- A Theatrical Starting Point -
Episode 84 of the Chip Foundation Chronicles takes place on the evening of Monday 13th January whereby we congregate at Grand Central under Ozzy's watching gaze. Our first port of call is Theatrix on the corner of Colmore Row and Waterloo Street, allowing fine views over Victoria Square. Normally a venue such as this wouldn't be on our radar but its architectural appeal wins us over, the building having been originally built as the headquarters for Alliance Assurance. High ceilings and fancy downlighters add to the sense of glamour.
- Too Much Monkey Business? -
Settling in with respective glasses of Guinness, blackcurrant and lemonade or Attic Pale Ale, we commandeer a semi-circular booth composed of floral green fabric. Discussions about the Women's Ashes series, FA Cup performances and Nick's liking for table football abound but it's the wider interior which truly captures my imagination. A sumptuous snug has a stunning marble fireplace and apparently there is a rooftop terrace, although January might not be the best month for testing that out! A trek downstairs to the gents reveals a spiral staircase, tiled vault passages and two stuffed monkeys guarding what presumably used to be the safe - we respectfully heed the warning not the feed the animals but they already have champagne.
- Fudge Brownie Stout -
Continuing to explore the corridors of monetary power, our next stop will be the Colmore Tap as located in Victoria House. Operated by Thornbridge Brewery in conjunction with Pivovar, this used to be a branch of Lloyds Bank and has some spectacular features such as Pondera lettering and much mirrored panelling. The full range of Thornbridge ales is being showcased (including Lord Marples, Brother Rabbit and Nick's beloved Jaipur) but once we'd spotted North Riding's Fudge Brownie Stout there is no going back - a mere trifle at 7.4% abv!
- HRH with ESB in the OJS -
Not wishing to depart from our banking remit just yet, we relocate to the Old Joint Stock on Temple Row which is presented as a Fuller's Ale & Pie House. There are Lloyds connections here too although the building was initially designed by Julius Alfred Chatwin to be a library before the Birmingham Joint Stock Bank took ownership. A magnificent wooden bar surround is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of standout features, and we enjoy sitting upstairs among classical busts and bodices. ESB (Extra Special Bitter) is the tipple of choice as we discuss Ken's forthcoming coach holidays and Stephen's plans for the 2025 cricket season; the on-site theatre hosts regular performances and open mic sessions while the Chatwin Room is an elegantly decorated private function space.
- Doggy Dart Fashions in Flight Club -
Having cashed in our ex-bank trinity, we seek a final watering hole with which to round off the evening in appropriate style. Our intended nightcap option of the Botanist doesn't appear to be open but stepping into the breach is the Flight Club halfway down Temple Street. Bold claims about bringing darts into the 21st century need to be investigated, and this is certainly a world away from smoky working men's clubs or backstreet boozers. Several bookable oche playing areas are available, each furnished with dart-tracking technology while cameras replay any clinical checkouts. Given it's a cold Monday evening in January, there are plenty of takers.
- Mr B meets Elena -
True, Flight Club can't match the out-and-out opulence of the three preceding bars but there's more than enough quirkiness to make it memorable in its own right. Red velvet curtains hint at luxury while Elena the carousel horse seems to enjoy jumping over Nick's half of Guinness. Not having booked in advance, we resist the urge to take to the oche ourselves although I'd not rule out a return visit purely out of curiosity; instead we chat some more about politics (previewing the forthcoming presidential inauguration) and sport before variously heading to Snow Hill or New Street for our respective trains home. You can always bank on Brum!
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