The Acorn Inn (JD Wetherspoon), Lichfield

Absolutely packed when we called in. Can't recall what beers were on but I know the pint I had was decidedly average. Couldn't wait to drink it and move on. Much better options nearby.

One of those 'bigger than it looks' Wetherspoons than extends a long way back behind the narrow frontage. Very little natural light, but the place is well lit and has a light carpet which both help counteract the effect of the dark furniture. Not a very inspiring selection of seven real ales from the two banks of six handpumps, of which the far-from-local Swannay Dark Munro (£2.35) was the pick of the bunch.

This old school Spoons has a very small frontage but inside is long and narrow with the bar on the left further back. Unless you are severely afflicted with koutaliaphobia you will have seen it all before. This doesn't bother me if there is a decent ale choice but my visit was in December and the Spoons Xmas guest list is about as exciting as the rubbish music that gets dragged out every year. This one has twelve hand pumps with one unused, Doom Bore then the two GK beers and Pedigree being doubled up left just four options. These were the International Hook Norton AFO, Caledonian Winter Brau, Greene King Fireside and Woodforde's Mistletoe. I ordered the Fireside thinking it was the Black Country beer but while it was being poured felt like a right wally after discovering it was a Greene King beer. I thought both Lichfield Spoons were rather disappointing.