BrewDog Birmingham, Birmingham

This Brewdog has about half a dozen tables and chairs out front and on our hot Sunday eve visit these were full. There were a few more drinkers inside and some drinkers downstairs. There were three booths on the right, so we parked ourselves there. After a good day on the real ale, I can get tempted to a Brewdog beer or two. The staff were friendly, chatty and helpful and took a lot of patience when choosing my tipple. I went for the Fake lager at 4.7, Punk IPA 5, and a 6.7 IPA.

Ah, Brewdog, arriving in the second city late in 2012 with its brand of trendy bars. Really a mixed bag this one. Situated in the listed former Geoffrey Building, the need for Listed Building consent seemed to delay the eventual opening. The building is on a vehicle restricted cross roads, only really used by the inhabitents of the various city apartments that are in the area. John Bright Street used to be a pub/club hotspot but has since declined since developments elsewhere in the city. There are therefore a lot of empty pub units here, but not over obviously so. I expect they got a good price on the lease therefore, but there is further hope with the opening of the refurbished New Street Station, especially after April 2013 when the first part will be complete. Also, there is arguably a new Craft Beer quarter appearing here with Brewdog, the excellent Victoria, a promised Purety Brewery Pure Craft Bar on Navigation Street, a new 11 handpull trad local in the form of the Craven Arms near the Mailbox by March 2013 and the independent Penny Blacks, as well as Post office Vaults and Lamp tavern being not too far away. Its a typical exterior for the chain on a corner unit. Inside it will never be described as homely or comfortable, sharp edges, bright, dull concrete tables, basic chairs and a fresh bar with plenty of brick on show. There is a sofa near the door and some booth type areas, as well as the tasting area downstairs where the toilets are also located. The Blackboards behind the bar show the beers, usually around 6 or 7 Brewdog beers and 4 guests, all keg, served cold from indifferent taps on the bar. the food looks like a choice of burgers and the like, not sure on the quality as I havn't tried it. The beer is served in thirds/halves/two thirds/pints, depending on what you want, and the strength. Prices are high, but its the City Centre and some of those beers are strong! This all sounds a little negative, but I actually like their beers, there are some nice sipping strong ales, the bar staff are very helpful. Ok its not real ale, but the craft label means some tasty stuff, and the quality I find excellent. Its a basic place, but it still has a nice modern feel, young, upbeat, whatever words like that you want to use. No, it won't be everybody's cup of tea, but for me makes to improve the choice of drinking holes in Birmingham, and a very welcome addition.