Formerly the Metropolitan, and before that the Midland Hotel, the whole building underwent a major refurbishment in the summer of 2013 and re-opened as a brew-pub in September of that year.
The on-site micro, the James Street Brewery, produces the two regular beers, malty Gladiator (3.9%) and the hoppier, citrussy Emperor (4.4%). There can up to four additional beers, usually James St seasonal beers. The bar also has a four-tap craft beer font serving artisan beers from both the UK and around the world.
Through the main entrance is a large L-shaped bar. The James Street Brewery vessels can be seen, behind a glass frontage, to the rear of the bar and more or less opposite the main entrance. To the rear of the main bar area is a dining area with open kitchen, among whose features are a rotisserie and smoke house, and a very large garden and patio, which, in the summer makes an excellent sun trap and in winter is enclosed by a heated marquee. Upstairs is the Tank Room, where live free to air TV sports is sometimes shown, and which hosts quizzes, movie nights and comedy. This room, which has its own bar, can be hired as a function room.