Tap & Spile, Birmingham

Attempted to visit on a Monday evening back in June but found the Tap & Spile to be shut, with lights off and seemingly nobody home. Web site was not in service and Facebook page didn't have any info about unexpected closure (published hours are from midday during the week). Was passing by again on the Wednesday of the same week and found it open so thought I would give it a try - this time from the canal side. Three hand pulls visible at the bar but none were clipped. I asked if there was any cask on, was told they had Jesters 5% but couldn't offer any more information such as the brewery etc! They were also just in the process of putting TT Landlord on. My pint of Jesters was nice enough and a good setting next to the canal, but they could do with some pump clips and a bit more information about what they are actually serving!

A canalside building overlooking Gas Street basin, which has had various incarnations over the years but has settled down as an adequate Stonegate pub. It is on two levels, with the street level bar not always open but most of the action is at canal level, where there is a long row of tables along the towpath. There were three good cask ales on - two from Silhill and Thornbridge Twin Peaks, with no fewer than 8 in the 'coming soon' section. If this is a policy to serve a smaller number of brews while they are in good condition, I totally support it. I don't however support the appalling "dynamic pricing" rip-off which has been inflicted here, and would move elsewhere if I found it applied.

Glad to see the Tap & Spile is back open. Trooper, Landlord, Broadside, Doom Bar, Abbot's, Dizzy Blonde and Goff's Cheltenham Gold on when we called. We went for the Gold which was fine.

Decent pub which is a welcome escape from the madness of Broad Street. As described below the street level area is the bar with the restaurant downstairs at canal level. 6 beers on including Wye Valley HPA, Old Peculiar and Landlord. The HPA was fine.