Lavishly decorated bar with the Victorian theatre house theme played on to full effect. This is soft furnishings at its finest and not to be missed - it’s hard not to have a relaxing drink here. There’s also a small back room which is just as good a place to unwind in and beyond is a back garden area for smokers. As it’s a Fullers pub there’s no shortage of Fullers ales to choose from but one or two others can be found on the central bar that is 360 degrees in the middle of the main room with taps all around it. Food is served and WiFi is available as long as you own a mobile phone to receive the access code. Given the decor and location opposite the Cathedral expect London prices from the London brewer.

Very big place its was an old bank building with a big dome, Fuller’s range with some guest beers. You must see this for one beer and then go to Wellington.

Beautiful building, average drinking experience.

A Fullers pub in Birmingham, surely not. A Fullers pub in Birmingham with a theater above, you must be mistaken. Easy to find, it is right opposite the front of Saint Philip’s Cathedral. This former bank has had a fortune spent on it by Fullers and you can tell. This large impressive building on the outside, is even more impressive inside. A massive central, island bar, dominates the classical (with gothic undertones) Victorian walls and ceillings. The large paintings on the walls are well worth taking a proper look at, as you wait to be served. Walk up the stairs and sit on the balcony to get the full picture of the place, from here you can see better, note the Roman statues, colonnades and cupola. Lunchtime it is all suits and a few shoppers, early evening the same, later the pre-club drinkers appear. Never overcrowded, but often busy, the old managers office and another rear room are often cosy and quieter. Do not expect a lively chat about beer or the weather here, it is not a friendly local sort of bar. bring your own company or you will be drinking alone. The staff can be slow, but they are pleasant enough. The full range of Fullers beers are always on (cask) as well as guests from Beowulf. I have never had a bad pint here and I have been many times. This is an ’Ale and Pie’ Fullers pub, the food is not cheap, but it is filling and plentyful. I always start my Birmingham Haddocks (pub crawls) from here, everyone and anyone who has never been here before, is amazed such a pub is in Birmingham. Come and see for yourself.

A reasonable place to meet up for a pint or two except when it is a Friday or Saturday evening, when the queue for service can sometimes take a good 10-15 minutes. Small selection of real ales. Great interior - a former bank branch.

Amazing interior with a good range of ales. However the service is questionable and the beer quality varies daily. With a little consistency this place could be great.

Can be a bit pricey, and limited selection, but the Fullers beer is excellent, especially the Chiswick Bitter.

Wonderful building with lots of atmosphere. All the Fullers beers were available although the Porter was on electric pump which worried me. Food was excellent although not cheap and the service was friendly. Clientèle was mixed and the environment friendly. A chance to try Fullers beers in a classy pub.

An incredible interior, but a soul-destroying atmosphere, very busy and full of business types in the early evening. Only Fullers beers available, and I can get those at home.

Interesting for a change but with the Wellie just around the corner its not going to compete for Real Ale enthusiats. Nice atmosphere but a few too many designer shirts to allow it to feel homely. The service is friendly and the staff are happy to give you a taster. The selection isn’t bad for a city centre pub, mainly Fullers but the Beowulf is well worth trying. I understand that, as the name suggests, it was the regional stock exchange before dealing was ’centralised’ in that big town in the south east!