Bitter-Suite, Lichfield

Stretching the micro-pub definition a bit perhaps (given that it was formerly a 'normal' pub in the past), but this two-room establishment definitely has that ethos. Plainly furnished and decorated, but counter-less and with the 'cellar' being visible in a rear cool room. Five real ales - including the regular Bridgestrike from Burton Bridge (£3.50) - and four ciders advertised on the chalkboard. Excellent, and handy for the station too.

What a great micropub this is not far from Lichfield City railway station. We had heard there was a beer festival, and found a list of 20 ales, 8 on stillage in the pub itself and 8 out in the yard area at the rear with 4 to go on. They also sell real cider gins and wines, and bar snacks, pork pies and cobs. There is no bar and they give table service. A very comfortable second room with tables and chairs plus seating in the rear yard area. First class drinking establishment. We enjoyed beers from Bath, Pershore, Flash House and Milestone breweries

Excellent review by Aqualung below. I have been in the old Bridge Tavern a few times and have always enjoyed.All as stated below, but there is also a few items of ephemera and photos for interest. Other than the Burton Bridge Bitter, the other ales are ever changing - the Neepsend Lubin being fine. Definitely worth a visit to this quiet pub.

This is an unusual micropub as the building was once an original pub being the brewery tap for the Lichfield Brewery whose empty offices remain on the other side of the road. This brewery was swallowed up by Allsop of Burton in 1930 who merged with Ind Coope a few years later. This would have made it an Allied Breweries outlet in Big Six Brewery days, probably Ind Coope or Ansells. The central door leads to a room on either side with the tiny bar counter and cold room to the right. The rooms have been completely modernised and have mainly low furnishings. There is also a small patio at the rear past the Ladies & Gents toilets. Each room is a similar size to many nicropubs so that makes this one more spacious than most. There were various groups of people drifting in during my visit. There were five cask ales going including a house beer that is worth a mention. It's from Burton Bridge brewery and is rebadged Bridge bitter and given the name Bridge Strike in celebration of all the hapless drivers that have crashed their lorries into the bridge outside. The ABV of 4.2 matches the height in metres of the railway bridge. Other beers were Nene Valley Manhattan Project, Sarah Hughes SPA, Brinkburn Street Byker Brown and Hop Shed Phoenix Porter. I went through the card and all were in excellent condition. As noted below it's £3.30 a pint including the 20p CAMRA discount. This is a proper micropub despite having once been an actual pub with no TVs or music and the emphasis on cask ale. They also stock a few spirits (mostly gins), wines, soft drinks and four boxed ciders. They also serve the usual snacks along with fresh rolls made to order. I liked this one and would happily return.

Two roomed micropub which was the former Bridge Inn. Good choice of 5 ales plus 4 ciders. The beers on my visit included Frizzle IPA, Abbeydale Soundtrack, Magic Rock Panther and the house bitter. There is no bar so you order your beers from the chalkboard and they are delivered by the very friendly gaffer who obviously knows his stuff. All beers are £3.50 regardless of gravity and there is a camra discount. I really enjoyed my visit and it is a must do in Lichfield.

Official site of Bitter-Suite Micropub - www.bittersuite-micropub.co.uk