Tap & Spile, Birmingham

Split-level traditional building with a main entrance off Gas Street and a lower door leading from the canal towpath. Rather empty on a Friday afternoon (not a good sign), with the barman cleaning the brass fittings on the nine handpumps. Unfortnately only four of these were on, with a dull selection of Pride, Bombardier, Theakston Old Peculier and TT Landlord (£2.80). Overall, having heard reasonable reports of the place, I found it to be something of a disappointment.

This is a two floor pub, one at street level and a further floor at canal level. You can't stand on the canalside as the door is shut and no drinks are allowed outside. It's getting to be a bit dated decor wise and could do with a rethink. It has nine handpumps with possibly the most boring selection of real ale available anywhere in Birmingham for a pub with such a selection. One of the handpumps does sell Addlestones cider though. I had a pint of Jennings (Marston's) Cockerhoop, it was OK but I was charged £3.10 for it!!! What a rip off for round here. It has loads of potential and used to be a decent pub, but at the moment it's just not very good. I won't be bothering again for a while.

Called in as I was thirsty taking photos of closed pubs. It was quiet and I was the only customer as opposed to Canalside close by that had all tables outside full in the spring sunshine. TV on with sports channel, and 8 beers available, Snecklifter, Cockerhoop, Greene King IPA, Hobgoblin, Old Peculier, London Pride, Bomberdier and the Landlord which I had. It was in perfect condition and went down a treat. A bit dark inside with wooden floors and ceiling, but an intersting building. Old wooden tables, but very modern blue chairs that did not look in keeping with the place with a large "B" on the back of them.