Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton

Open plan rock pub, though more gothy than anything, more bats and brooms rather than guitar and drums, probably appropraite considering its slightly gothic exterior. Made for standing , with some seating around the edges, but made for me by the rock music, but if you don't like that then probably not worth a visit, there are two real ales, including brains, but the quality is poor.

Official site of the Giffard Arms - www.thegiffardarms.co.uk

Popped my head round the door but no ale on (again) so decided to maximise my time in the Great Western instead. Shame really, they need to be clever about getting the beer in and on.

This is a one room city centre pub built around 1922 in a Gothic Tudor style with beautiful stone door arches mullioned windows and even heraldic shields which show the coat of arms of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, the Giffard family and the Springfield brewery. The pub is now privately owned and mainly attracts people who are into rock and alternative music and rock gigs are regularly held in a room upstairs. The interior has a Gothic themed décor with red and black woodwork and walls, elaborate beams and coffin shaped tables. The wood panel bar counter is located in the middle of the right hand wall, black wood panelling covers the back wall and there is a colourful dragon Muriel on the left hand wall. In the centre of the room is a magnificent throne which has arm rests that terminate in large carved dragons heads, a satanic style upside down cross in the black leather back rest and the feet are shaped like hooves. Regular ale is Wychwood Hobgoblin with a changing guest beer that was Moorhouse’s Blond Witch on this occasion (both titles in keeping with the theme of the pub, nice touch) unfortunately both of these beers were off and the barman said they were waiting for a delivery due that day! So if you like real ale don’t bother visiting on a Monday afternoon! I normally prefer an unspoilt traditional real ale pub but I must say that I like this place. Some people may find the décor a little dark and intimidating but the customers and staff that I spoke to were very friendly and helpful. I asked if I could take a picture of the impressive Gothic throne to which the barman said “Yes, thanks for asking, we get dozens of people who walk in, take a picture and walk straight out without saying a word!” I also enjoyed the music that was playing while I was there, bands like Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath at a reasonable volume, brilliant! I shall return to try the beer soon.