The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

Those familiar with Fullers Ale & Pie houses in London will identify things easily here; High ceilings, wooden fixtures & fittings, ground & mezzanine split levelling, a large circular bar and an admittedly very impressive domed skylight. Unusually for a Fullers' pub, this one had guest ales such as Doctor J ale and Warwickshire Young Man's fancy (both in good form if dear at £3.20). I didn't stay long in Birmingham on my first visit but the impression I get with those more au fait with the city's pub scene this is one of the best in Brum; It didn't set my pulse racing but it is a perfectly reasonable option if you find yourself in the area.

This old bank reminds me of two other Fullers pubs, the Counting House and the Barrow Boy and Banker in Central London. Had the usual Fullers ales on plus Fullers Mr Harry and two guest ales from other brewers. Service at the bar was very good considering how busy it was.

Probably the most northern Fullers pub in the country, a magnificent restoration of an old bank, displaying all the glory of cash rich 19th century Birmingham, workshop of the world. The island bar is huge and fittingly grand, the pub that originally came from must have been stunning. Handpumps are dotted at various intervals around the bar with conventional seating around the edges of the room. The staff comprised two nubile young ladies and a couple of young men, all very sharp and on the ball, the customers apart from myself and a two or three other old farts were mainly young and possibly trendy. I had a pint of Hock, my first in about 30 years and apart from being a little cold was great, no complaints. There is a theatre upstairs for those requiring cultural sustenance as well. Very usefully placed back door to back door with the Wellington.

Typical Fullers London bank building conversion, but in Birmingham. The usual impressive high ceilings and old paintings, it's fine but nothing unusual these days. Had the whole standard Fullers range on tap plus a "guest" Gales HSB who are owned by..........yep Fullers, so it's not a guest at all. Had a pint of Discovery which was served cold as expected. Has a theatre upstairs which is pretty unique, also has jazz session nights. It's OK for one.

Good range of Fullers and Gales/now Fullers beers available. There was also a guest from Birds Brewery in excellent condition. Price of £3.33 for 2 halves of beer both under 3.9% was a bit of a shock though. Stunning building though as has been said before.

Fullers' most northerly pub. Very beautiful decors and worth pop in for drink, admire its decors. Slightly more expensive than normal Brum prices but drinks always in very good nick.