The Spiritualist, Lichfield

Located just a very short stroll away from the cluster of pubs in the town centre, this is quite a cosy looking establishment although is much more of a cocktail bar rather than your traditional pub and is very much table service only, with a “please wait to be seated” lectern located just inside the doorway. It is indeed quite cosy internally with low light levels and extends some way back from the front. The flooring was most very dark wood strip, along with some black and white chequered tiling around the bar counter, contoured gold metal plating on the top part of the walls, and dark wood panelling down below. A galleried landing extended around much of the pub, although this did not appear to be in use. Seating was a mixture of carved wooden pews as well as upholstered arm chairs and it was suitably decked out for Halloween with cobwebs and skeletons. I’m not entirely sure if there were any beers on tap or not. There was no obvious sign of any pumps on the bar counter, but then I did not approach it due to the table service. The menu though did list the draught options as Vocation Heart & Soul and Glasshouse Bringing Seshy Back, as well as a further six craft cans. As mentioned, cocktails are the focus here though, and I went for the Cherry Velvet which was Flor de Cana 4 Blanca, Bacardi Anejo, Amaretto, Lime, Cherry and Caramel which was all together pretty decent, reminiscent of the Lounger’s Bars Cherry Bakewell perhaps, although not as sweet. Overall I quite enjoyed this with it’s cosy ambience and friendly service, but then again if you’re after something a bit more “pub like”, it may not be for you.

Facebook page of The Spiritualist - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Spiritualist - www.facebook.com

Mostly a cocktail bar, although 'craft beer' does get a mention in their blurb. The narrow interior is lounge-like and dimly lit, but quite well done if you like that kind of thing. Unfortunately, the occasional guest tap wasn't in use on my visit, leaving the standard offering of Ampersand's Feld Helles, Lightbulb from Verdant and Deya's Steady Rolling Man (£6.50).