Yates, Solihull

Currently still a Lloyds No 1 Bar, but very shortly to be sold to Stonegate as part of Wetherspoon's limited disposal programme (and having already vanished from the company's website). Anyway, there is something of a mismatch between the fine old symmetrical civic office façade and the semi-modern furniture and decor in the various seating areas within the rather cluttered interior. Also has more space upstairs (not visited). Only seven of the ten handpumps were operational, with a few usual suspects supplemented by Hobgoblin, Cotleigh Snowy Owl and Banks & Taylor Crooked Hooker - all at a very reasonable 'manager's special' £1.99.

A fine old building as others have commented, which was fairly quiet and very relaxing on my recent Monday evening visit. Two banks of five handpulls each offered the ubiquitous Doombar, London Pride, Ruddles Best, and Abbott, and the rather good Devil’s Backbone IPA, a 5.9% Everards/US collaboration which set me back £1.15 for a half. This is a much nicer pub than the other Wetherspoons, and I would have stayed much longer given the time and more beer variety. Opens for breakfast at 7am for early birds.

A large single room downstairs with an upstairs area this Wetherspoon's is nothing special and with the JD beer festival going on there were only 2 festival beers on. Very disappointing.

A fine old building conversion by Wetherspoons with multiple areas and an upstairs. A spendid place. Strangely quiet given its location and it being a Saturday night, it proved to be comfortable and relaxing and not like the standard Wetherspoons outlets. Lots of beers and it was very well kept.