there was 6 adults and 1 child in high car well we was all very disappointed with the food me and my daughter had a Sunday roast which was not nice at all . The staff wasn't very helpful when asking for sauce and drinks they didn't come bk to us very disappointed day will not return here again our bill was £200

Good was tasty but very long wait understanding for time and day went in staff were friendly but the view and atmosphere we very delightful with a view of the canal and and canal boats moored up, nice park for kids to play on not very big but clean and safe.

Average food. Awful service! We went for a family meal to celebrate Father’s Day. We ordered 2 portions of wings as part of our starters. Took ages to arrive and then when they came out, some of the wings were either overcooked or cooked frozen as they were chewy and tasted stale. We advised the staff of this after the time. When it came to paying the bill the individual behind the bar refused to take both portions off of the bill because we had eaten some of the okay wings. Same individual went into the kitchen and then came back insuating that I was lying about the amount eaten. He then claimed we had been given 3 portions of wings but they had only charged us for 2. This was news to us as we ordered 2 and were given 2 plates during the meal with no mention of anything on the house. I had said at the start I was happy to pay for the rest but didn’t agree with paying for those portions. I then got told we had been given a good deal by having one portion taken off. No apologies given either. Food also took an age to come out and the mains were average. My brother in law ordered a chicken burger that came without any sauce, lettuce or mayo! Much better options nearby. Avoid! ——————————————————————- In reply to the response: multiple lies. 2 plates of wings one had 3 left, another 4. The remaining inedible wings were left on our plates. Please provide evidence of this verbal abuse?!? At no point was anyone abusive to the staff. Clearly got a chip on your shoulder and can’t take criticism of your truly awful food

Service was brilliant. Food was really good fresh and tasty and i found it really good value. Because the weather was good we sat outside. Views were lovely and the atmosphere was nice and relaxed.

Thank you to the Black Boy for a lovely meal last night. The food was delicious, the service amazing, easily catering for my son who’s allergic to nuts to which is a big bonus for us. We will certainly be returning. Thank you

Been coming many years and have enjoyed the food and service but over the last 18 months this place has slowly declined in my estimate. Pub is in a great location hence 2 stars. However, the service this time was short to nonexistent and when the waitress finally took our drink order after being sat for over 25 mins we took the chance to order food as we was told abruptly there was a 40 min wait on food from ordering. She rushed our order and couldn't get away from our table quick enough. We had to tell her to hold on twice as we hadn't finished ordering. Not the best start Well over an hour later our food arrived. The steak pie was nice as usual. But that's where it ended. My halumi fries were way over cooked, calamari was swimming in deep fat oil still. My sons ribs and chips was bland and luke warm. Bacon burger was really dry but the garlic bread was nice. All in all I will no longer be returning to the black boy which is a shame as I like the place. My thinking is there's been new owners the past 2 - 3 years.

Love all the food in this pub love the garden love the atmosphere excellent

Absolutely disgusting! 1 star is overrated! Never again food wait was absolutely appalling waited over an hour and the restaurant was empty! Never had a wrap so disgusting in my whole life!! And never been so ill off food in my life!! Honestly need to be report to the hygiene standards!! Do not go here!

Good selection of drinks and ales. Extensive menu with vegan and vegetarian options. Good vaue for money. Will definitely return.

Good pub, great quality food and portions

Our family of 5 adults and 4 children all ages , There was great choice on the menu, We had table service, The food was beautiful and the staff were friendly , It was raining unfortunately so stayed inside, But we all had a great afternoon, We will definitely visit again 👍

Lovely canal pub, food was fantastic (ribs where out of this world), not a wide range of ales but plenty of other drinks, friendly staff. Would visit again

Staff were wonderful kept you informed

Very nice food and the service was outstanding looking forward to our next visit with my family in June for Dad’s day thanks for lovely lunch 👍😎⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a really lovely country pub which is located just outside Knowle. The food is pretty much made to order so it is really really nice food. The service is quite quick and staff are nice.

My son’s birthday & along with his girlfriend, we hadn’t been to the blackboy for a number of years . It took a while for anyone to come for a drinks order & then we thought they had forgotten us , after a 45 minute wait for our food . An over priced experience, with run of the mill food & no customer care , so in a nut shell , a birthday to forget . Thank you the blackboy !

I met my friends for a special birthday meal , the meals were very tasty we hadn’t been for a while i had the lasagne omg it was so delicious as i remember,.The staff were very friendly and polite and brought a cake out and sang . What a fantastic all round pub you have thank you for a great night .

Lovely staff and welcoming environment. Great range of food as well 😁👍

Wonderful service. Great and diverse menu suitable for all. We all loved it

Badly cooked food Luke warm and greasy had better food at a road side Berger van will never go there again

Shame to see how this once lovely pub has gone down so much with the present management. Myself and a friend popped in for a meal and I have to say the service was awful. From customer service to the food which arrived an hour later luke warm. My drink was knocked over by the waitress yet no offer of replacement drink? The staff were unfriendly and unprofessional. When I complained I was told to email my complaint! Why? I’m on the premises and expressing my valid disappointment with the service we’d received. Looking at recent reviews this is sadly a regular occurrence at The Blackboy! I’d like to just add we weren’t the only disgruntled customers on the night we attended.

Early evening meal and the service and food were very good,hospitality was very good and a wonderfull away of exelant background music,can't wait to return we both had the gammon and eggs and garlic mushrooms 🍄 spot on ,however it was a large portion for my wife and I was so full I couldn't manage it on top of mine 😋 😀

Higly recommended! Sunday roast and pies are absolutely delicious!! And home made lasagna!!

The food here is second to none! At a very reasonable price. Fantastic, attentive, busy staff. Surroundings are beautiful too. It can be busy sometimes, but so worth it if you need to wait. We have had a few meals here and haven't has cause to complain and I like good food.

Visited here last week for lunch, as it's one of the few local pubs around us we hadn't tried yet since moving to the area. What a disappointment. We weren’t even met with a warm greeting to the venue - the (I assume) landlord, after announcing our name and booking time, immediately responded with not a ‘hello, welcome to The Black Boy’ - just a morosely delivered ‘there’s at least an hour to an hour and twenty minutes wait for any food’, whilst gathering 3 menus together. Not exactly the best first impression for a new customer. Shown to our table, we then had to get the attention of any passing waiting staff to even order drinks, as we were left alone for an unreasonable amount of time. When finally able to order drinks we decided to get our food order in as soon as possible due to the elongated wait we’d have to now endure. Food ordered: Fish and chips, chicken burger and chips, cheese sandwich and chips. Food came out around 1hr 10min after ordering, and to say it was disappointing would be an understatement. Not remotely worth the wait. The sandwich bread was, in fairness, soft and fresh. Although this had clearly been hanging around for a while as the grated cheese was warm and on the verge of melting - it tasted very ‘gummy’ in the mouth. Unpleasant. Fish was dry and unseasoned - again felt like it had been hanging around on the pass since before we even arrived. Definitely not freshly done. Poor. The chicken burger was, quite frankly, an embarrassment. An unseasoned, lightly breaded piece of dry chicken on a dry bun - nothing else. No sauce, relish, pickles, chutney, not even a smear of mayo. Just dry overcooked and unseasoned chicken on a dry bun. Requested ketchup to at least lubricate it, and a solitary tiny paper pot of ketchup arrived. The chips for all of us were exactly the same - unseasoned, dry, ‘wooly’ interior, and didn’t taste remotely freshly made. And a lot of the chips on all 3 plates were burnt, wrinkled up and inedible. Not to mention all the food was lukewarm at best. We all concluded we would have likely had a better lunch had we stopped at a burger van found on any UK A-road. The staff in general were all pretty miserable, not attentive to guests, so we didn’t even bother with pudding. We ate what we could of our exceedingly lacklustre lunch, requested the bill and left with a sour taste in the mouth for what *could* be an excellent venue, given its location and garden outlook. Unless this pub gets a change of ownership or a drastic overhaul of customer service and attitude & food quality, we certainly won’t be back. Do better.

Ridiculous. Been told that wait for food is 2h. In less than 20min 2 people from our table received their starters and mains AT THE SAME TIME, without them asking for it. Mains been sent back. Another 3 people from our table went to the bar asking about food, again asnwer was 2h wait, meanwhile another server gave us different information and food been sent to the table within 10min. Not sure what was going on but clearly no communication there. 2 steaks arrived. Well done steak was in places rare, in places well done, tough as a rock, impossible to cut it. Another steak supposed to be medium rare came rareish, quality of it was shocking. Chips cold. Hat to chase it for cutlery, eventually got it ourselves, including sauces. When asked to speak with someone, lady with blonde hair looking like sort of a manager came, shocking attitude. She did tell us to send an email but said she doesn’t give her name (her words exactly). She couldn’t take any accountability and had to make an argument about every word. Went to the lady’s room and on the way back got nasty look from her and 15 year old waitress. Won’t be rushing to come back or recommending.

The place is always busy and that's because of great food and great staff too.

Quick drop in here on a canal walk. Smart looking pub with well appointed and very busy beer garden. The one ale on tap was very well kept and completely welcome. Staff were both friendly and efficient. Didn't try the food today, but I will definitely come back as the menu looks really good. Definitely recommended.

Great place lovely food and great service

Small place, decent prices very out the way

food was just nice, acceptable and just enjoyed it because I was so hungry. service wasn't good.

When for a spur of the moment meal on a Tuesday night. We hadnt been to the pub for years and were very pleased with how the place is. Seemed to be recently refurbished but still kept thd old character. Food was great, we went for the famous steak pie and it didnt dissapoint. Service was quick and friendly and prices were ok. Fourty quid for three drinks two meals and a shared starter seemed about right. Overall very happy and well definately return

Great food, good portions aswell

We came across this pub, as we were cruising, so we entered the pub, hungry and Thirsty.. I ordered half a chicken, in a hot chilli sauce, with your regular chips etc.. Partner ordered Chicken balti... When it came, my chicken, was dry, roasted, no flavour, couldn't swallow it without fluids on board, no sign of chilli.. I complained, and I got bought a cold chilli sauce, as if I'm gonna then put on my chicken. Whole experience was awful. Disappointing.. 2 drinks 2 mains £50... Boaters don't get drawn in. I feel cheated, I could have put that money to such a better use.

Nice pub, grotty toilets and food was quite nice. Unfortunately new kitchen and bar staff had a few issues and got a few things wrong with a few tables meals.

What a fantastic place . The menu was extensive, the food fabulous and plentiful and the prices very good. The service was very good and we were made very welcome by the staff. It has a lovely atmosphere and is not at all starchy. If you are in the Knowle/ Solihull area give the Black Boy a visit, you will not be disappointed. The big plus is lots of parking and a beautiful canal walk at the rear of the pub,where you can walk off your beautiful meal.

we came last night for my grandads 84th birthday, whilst the food was nice we were incredibly disappointed after the staff told us they would be able to bring out a little cake with candles for my grandad, we waited and had our desserts but nothing came. completely forgot about us and had one disappointed grandad…

This is the pub that you want near you so you can use it daily , family run and very polite and friendly, food was great and plentiful, drinks flowed well

Great food and friendly staff .... and a lovely atmosphere

Very nice clean and very busy so when you go book the team are very friendly and all look like there enjoying there job all smiles the food was hot and very nice well worth the money well done team be proud of your selfs

What has happened? This used to be a wonderful place, with good food and service I have been so many times over the years. On Saturday it was booked for a birthday meal and the food was below average, the burgers were burnt. We had to keep getting up to go to the bar to get drinks as there was no service. It took an age to clear plates. We had to ask for the dessert menu (only wanted for my 2 boys) as they got excited about pudding like most kids. The ice cream tasted off and we were told the machine was broken so thats why. The £30 deposit paid was left on the bill and when we told him the waiter rolled his eyes and walked off. I won't be going again, the staff are rude and the food poor.

So shocked by our experience here. The staff were miserable. The food all came out separately with long waits in between. By the time they brought condiments out we were nearly done. The pasta was cold and uneatable. Another guests fish pie had bones in it. There were children walking freely in and out of the kitchen. Afraid will not be returning.

Nice pub and cracking beer garden

This place never fails to impress. I have been an occasional visitor for the last 20 years. Food beautiful setting stunning, staff polite and courteous

We were a party of 6 for a birthday celebration so had booked in advance and paid a £30 deposit to secure and reserve a specific round table which I was assured, over the phone was available and I repeated the request to the woman and she confirmed this to me. However when we arrived on time, the table was occupied. I was extremely disappointed and upset snd the waitress said 'well if there's 4 parties requesting it' then never continued withe the explanation. As far as I'm concerned it's ridiculous to not say to any other customer that the table is already reserved. Then to add insult to injury when we received the bill it was massively incorrect. We had been charged double for each drink and quadruple for one of them, and the £30 deposit had not been deducted! So a trip up to the bar to get it rectified, not much of an apology and then after paying , discovered a glass of wine was still charged at the wrong price had to return again to get a refund, again a half hearted apology. The food was good but 2 of the party's meals came out much later. Birthday was spoilt and has now put me off returning. Such a shame.

This pub has long been a favourite wateringhole and we popped in for a spontaneous lunch as life has been somewhat 'interesting' for both of us lately. We were met with a huge smile by Michelle who showed us to a table and asked if we wanted drinks. They were ordered and we then perused the menu which is quite a challenge for all the right reasons'; huge choice of good honest pub meals. We went for an old favourite Fish & Chips with a side of scampi. It really was a cracking meal and the wood fires certainly add to the friendly warming ambience. IF you have never bennhere you have really missed out. Till the next time chaps !!! Perhaps the whisky Beef will win the choice lol

Better in the Summer when you can sit outside

Lovely lunch on Sunday, the food was amazing we had a great time. We will definatly return.

One of the best I have had I will tell all my friends

Lovely meal today Service brilliant & food

Friendly staff however service was bad we went as a party of 6 to celebrate a birthday orders came willy nilly and dessert was a disaster we were waiting ages for desserts to then be told the ice cream machine was broken and that although we ordered 2 creme brulle they had run out in the end we gave up and even though they took the £30 deposit off the bill was still £167 for a service that was well below par this pub needs to greatly improve it's in house service and running

Menu amazing, good portions.staff really attentive. Feels cosy.

Second visit here and again really impressed . The staff are very friendly and helpful. We were served by Jules who has the most lovely smile and made us all feel very welcome and looked after us. The food we had was really good , husbands had the fish pie and they said it was very tasty, we had Spinach and Cheese Cannelloni and that was really good, the portions are very generous (so leave room for dessert.) We had desserts and they were all really good too. The overall experience was first class and we all agreed we would definitely return. Would definitely recommend.

Really nice, had the braised steak with chips bang on, not small portions got plenty on the plate, can get busy here so would book first, well worth it, 👍

We haven't been here since before COVID and all we can say is that it was fantastic from the minute we came through the door and we were greeted by Emma who we found out was actually part of the family that owns The Black Boy. The food, atmosphere and friendlyness was outstanding,we would recommend anybody to visit here young or old.

Booked for 4 at 2.30 but the lady couldn't find us. Service was a bit slow some staff needed waking up and a smile wouldn't have killed .

My only complaint was too many raw onions in the salad. Both in the garnish salad in my starter and again in the main course salad. Too overpowering and ruining the flavours of the main dish.

Laye afternoon dropped into this pub for food as bern here before and enjoyed it. Again brilliant food that really hit the spot.

Thursday 5th October 2023, After visiting The Valley Shopping Park, My husband and I were now in need of refreshments. My husband then drove us to the village of Knowle, where we went for a late lunch at ‘The Black Boy, a lovely Canal side pub. The restaurant was lovely. On arrival my husband and I were given a very warm welcome by Lewis and then we were seated at a nice table for two in the restaurant. We were given menus to look at and we made our choices from this extensive and interesting selection. My husband had a sausage and red onion baguette which was served with chunky chips. I had the Southern Fried Chicken wrap which was served with salad and chunky chips, and was really delicious. We washed all this lovely food down with a pint of ‘Traditional’ bitter and I had half a pint of ‘Somersby’ cider. We spent a nice hour and a half here enjoying the atmosphere of this lovely county pub. We had not been here for many years and was very pleased with the food, atmosphere and staff and we will be back again.

Love it . We have been a regular customer for the last 30 years

Can't say a bad word about this place, the best pub food around for miles, reasonably priced, staff are always friendly, smiling and happy to help, thank you and see you soon!

Visited yesterday afternoon after a nice walk along the canal with our dog. We knew we couldn’t take her inside so sat outside by the canal, plenty of comfy benches and tables. Obviously if it was bad weather we’d have gone elsewhere that was dog friendly but it was actually a really nice day. Pub inside is beautiful, very grey/white and classy. Toilets were spotless. Staff were very friendly and efficient. Ordered a beer and latte, then had jacket with chilli and steak baguette to eat. The food took about 20 mins to come out which was fine. Very nice food, prices to be expected given the area. The one star taken off was for the chips that came with my baguette. They were ok, warm enough but I suspect had been pre cooked and then put back in the fryer again. They were nice enough but not wow/mmmmmm! Overall a very enjoyable visit.

Good quality food, I had the fish which would put most chip shops to shame, the pies again were large and tasty overall very good value. If I had any complaint it would be that a pie should have a pastry base and not served in a dish this is probably done to keep cost down

Great place lovely staff but the wait is to long for food nearly and hour wait every time we come

Food lacked flavour. Possibly frozen too long. Could tell fish had been microwaved.

We went to the black boy on Friday night with friends for a meal as we had not been here for some years and I have to say the cod & chips with mushy peas we had was second to non they were amazing I found the staff to be very helpful and friendly I would certainly recommend this venue could not fault it at all well done to the chef and the team for a most enjoyable experience thank you.

The Blackboy pub is the best of Knowle ! , superb food and quality .Our top rated and highly recommended place for our guests to eat day and night. From The Stables Deer Park Farm

Came here for a family meal after Christmas, food was really nice and staff were very helpful. I ordered the roast chicken and chips. Would definitely like to come back here in the summer.

Nice pub on the canal. The interior seems like it’s fairly new fit out despite the old exterior, though much of the character is absent from the new design. Looks more like a restaurant bar than a pub. Good parking and a really big out door area and play area. Can imagine it’s great during summer. Drinks selection lacks anything local, no ales, just the standard. Could easily be mistaken as a chain. I went on a Sunday with a fairly big party and a few kids. Staff were nice and the atmosphere was great. Staff seemed under pressure with how busy it was, things were slow and we had to ask a few times for things (only one drink order taken the whole time we were there ect) but they were nice and accommodating when we were see . Sadly the roasts are not up to standard. Boiled cold cuts and very basic veg. Likely all frozen. No flavour or attempt to add any. For 13 quid I know it not the most expensive, but it could so easily be improved. My wife has a pie and the allergy’s were checked by the staff and it was very nice. I’m going to go out on a limb and say because the whole (massive) menu is on all the time, quality has to take a hit in some things when anyone can order anything at anytime. If it just did a Sunday menu and I imagine it would be much better. Overall worth a visit, and I’ll be planning a trip in summer to see the boats go past.

Went with 14 people, prebooked table, had a great time food was amazing and so were the staff. Large portions and great taste.

Great place, great food. Food hot and plentiful..

Great food, all seemed to be made on site, the leg of lamb stood out in our group as the best meal but the fish pie was nice as was the fish and chips, the hunters chicken and the steak pie.

Booked a table beforehand and requested a table near the open fire, was told that was fine and the table was booked. When we arrived we were told they had no booking for us! Eventually, they found our booking but, apparently, the table we had been allocated is kept 'just for regulars' and we couldn't have it (no-one was sitting there). We were annoyed because one of our party has a very, very serious illness and feels the cold terribly. Overheard 'staff' at the bar discussing us which was not very professional and thereafter followed a rather difficult conversation with a waitress, uncomfortable. The situation really spoiled the evening and left us looking like difficult customers. If a simple booking cannot be taken accurately and if certain tables are reserved just 'for regulars' then this should be made clear to potential customers, we've never heard of such a policy before!!!

Not having been to The Black Boy for several years, we were happy that we were pleasantly welcomed and the menu looked interesting. We ordered drinks from a nice variety (we had Tribute) whilst deciding in the end to all go for the posh finger sandwiches. Despite having 2 different parties of 10 arriving at the same time, our food arrived within 10 minutes - very nicely presented - sitting in the winter sun looking down the canal to the boatyard. Filling and cooked to perfection as well as being warming on a cold day. I cannot compliment the staff enough and note that, having been to the "posh pub" in Knowle, the toilets were much cleaner and pleasant to use. It was a nice walk, made more so by the pub lunch, and we will definitely be going back.

Not having been to The Black Boy for several years, we were happy that we were pleasantly welcomed and the menu looked interesting. We ordered drinks from a nice variety (we had Tribute) whilst deciding in the end to all go for the posh finger sandwiches. Despite having 2 different parties of 10 arriving at the same time, our food arrived within 10 minutes - very nicely presented - sitting in the winter sun looking down the canal to the boatyard. Filling and cooked to perfection as well as being waring on a cold day. I cannot compliment the staff enough and note that, having been to the "posh pub" in Knowle, the toilets were much cleaner and pleasant to use. It was a nice walk, made more so by the pub lunch, and we will definitely be going back.

Great place, great food. Service excellent. Very good value and huge plates. 3 great meals

Absolutely fabulous friendly service was spot on we had starters dinner and dessert couldn't fault a thing will be back

Excellent food and service as usual

Lovely friendly pub , with great service

Family of 6 enjoyed a good time last night.meals were really good.good size portions .service was excellent.lovely atmosphere with music.

One of my favourite pubs in the country. The food is always impeccable and leaves me feeling full and satisfied, the staff are always very friendly and welcoming and the place always has a lovely and comfy atmosphere. Bonus points cause its right by the canal where you can have a nice walk and they always have some good music choices

Such a lovely place to have a meal, the staff are very friendly and helpful. The food was sooo nice and I can see why you have to book in advance to guarantee a table.

Recently enjoyed the delicious, reasonably priced festive menu with a group of friends.

This shouldn't be called food, a disappointment for the kitchen.

Breakfast with Santa was magical. Food delicious and the staff were brilliant. My grandchildren had the best morning, so did I if I’m honest. Fabulous atmosphere 💖💖💖 thank you to all at The Black Boy

Good quality, reasonably priced food. Service is usually good, however this can suffer at peak times as it is deservedly very popular.

Lovely meal, good pub food, reasonably priced.

We went for a birthday meal with family. The staff were very friendly and our food was really nice. Would definitely go back to enjoy the canal view with a beer on a sunny day.

Welcoming staff with a warm atmosphere. Food was amazing on an epic scale. Looking forward to going back

We went for breakfast with Santa, it was lovely, and the staff were friendly and amazing, they made it so special for the kids .

Lovely cosy pub and restaurant excellent food and service right next to the canal with lovely narrow boats moored up alongside. Huge car park

Extensive menu, although the premises were very dated. Food was ok

Walking into this place, which was reasonably busy, was like stepping back in time to the 1970’s. Staff were pleasant enough and the menu was quite extensive. I opted for half ribs, half chicken and although it was okay the chicken was very dry. Not sure I would go back again.

Food heated in microwave, service -does not exist :no sorry's, no how is your food,no thank you, no bye bye, staff- students with no clue what they doing, they charged for two bottles of wine then we had one!!!! Chaged for soup £7 then cost £5.Atmosphere -was so cold inside, probably saving on energy, full of local pensioners. AVOID!!! 25/11/2023 Totally overrated!

Very slow service, had booked a time for a family meal, had to wait nearly 30 mins before we got a drink, food was average, not the best chips, very bland and stringy steak, salmon fillet very plain, not that impressed overall to be honest