"The real ale pub x Indian grub combo is a tried and tested one, and Birmingham is has got a great selection of pubs that bring the two under one roof. It isn't located in the greatest part of town, being primarily industrial buildings and take-away's, but parking after 6 is free which is a bonus. The pub itself looks like a classic tiled boozer from the outside, and saying its a little run down on the inside is being kind. That said, give me a characterful old building over an overly polished one any day! The only real complaint was the temperature, it was pretty chilly inside, I wasn't the only person in there keeping my winter coat on! Now we didn't exactly work our way through the menu, choosing instead to order a single large mixed grill between the two of us. I'd read a lot about the mixed grill and its gargantuan size, and I wasn't disappointed! A cast iron sizzling platter piled high with, chicken wings, chicken tikka, kebab and fish served with a couple of dipping sauces on the side. The meat was all well cooked and served hot by the friendly staff, who go out of their way to accommodate you, without it ever seeming like a chore. It would have been nice to be served a bit of salad with what was a gargantuan platter of meat, I feel this would have added to the experience at very little cost to the pub. As I wasn't drinking at the time, I can't comment on how the beer is kept, but they have a good selection of lagers and a couple of hand pumps on the bar (that were in use importantly! so there is an excellent choice too. The bill came to £19 for the two of us, including 2 large soft drinks, brilliant value given the amount of food! I would recommend Hen and Chickens to anyone looking for a big tasty meal and a couple of pints, as long as you don't mind the rough and ready decor!"
