The Grey Lantern, Birmingham

Basement metal bar with a very sparsely furnished room at the bottom of the stairs from which three steps lead to the stage area off to one side. Black and light grey decor, and what would normally be very loud music being played at a relatively sensible volume. Just Hobgoblin (£3.50, and served in the special 2016 Halloween glass) and what appeared to be a 'house' beer from the six handpumps, with reversed Doom Bar and Trooper clips also noted.

Now a dedicated self styled bad-ass metal bar called The Hammer And The Anvil. It is very plush with the bar at the bottom of the stairs & the room opens out with lots of chrome & modern furniture. The walls have various framed posters of bands from Five Finger Death Punch to Motley Crue! The end part is raised for live music/dance floor. Heavy metal tracks play in the background. 3 real ales, including Trooper (of course!)