The Sun on the Hill, Birmingham

Another pub on the little drinking strip of Bennet’s Hill. A modern interior with aqua blue colourings, beer-label wallpaper and impressive bare brick rear wall with pub motif which presumably doubles-up as a stage area. It looks like a big refit since the last reviewer – another new owner here?. Big on DJ’s, live music and the like. Four ales on and a surprisingly decent choice; Hooky Lion and Purity Gold sampled, both in good nick. Loud music belting out on a Friday lunchtime better suited to a Friday night. Still, it was a decent enough stop if not exactly a ‘must-do’. A 6.5 sort of place but in the context of the local competition, I'll round down.

I had time for a swift half before my train, but when I popped into the Wetherspoons just up the hill there were customers two deep at the bar and only three serving, so I came in here where it was quiet. I was served almost immediately by a friendly and efficient bar person. My half of Purity Mad Goose was in good condition and went down a treat. At £1.70 for a half it was quite a bit more expensive than a similar beer would have been at the 'Spoons, but I got served within half a minute of walking through the door, which was a big plus considering the imminent departure of my train. The pub seemed to be much as described by Soup Dragon - I was struck by the number of mirrors, and there were some empty picture frames high up on a back wall; perhaps they wanted to put mirrors there too but ran out of money. I didn't make a note of the other beers, but I may well call back when I've more time to spare and will write a more leisurely review, assuming the place is still open - charging more than £3 a pint just a few metres from a 'Spoons is not a business plan that is going to last forever.