The Shakespeare, Birmingham

The refurb by Nicholson's has created a far more authentic interior and the green tiling around the stairs is attractive.In good weather there is a sizeable outdoor seating area,handy for smokers.An enterprising ale range on our trip would warrant a further trip any time while passing through New Street but a little more attention paid to some of the ale quality would have produced a higher rating.

A Nicholson's boozer handily located for both New Street and the city centre. Despite visiting early Friday evening, there was plenty of standing space in the bar area although it was reasonably busy. We were moved off from the dining area after our first pint as it was being given over to those eating but soon found another seat and service was friendly and prompt. Seven beers were on: Doom Bar, Pedigree, Jaipur IPA, Nethergate Umbels ale and Ruby Mild, Purity UBU and Titanic Centenary. The Centenary and Jaipur were good but the UBU less than well kept. Nonetheless this is a fine range for a city centre chain pub. Nicholsons are clearly making an effort with their ales here and I'd happily return.

Shakespeare Inn page at the Nicholsons site - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Recently closed and refurbished and now rebranded as the 3rd Nicholson's pub in Birmingham. Its had a tasteful interior change, keeping features like the half tiled wall, generally just (I would say) improved to fit with the Nicholson's image. Luckily there are some 'before' photos on here from Andy Ven. There appears to be a suggestion that the rear area will be more formal dining. Its 30 seconds walk from New Street Station (Stephenson Street entrance) and just off the the shops in New Street and therefore tends to get busy. With emphasis on more formal eating as well, it could be a victim of its own success and to be comfortable here you may need to time your visit. Also the staff are a little 'green' as may be expected from a new start. Its going to be interesting to see how this does, I expect it will be very busy come summer, and there is seating on the street outside. If the staffing improves and there is a chance of being more comfortable this could easily move up one or even two marks in my rating. 6 real ales, including Thornbridge Jaipur and 2 others I have never tried, the quality was very good. There is also a selection of wines, and mulled cider on my visit in December. Usual Nicholsons menu, pushing their traditional food (pies/sausage etc). The beer choice is similar to the other sister, Old Contemptibles, but is much better than previous here. Its also 30 seconds walk from its new sister pub, Bacchus, but very different and, with the promise of ABC Brewery's 20 tap ale house coming next year, Birmingham continues to improve on the ale/pub front.