Brewhouse & Kitchen, Lichfield

Well reviewed below so I won't duplicate the detail. The exterior is grand and inviting with tables outside at both the front and in a small courtyard to the side. Inside is exactly as you'd expect from a 'Spoons with the local character coming from pictures referencing Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles, and, along with Dr Johnson, one of Lichfield's famous sons. Beer: There are five handpumps, 3 on the main bar and a further 3 on a small bar tucked away to the left. The 3 tucked away had on Abbot and Ruddles Best on both visits and I'd guess that they are the regulars on these pumps. The 3 on the main bar seem to be for rotating guests and on our first visit had on: Backyard Gold, Titanic Pier 54 (5.4%) and Wychwood Battleaxe. On the second visit the selection was Springhead Black Tom, Derventio Cleopatra (5.4%) and another from Falstaff at 5.2%. Some good local ales there and it seems to be a policy to source beer locally and to include one or two strong ones. The Pier 54 was excellent and the Derventio interesting but both in very good nick. The policy on ale choice is to be applauded and it's well worth a look here to see what they have on at the time.

A fine rectangular building with two entrances up some stone steps,the interior is however classic 'spoons.Lots of functional furniture,menus everywhere and the all pervading smell of curry night on my Thursday evening visit.There is a raised section to one side with a central open fireplace sadly with a coal affect gas fire.It would have been fun to see the logs arranged around the fire being inadvertently chucked on. We intended this visit as a walk through to see if there was any decent ale,and were delighted to spot a Titanic pump clip among the two banks of three handpumps.The other ales on the most prominent rank were Wychwood Battle Axe and Backyard Gold (well kept)while the other three handpumps were lurking to one side and only offered Ruddles Best ,GK Abbott and a Locale "available soon".The Titanic Pier 54 was outstanding and a snip at £2.05 with a voucher,another winner from Burslem and apparently often on the bar.The staff were friendly to boot. It may only be a 'spoons with all that entails,but this was the best pint I have ever had the pleasure of consuming in Lichfield,a city of fine real ale pubs which sadly dont seem to stock premiership quality ales such as this.On the basis of this trip,in future I will always do a walk through to see what delights may be on offer on the real ale front.

An old bank that is now a Lloyds variant of JDW. Slightly sunken interor and my visit found little of note with the interesting ales 'coming soon'.