Well known for both its quality food and its famous history, set in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside.
Originally owned by one half of the duo who wrote the notable wartime marching song It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, the inn now serves special Italian-inspired dishes that are hard to beat.
With plenty of stunning walks nearby, guests are encouraged to park in the inn’s car park and explore the surrounding countryside before being treated to a well-earned drink and meal.
The staff are friendly without being intrusive — guests are encouraged to sit and enjoy the beautiful views along with delicious food and a thirst-quenching real ale in the large beer garden. The al fresco dining area really makes it stand out as a go-to venue for friends or family, not forgetting the dog.
Classic Italian, countryside style
The highly recommended chef’s choice of Portobello mushrooms stuffed with goat’s cheese and crushed herbs, served with rocket salad and balsamic dressing, makes for the ideal light and fresh starter.
The mains follow in traditional Italian style, boasting a wide-ranging selection of meat, fish, pasta dishes and pizza, all reasonably priced and beautifully presented.
The Plough, Balsall Common — now the Tipperary Inn — was the former home of Harry Williams, who co-wrote It’s a Long Way to Tipperary with Jack Judge. A shy, sensitive introvert, Harry was confined to a wheelchair after a childhood accident in which he fell down the cellar steps at his father’s pub, breaking both of his legs.
Harry lived at the inn when it was still The Plough. His father, Henry Sketchley, moved from Oldbury to become the licensee of the pub in 1900. Harry met Jack in Oldbury, who at the time was running a fish stall in the town — their songwriting partnership lasted fifteen years and produced thirty-two songs.
“Harry was a very sensitive, sickly man. He was in a wheelchair and prone to all kinds of illnesses. But he was a great poet, an accomplished pianist and composer. He played lots of different instruments. I have the proof it was written at The Plough in 1909 from my mother, who lived at the pub, including the original manuscript.”
— Meg