Phil, I know for a fact that what you say about no go areas was incorrect some fifty years ago and I never revisited the location again after my initial enquiry There was a pub on the Handsworth Road, I do not now recall its name. Up Hockley Hill from the brook to just passed Lozells Road. It was a squared fronted building and from very faded memory may have had the name "Ivy" in its title.
I learned that only West Indians were allowed to use it and whites were actively discouraged. I experienced the threatening attitude when I attended to test the rumour. The licensee suggested I might find it better to use another pub. He had no idea who I and a partner were. I threatened him with the Brewster Sessions if his and his customers attitudes did not change.
Because of circumstances I moved from that area and never followed it up. I hope this attitude changed but it was fermenting in the early sixties. Wonder if whites are now welcome? Anyone willing to test it?
No Phil never been a racist and this had been my personal experience all those years ago.