The Bishop Vesey (JD Wetherspoon), Sutton Coldfield

It says on the JDW web site that this building was constructed in 1931 and was used by a builders' merchant for many years. It certainly doesn't look like your average shop conversion being a smallish square space with plenty of light. The bar is on the left as you enter and there is a slightly raised area to the right. Stairs lead to an upstairs area that I didn't venture into. I found a seat at the edge of the raised area and was surprised to see a dart board hidden away. They actually have a dart team here and at the time of my visit were second placed in division 2 of the Four Oaks & District Darts League. The bar has two sets of six hand pumps which for once were put to good use with no doubling up, available soon / unused or cider clips. The duller six had the JDW Trio Of Doom, London Pride a house beer Backyard Vesey Blond and Oakham Citra. The others had Enville White & Ginger, Celt Experience Cardiff Resin, Salopian Automaton & Lemon Dream and Backyard Hoard. I went for the Automaton (£3.09). This is expensive for a Spoons but it is a 7.0% beer and was in superb condition. The standard guest ale price here is £2.49 which is slightly on the high side but the same as the vastly inferior Bottle Of Sack a mile away. It's GBG listed and has had a 16 year run in it. I thought this was a really top Spoons and would happily come again.

Nice pub, usual Wetherspoons and a decent selection of ales.

A good example of a Wetherspoons, its a medium sized pub with long bar. Though open plan, there are various drinking areas, including a tiny 'booth' and a library area at the back. There is also a well presented patio at the back, as well as an upstairs. Its compfortable though gets busy at a weekend, service was good. Its Good Beer Guide 2010 listed and the beer is well kept, though the choice is perhaps a little uninspiring compared to other Wetherspoons, lots of the usual ales with only 2 a little different, but this is harse judging as this is still better than other places. Nice pub all round.

A corner pub stands right next to Haverster's. On rather busy road between Boldmere and Erdington. It is believed it is one of oldest JDW in Birmingham. Nice looking converstory at the back where lights shines through the glass especially on sunny days. Didn't venture go to upstairs. It is long long walk to toilets. It is quite unusual for JDW as you always find JDW in large building but not this one. Quite small for its size. However drinks are quite nice and very drinkable. It was busy when I popped in early afternoon.

A corner, looking like a 1930/40s, brick pub, with beer patio. The interior is open plan, as 'spoons generally are, but this one is two tier. The lower level is in the usual kind of decor; red and white, with wood panel, with the usual 'spoons old pictures and information boards. The place is mainly done out for food, though there is a sofa area, with a library. The service was excellent; friendly and offering samples, the place tidy and the clientele the usual mix and very busy. Beer; tap stuff, with Abbot and Ruddles on handpull with several changing guests. The Shropshire stout was well kept and Springhead Chocolate Orange Twist, different. I am critical of 'spoons in general, but my visit here was fine; the beer, venue and staff all chipped in for once. There is a dearth of decent places around where this mate of mine lives, so we may well be back here - which i could live with

i love the atmosphere in this place, the food is good the staff pleasant, quite cosy on winter evenings and good value for money!