The Phoenix, Tamworth

This looks like a shop conversion and is a Stonegate pub. It's set on three levels with the bar on the middle level. The whole place is divided up into smaller areas although it is a single room. I noticed they do food here at very similar prices to Wetherspoon but the Full English is actually cheaper than the JDW large breakfast. I spotted a few TVs one of which was playing music videos with the sound on and the others were muted which was just as well as they were on different channels. The three hand pumps have the largest swan necks I've ever seen standing almost as tall as the handles. Sadly the beer choice was mainstream, Pedigree, Hobgoblin or Old Speckled Hen. I went for the Pedigree (£2.30) a beer I haven't tried for years and thought it was quite dull compared to what I remembered. If I had noticed the CAMRA discount it would have become cheaper than the two Spoons and this place is a bit like a small JDW. Sadly the limited and dull beer choice lets it down and I wouldn't bother returning.

A pleasant enough pub with 3 real ales available - Hobgoblin, New World and one I've forgotten.

The Phoenix is situated on Tamworths main shopping street and has market stalls around it on market days. Once inside there is a large single oblong shaped room,the serving bar is up a couple of steps on the left side,the room is mainly carpeted,the seating to the front is normal tables and chairs,there are a few tall tall tables and chairs opposite the bar,there is a raised area to the rear which has more normal tables and chairs. There were three real ales on the bar,i had a drink of Tim Taylor Boltmaker which went down well on my early morning visit,the other beers were Hobgoblin and GK IPA. Decent background music was playing,a large TV to the rear was showing a cooking programme. This is a pleasant enough pub during the day which attracts drinkers of all ages,but i think it might liven up in the evenings with younger drinkers. I was quite happy having a drink in this pub. Pub visited 25/10/2014