Category Archives: Birmingham

The Hen and Chickens

Hockley, Birmingham:

Whatpub Link
Pub Heritage Link
Website

Desi pub in a lovely traditional Victorian building, on the edge of the Jewellery Quarter, in the direction of the city.

It feels like it was maybe once much bigger- it’s now one room. The staff were really pleasant- the tables were all reserved for diners, but they said we were OK for a drink at one for a while. The food looked and smelt fabulous, the beer was good, and there was a nice atmosphere.

The Button factory

Hockley, Birmingham:

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Website

We wandered in for lunch on a wet Sunday. First impressions were annoying; we’d barely got through the door when we were pounced on by staff twice in a minute.

Do you want food or just drinks?

We ended up saying “just drinks” to get rid of them, found a seat, ordered drinks and looked at the menu in peace.

In the end, it was fine. The drinks weren’t cheap, nor was the food, but this is poncy Hockley now and both were very good. It’s a little bit trendy bar, but had a nice, relaxed vibe this Suday lunchtime.

The Queen’s Head

Birmingham City Centre:

The pub previously known as The Jekyll and Hyde, and before that erm… The Queen’s Head.

Whatpub Link
Website

We were accidentally in Birmingham. The German market was on in one direction and my walking range was limited, so from our bus stop in High St, this wasn’t too far for me, and I was glad I remembered it re-opening in July.

I’d always quite liked it, in its days as a hangout for Lloyd House staff or a its rebirth as theme pub with gin palace upstairs. It’s back to a traditional pub now, part of the small Davenports chain, and thoroughly agreeable it is too. Davenports beer, great food, mostly great staff (one did service with a scowl).

The recent refurb has tidied everything nicely, the yard at the back has been enclosed and roofed, and overall it’s traditional yet bright and clean. The benches out the front remain, but today was not the day for them.

The Station

Sutton Coldfield:

Whatpub Link
Website

This place plugs its beer garden heavily, and no surprise- it’s large and pleasant, but it was a hot summer Saturday and most of the town were there, so we sent inside. Fairly traditional, but in a stripped boards way rather than carpet. Decent staff, good beer, what looked like an interesting menu, and not a bad place to drink. Unsurprisingly next to the railway station.

The Three Tuns

Sutton Coldfield

Whatpub Link
Website

Never noticed this pub, never mind gone in before, despite passing by many times. It’s got an initial vibe a bit like The Kings Head in lichfield, with a enclosed courtyard and rooms either side, but there’s more space. It’s clearly very old (check their website, above)

Very pleasant too- nice staff, decent beer (several cask, and not just the usual), not too much Sutton attitude, OK prices. The layout gives several different areas, which is nice.

Pint Shop

Birmingham City Centre:

Right next door to The Wellington, it’s a bit of a different thing, so they’ll probably co-exist quite happily.

This place is definitely towards the hipster craft beer end of the market, (faux-industrial light fittings, scaffold poles, a la Brewhouse and Kitchen) but it’s still a pretty Ok place to drink, or at least, it was on a Thursday afternoon- I think had it been a busier time I’d have liked it less. Great choice of beer, nice staff, outside space. Only real disadvantage is the (vertical) distance to the toilets, though there is an accessible one on the ground floor.

Pub du Vin

Birmingham City Centre:

Located within/below Hotel du Vin in what was previously the hotel’s cellar bar.

Felt odd, this one. Trying to appeal to an upmarket audience, but noticeably a bit tatty, though it looked like a refurb of some sort may be imminent. As it’s the cellar bar it’s slightly below street level, and quite dark, but it wasn’t unpleasant. Staff weere nice, beer and prices pretty good for here. Very quiet even for a Thursday though.