The Head of Steam, Birmingham

Like going on holiday, without the hassle of travel. Fine collection of Belgian Beers (including the large 75cl Chimay Blue bottles for just shy of £20) - far too many handpulls to record - not that I could get to them, due to the bar hangers. Both Chouffe and Deliriums on tap. No end of craft. The Good Beer Guide describes it as "Cyperpunk" - so if you won't like it if you don't like exposed ducting. Or afternoon bouncers. However, a world of experimentation awaits, so well worth throwing caution to the wing and see where a beer topped with a pink elephant will take you.

A new and impressive mega pub from this excellent chain. Enter to a fairly large downstairs lobby area with nicely aged (if modern) plank panelling with a blue WMR (West Midlands Railway I guess) logo painted upon, a massive frieze of the wheels of a stream engine and huge wooden cogs on the ceiling. Up a few stairs to the main area featuring an island bar and ten pumps (9 ales and a cider) direct in view on entering. A similar decor ethos up here with a more industrial bent, as well as a ‘Brum by night’ jumbo frieze at the far end. An interesting mix of stuff on the pumps; 4x Northern Monk alongside some micros and larger quasi-regionals. My Northern Monk Coffee Porter was a tad on the warm side but managed to sneak in at an NBSS 3. Also a fair range of ‘crafty fizzpops’ too. Unfortunately my arrival coincided with a quiz which was being compered by an awful wannabe local radio DJ, far too loud and with the occasional high pitched squawk added as if he was having an unexpected rectal spasm. Otherwise it was a decent place and worth putting on the central Birmingham ‘should do’ list but I suspect it’s one to do earlier rather than later in the day. 7.5 - would hgave been a straight 8 without the din.

Another excellent Head Of Steam pub. Up a few steps and you get to the main part. Open plan with an island bar. 10 handpulls greet you as you enter plus several taps for crafty fizzpops on either side of the bar. Well worth a visit.

Excellent modern bar covering a number of bases well - real ale (local suppliers included), a lot of craft keg, cocktails, sports TV on low, music (can be a bit OTT), food, comfortable, sociable or not. Covers them all with credit and an excellent place all round

Modern, busy, trendy, industrial decor and lots of flats screens this is not necessarily one for the pub purist. The place was hopping on our Saturday evening visit with the young and beautiful of Brum making merry, as well as us old boys. Nonetheless, the atmosphere was good with a friendly if efficient welcome and none of the bumping and banging that might be expected in a busy spot on Saturday evening. A fine range of beers included: Craddock American Pale, Squawk Crex, Fallen Brewing Chew Chew, Fixed Wheel The Sheriff and Wheelie Pale, Hobsons Snuffly Hedge Grog, Cameron's Sanctuary and Twisted Barrel Litany Against Fear. A very decent showcase of local breweries across strength and style. There was also a cider, various keg taps and a good bottled range. Well worth a visit.