please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Decided to have a wander over from the OJS `cause the service was pretty poor for a Saturday night. It`s had a bit of a makeover and a change pf name..bout time `cause Bennetts was a bit of a pit. The decorating`s made a big difference for the better, the toilets are very clean, the service was bang on, the food looked good, four decent real ales on (served in a jug!) and prices that don`t make you faint when the missus wants a vod and lemonade..I keep telling her she`d better off with half a Boondoggle! It`s not the sort of place for hardened tickers but worth a visit if your feeling `trendy`
|
Now Closed as Bennetts. Reopened as "The Lost and Found". Not been so can't offer a rating
|
An okay place to go for a cheeky post-work pint. Not cheap, but always plenty of room. Could do with a spot of decorating and always seems to be a rendezvous point for illicit liaisons. At least it's quiet if you want to have a natter with a mate. (Maybe too quiet)
|
Impressive building, below average pub.
Frankly, there is no reason for anyone to return here unless you�re a local Suit.
Slow and/or surly service is the quickest way to put patrons off any pub, and this place has both in abundance.
|
Fine former bank premises, with several different seating areas, some of which allow a little bit of privacy (it's popular with young couples from the asian communities). Mainly suits at lunchtime and just after work. Standard Marstons selection of ales: Pedigree, Hobgoblin, Cock-a-Hoop, plus Brakespear's Bitter, and sometimes a guest beer. Food menu looks good, and some days of the week there are wine offers.
As others have said, it suffers from the proximity of excellent local competition (Old Joint Stock - with even better bank premises, Wellington - with long list of beers, Briar Rose - Wetherspoons' prices), and struggles commercially. This shows in occasional shortage of bar staff, and lack of maintenance. The latter is particularly noticeable in the poor state of the gents' loos (I can't speak for the state of the ladies') - the two usable urinals and one unusable one were out-of-order for several weeks in December 2010, forcing one to discover the horrors of the WC cubicles... And the piece of white sheeting that hung from the back wall of the main bar for 12 months after some function because "elf-an-safety" meant nobody was allowed to climb a step-ladder and pull the drawing-pin out!
|
Visited for the first time during a crawl last night. Huge former bank premises with an ornate entrance and high ceiling. Murals on walls and ceiling worth a look. Although open-plan there are several "areas"/corners where people drank in small groups; last night the pub was quite empty and lacked a buzz.
Three real ales available, we tried Banks's Bitter which was faultless, the other beers available were from large regionals or national breweries. Food menu reads well and seems reasonably cheap but food had stopped before we arrived at 9pm.
Service was businesslike, and I could envisage returning when in the area, but making a dedicated journey seems unlikely,
|
Large cavernous place, all the atmosphere of a library, couples huddled away in the corners hoping their other half doesn`t turn up and catch `em out, when you go to the bar all heads turn..like they do at a cricket match when something actually happens (like betting scandals), be OK when they finish painting the mural on the back wall.
|
thatchrisdude has summed this pub up perfectly, two reviews below.
Went here a few weeks ago, and had a rather nice pint of a Wychwood seasonal ale. Three other ales on, including Hobgoblin.
Of a nighttime, this pub seems to be okay, and only attracts those that seem to like it. I prefer this, but unfortunately, the pub suffers, as it is often empty. Of an early evening or daytime, it's often full of suits, which is better than chavs, but still annoying.
Decent enough pub, but not the cheapest.
|
Taken on its own merits - actually not that bad. The ale selection is often interesting (good to see Ringwood get a run-out), and the building itself is impressive. The 'study area' at the back is also a good touch - complete with a choice of old books to not read.
Problem is you have 17 ales to choose from across the road, or a better 'big' place in the adjacent street. That isn't Bennetts' fault, but against that competition it doesn't stand much of a chance
|
I like this pub, I'll say that straight off the bat. Its one of three great pubs within 30 seconds of each other. I've always found the beer and the service to be very good. The decor is impressive but starting to show its age now, the painting on the huge back wall is starting to peel and in my honest opinion looked pretty rough even when it was in mint condition. As mentioned by others its very spacious, I get the impression the management don't know what to do with all the space as it can feel abit "empty" even when its packed full of people drinking and enjoying themselves, I personally prefer a cosy feel to a pub rather than open and airy. The beer has always been great when I've drank here, its great to see a pub with Hobgoblin as a house beer. They also sell Desperados which is a cracking bottled lager flavoured with tequila, great stuff. One thing to mention is price I think it is rather expensive in here for both food and drink, I think this could be the reason why Bennetts is nearly always void of customers. Saying that it doesnt put me off at all, I enjoy the beer here even more so when I'm with good company. Oh yeah, if you even wanted to be on The Crystal Maze just visit the toilets.
|
Impressive building that gives way to bank-conversion grandeur within. It's a bit too airy for some, but not without character- huge artwork on the walls! Marstons/Wychwood range of beers, Hobgoblin was in fine form. Quite quiet on a Monday so atmosphere lacking a bit, although this probably changes at the weekend. Not bad but not a must, particularly with the Wellington across the road.
|
Not the greatest of pubs. Service slow at lunchtime... just another Marstons wreck
|
Late review from October when I had a Jennings seasonal. Very impressive interior but empty of drinkers.
|
At best the beer was average. Usual Marston's range. Very little atmosphere when we called in.
|
Decent-sized pub with good, though not outstanding, range of beers. Not bad at all, but several other good places nearby.
|
I'm not a regular here, but when I have been in there has been a good atmosphere and the beer is usually well kept. The interior is also impressive. A decent city centre boozer.
|
Lets be honest, the wellington and the briar rose are sh*tty for a pint. the beers never any good.
at least in this bar you can on occasion lay hold of a decent pint of ale which is served with a sensible head. they seem to be rotating jennings (various) and marstons (various). they obviously dont know what they're doing because sometimes you have two 'super pints' like Snecky and Old Empire, and at other times fanny pints like Marstons Bitter and Cumberland Ale. If they ever get it right and I can be guaranteed a pint that'll get me p*ssed when I come in, every time I come in, then I'll come in a whole lot more.
And I hope to run into you beer pig baiter, cause you sound like the kind of drunk who appreciates a strong'er' real ale. Cheers!
|
Went here on sunday, had old empire, sneck lifter and Staropramen. All very well kept. One of the best bars in the area. Worst thing about this place is that the people below have been in there. God help us.
|
Nice bar but a bit dull. Not really any atmosphere to speak of. Large place with ok beer selection though quite pricey.
|
I enjoyed this pub when i went for the first time on Sat. Only had 1 beer, a nice affordable pint of Staropramen. I have almost been in here on several occasions but i seem to prefer the wellington or the Briar Rose. Though i will be returning im sure. Me and my mate sat in the board room with creaky chairs and a coat hook which was cool and out the way of a crowded bar area. Mrbeerbelly is right about the toilets which seemed like a labrinth. good pub 6/10
Seaman Max
|
I like it!
Beer's not always brilliant but there's usually something different.
Don't forget to leave a trail of bread crumbs when you go to the toilet though.
|
This pub us one of Birminghams better looking pubs, not saying much there.Its interior has been tastefully decorated with murals and comfy furnishings but the beer is not it's strong point. For a decent brew. my advice is nip over the road to the Briar Rose and quaff their many ales instead
|
Interior is superb and is stylish and comfy. Bar staff tend to be superb or surly. Have encountered some slightly mental punters in here. The tendency to play loud crap music can ruin the atmosphere.
|
