Well, now we've been I can say how pleasantly surprised we were by everything! Saw Maet Loaf, Cavern Beatles, Legends Bob Marley / Johnny 2 bad here all over Xmas week so quite a range of music. But they cover last 5 decades of music from soul, prog rock (e.g.yes), head bangin', blues, pop, all rock etc. Check out ents24 and their own website but holds 500? Huge hall with great views, mainly standing but flexible seating, no pillars, nice friendly crowds - no trouble here, they attract the best tributes and orginal bands, great sound, show adverts for upcoming bands (great idea but too much bass on soundtrack?). Got 56 page booklet too with more info on gigs, 12 room hotel (saw one room for inspection and was very clean and new). Wife was bit dubious prior to viewing (as bit fussy!) but would be very happy to stay here - same standard as Travel Lodge but cheaper, smaller, includes B&B and adjacent! - space unimportant as only sleeping pre/after night I guess. Gig bar good (love the lighting), staff great, engineer/duty manager Sean was very pleasant and gave us room tour (Ta - like Planet Hokum CD ?- band will come to the open mic session which start in March 09). Clean loos, seats and tables around walls, easy to find as 2 mins from pedstrian precinct, 10 mins from J10 M6. Tips - safe illuminated car park behind, 2nd one further down road (NHS), front entrance thru' Woody's bar (Love the Roy Wood / Wizzard theme!), had a very nice Indian meal next door (tell them if in rush for gig and will oblige), also opposite are Fish & Chip takeway, indian, Taxi rank and police station !
Come along and support this venue - we travelled 2 hours - its like a mecca for music fans. Need more reviews please.

What no-one has reviewed yet? We've never been but had so many recommendations of Robin 2 that have booked up for 5 gigs over Xmas - paradise! Check out the professional website. They are keeping the music alive for the next generation. One of best venues in country that are specialist in tribute and local talent! We much prefer these intimate venues to stadiums where you can't even see the act, let alone faces and the playing styles.
We spend weekends going to such places as Limelight at Crewe and Flowerpot, Derby all similar pub venues with regular live acts and professional management. Until serious injuries forced me to stop for a year. Will be fit again to hit these venues over this Xmas 08 - can't wait!.