The Atrium, Birmingham

Having negotiated my way to the rear part of the NEC without being asked to leave, arrested or actually visiting an exhibition I went into this place. There are six hand pumps here which had five Abbots and Pedigree neither of which were on the menu nor was Newcastle Brown. The cheapest drink was John Smith's smooth crap at £3.65 but I wasn't going to sink to that level so ordered a bottle of Aspall's cider at £4.65. I don't regard this as a proper JDW let alone a proper pub so won't score it. If I did it would be in the realms of the score of shame as it's way too expensive and has a rubbish choice of beer.

The Atrium is a very large open plan L shaped Wetherspoons that I visited on Friday afternoon. Standard draught is available from the bar and the two sets of three hand pumps were both drawing Pedigree and Abbot (x2). Food is available and there is at least one TV that was airing muted rolling BBC News. This pub is handy if visiting an exhibition so it serves its purpose.

Large Wetherspoons by Halls 7/8 of NEC. Depending what events are on, can be busy, quiet or closed! Very useful if attending exhibition, although service/food can be iffy when very busy.