Actress & Bishop, Birmingham

Dark and moody music bar with bare boards, dark red/brick walls, booths and a stage at one end. There are sun shaped windows to the street. Piped rock/indie music during the day. Real ale in the form of Felinfoel during my visit, the first time I have seen this for some years, but it was only averagely kept. I do like this pub, as its my type of place.

Large music driven pub with wooden floors and a number of alcoves to the right of the door as you enter. It’s getting a bit scruffy and could do with a spruce up. There are four handpumps on the bar but only three were on. Springhead Roaring Meg and Puritan Porter along with Everards Sunchaser. Tried a pint of the Sunchaser, it was vinegar. Took it back and it was changed with no problem once the manager had been called. The young lad behind the bar had no idea whether it was off or not. Tried the Roaring Meg instead which was fine. The staff were all very friendly and were having a laugh and joke even though I was effectively complaining. Good background music when I was in but there was obviously going to be live music on later. It’s OK, not one to go out of your way for though.

The Actress is a rare place - during the day it's a regular city centre pub, found in the trendy St Paul's area. At night it's a live music venue AND a pub - the bands play upstairs in a soundproofed area, and the bar carries on. Friday&Saturday sees a 2am close, and a Sausage/Pork sandwich stand in the corner (nice, too). Regular guest ales and generally decent Guinness. Popular with the students, it gets busy at weekends. Smoking area outside (obviously) on the decking on the street, and this doubles as a beer garden