Schooners, Birmingham

Narrow craft beer bar with limited seating around the counter, although more is available at first-floor level (along with a dartboard) according to a sign by the stairs. Seven beers from small breweries plus a cider from the eight keg taps on the bar-back - including Bringing Seshy Back and Chroma Days (£4.00) from Glasshouse - and yes, all only served in schooners.

Schooners is a craft beer bar that serves local beers and cider in schooners. So, when you order a half (as I did), you'll be politely asked if you're happy with a schooner. Basically, if you're not, you'd best head elsewhere as they don't dispense halves or pints. I've seen this before and whilst it's a fairly novel idea, I'm not sure it makes good business sense, as they could easily be turning customers away. Indeed, during my visit two guys did walk in and back out again. A map on the wall displays the local area and the barman proudly proclaimed that all of their beers and ciders are sourced from places on the map. The selection was Attic Signals, Nothing Bound New Land, Glasshouse Fly-Post & Bringing Seshy Back, Infinity Momentum, Leviathan Voodoo People & Napton Cidery No. 6. The barman turned out to be a friendly and knowledgeable chap and he seemed generally interested in my various pub-related exploits and happy to offer advice on local pubs, beers and ciders. This is a fairly new place, but a decent addition to the local drinking scene. However, I'd rather they offer halves.

Facebook page of Schooners - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Schooners - www.facebook.com

New craft ale bar.