The Brasshouse, Birmingham

Called in here on a Monday evening in June after finding the Tap & Spile closed. I wasn't really expecting much and was pleasantly surprised to find six hand pulls, all in service, with ales from Thornbridge, Silhill and Brummie. There was also a house ale and Hobgoblin Gold. The beers I had were priced at £2.80 for a half. Food is served, live music was advertised, and at the time of my visit was showing the Euros so also seems to show sport on the TVs that are dotted around.

Situated along the lively Broad Street and alongside the canal network, the Brasshouse is another pub that I haven't been to since 2012. Advertised as open until midnight, they were cleaning up when we arrived, but still served us as it was well before midnight. However, unlike the Prince of Wales where we had just been, service here felt a bit more rushed and staff were eager to get us to drink up and out of the door. The real ale range has improved since I was last here, with a choice of 6 on. These were Wolfpack Second Row, Purity Bunny Hop, Thornbridge/Timothy Taylor Artesian, Silhill Blonde Star, Sharp's Doom Bar & Green Duck The Storm. Craft beers were Beavertown Neck Oil, Purity Longhorn, Tiny Rebel Easy Livin' & Thornbridge Rock City IPA. I'm not sure this is the sort of location where 6 ales could be kept in a decent condition, as Broad Street is otherwise pretty much the place where you go to party and drink yourselves silly on cocktails, spirits and fizzy lagers. However, all credit to them for dispensing real ales. The ones we had were certainly drinkable, but not the best I've ever had. Certainly an improvement on what it was.

Enjoyed our visit to this popular bar which was in full flow of diners. We chose a Black Sheep ale Baa Baa which was OK.

Probably the best pub on Broad Street. Brewdog Punk IPA and Camden Pale Ale on draught along with a few other ales including Brakspear and Black Sheep.

No major changes here , still my pick of the pubs in this part of town , service is still friendly and the choice of beer has improved with 4 from the Marstons stable and 2 from Backyard , The Hoard and Gold both in great shape , had a bite to eat as well and it was good and not to pricey .