Kingstanding Ex-Servicemans Club

We used to pop in here now and again when we lived in Kingstanding as it only cost 50p for non-​members to go in for a drink and it was local to home so no worries about driving after a drink.
The building is really big with a huge lounge to sit and relax in. The members are typically older ex-​servicemen out for a drink with their wives, there’s rarely any trouble in here and it’s usually a calm and comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy having a sit down with a glass of something nice.
For an ex-​servicemans I think the drinks are quite expensive in here, especially when compared to the prices at the other club we visit on College Road. There’s a good selection though with all the big name drinks available and more besides, they have a surprisingly good selection of wine but again you pay more than you would expect from this type of club.
The décor could do with updating inside as it’s looking a bit shabby, I first went in here about 10 years old and it has hardly changed a bit since then. Since the smoking ban most places have had a refurb but in the Kingstanding Ex-​Servicemans there is still the tell tale yellow staining on the walls and ceiling from before the ban came into place.
The seating is comfortable and the building is kept clean, the staff are older people and potter around behind the bar — which is brilliant in my opinion because there really is no rushing them so the whole of the club takes on an unhurried air.
You can buy a sandwich or cob from behind the bar, I love the cheese & onion cobs as they are deliciously crispy and use a lovely strength cheese which goes perfect with the cob. My only complaint is the fact that they always put too much butter on the cobs but it’s easy enough to scrape back off with a clean beer mat or sauce sachet!
To sum up, this isn’t the kind of place I’d visit everyday but for a quick lunchtime or evening drink is ideal for people who live locally.
Plus you get to hear all the old soldiers stories, which is worth a visit in itself!