The outside draws you in with its signage and if you're a real ale or cider lover then you are in for a treat but its super tiny, so you can only go if there are a couple of you. The interior doesn't quite live up to the promise of the outside. Quaint and pokey, lots of ales to chose from, best for a quick one...once you've decided. I nipped in with a large group after hearing how great it was but due to its small size and lack of tables we were stood in the walkway between the seats, the stairs and the toilets. I'm sure we were creating a fire safety hazard. A large pool table sits against a wall acting as a giant waste of good table space. I know that the signs tell me they have the biggest range of bottled beers but I couldn't get to the bar to tell you, passing strange descriptive requests to friends standing at the bar to place the orders instead. This led to some awful tasting beers acquired as they overruled the advice of the barman by advocating for the interesting names instead. Upon walking in it honestly felt like the pub scene from American Werewolf in London, only go if you or a friend is an ale/beer fanatic. read more

The Post Office Vaults - Pubs Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

As you might gather from previous reviews, I like beer. D'ya know what I like even more? Good beer... Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the vaults! With a speakeasy, secret doorway off New Street, this bar has an intimate feel. Space is limited, but if you can grab a table - it's worth a battle. This place converted me to Cider (I previously wasn't a believer) and has introduced me to wonderful beers from all over the world. The beers are kept to perfection by people who know their beers, it's the reason they have such a devoted and varied fan base. The bar is underground, so is pretty cool in the summer and nice and cosy during the winter - a perfect escape from the Christmas markets! With the large amount of oak, pictures and shiny brass beer taps, it feels like a time vortex hidden away in a vastly modern Birmingham. It doesn't do food, but you can take your own in. I believe they provide plates and cutlery on request, so you can grab something tasty for takeaway and enjoy at your own pace with a nice pint of craft beer or Cider. It's right by the station and off the main shopping arcade. If you only have time for one beer in Birmingham, make it worth it. Pay this place a visit.... read more

Nice little no-frills pub (although as another review said slightly disappointing outside compared to the attractive exterior) convenient to New Street station with an extraordinary range of cider. Unfortunately when I hesitated the bartender offered me the fizzy one, presumably because I looked like a clueless woman, which wasn't very good. Bf enjoyed his ales here though and if that's what you're after then this is a good shout, also there is a huge menu of Belgian beers. read more

More pubs need to be like the Post Office Vaults. These guys supply the tastiest beers from around the world at really reasonable prices. Entering the old post office vaults is a strange experience for the uninitiated. From new street (which i guess is technically the back entrance, but probably the one most people actually use), you descend down a steep flight of stairs and hang a right into a room that was basically furnished to look like a 30 year old drinking den. The beer theme is evident from the eclectic rows of empty beer bottles laid around the room, and dried hops hanging from the ceiling. It has a real cellar vibe, with no natural light whatsoever, which adds to the drinking den characteristic. You could be anywhere in the world when your down here, well maybe any part of the world with a large Brummie ex-pat community. With cask ale on for £3.50 a pint, its easy to get comfortable around a table, often so easy that you find yourself in there for the long run :-s The beer list at the POV is nothing short of sensational, 8 cask ales at a time, a range of lagers and a kegged beer alongside, and hundreds upon hundreds of bottled beers from all of the beer producing superpowers! The POV doesn't serve food, but it does provide plates and cutlery, encouraging you to bring your own. I must admit I've not spotted may sitting down with a curry or a plate of fish and chips, most people seem to grab a sandwich, but if I worked in town I couldn't imagine a better place to spend my lunch hour (though I'm sure bosses will disagree...) read more

Definitely in my boyfriends eyes this is a hidden gem right in the middle of town. If ever I want to go shopping, hinting at a visit here he is converted into coming with me. After being to Belgium we didn't think we'd find somewhere with a large selection of Belgian beers in Birmingham but were pleasantly surprised. They do loads of fruit flavoured Belgian beers and I'd recommend the kriek (cherry) beer. They have such a large selection it's actually quite unbelievable. We went to a small brewery in Bruges that bottle a few different beers to sell and couldn't believe it when we seen them in the post office vaults especially as it is my boyfriends all time favourite. The prices in here are a little expensive as I have bought my boyfriends favourite beer in bulk for €2 a bottle and had it shipped from Belgium whereas in the post office vaults they serve it for about £7. All in all though they have a really large range of world beers, and loads of ciders from all across the UK and wine. We brought my boyfriends mum and dad here and they really enjoyed themselves too. It isn't that big inside and there isn't a large selection of seats but it's all about the drinks here. The staff are friendly and helpful and all the drinks get served in their own specific glass which is a nice added touch and shows their dedication to the industry. read more

Ok I admit it I'm a bit of a cider snob, it has to be proper cider! proper cider is not fizzy and does not have syrupy fruit flavor. I love a proper pint of cider, nothing is better. I've been to a few real ale festivals so I'm used to having a broad choice which this pub desite its small venue. Perfect pub atmosphere open to anyone, no sneering regulars as new face comes through the door. I love the decoration of all the different bottles around the room. Service was nice and quick and having the large board with all drinks at the back was a good idea as you didn't have to wait to get to the front of the bar to see what's available. I would give it 5 stars but as this is small venue there is limited seating which isn't a major drawback as its one of the only places I didn't mind standing. read more

It's a great real ale pub, but it's very small! If it's quiet, then this is a really good pub to experience several draught ales on tap, and a HUGE selection of bottles, but if it's busy, it gets too crowded very quickly. I really like it as they always have Maisels wheat beer on tap, and I love good wheat beers. If you go with friends who prefer "cooking lager" then they might be disappointed as they only have one lager on tap, and it's Freedom organic lager. Not that that's a bad thing, but they might get scared that they can't have a Carlsberg or Fosters. Phone signal in there is a bit crap as you're underground, but they do have free WiFi, so let people know where you're going before you go in if you're planning on meeting up with anyone. read more

Real ale isn't the only thing I drink: I'm also partial to a good cider. With a baker's dozen on offer, the Vaults is the best place in Birmingham to sample a few, although since I like my ciders very dry, I sometimes disagree with their labelling of the relative sweetness. Thank goodness that I can try before I buy! Couple that together with the fact that a Oracle from Salopian brewery is always available and their ever-changing selection of guest ales frequently includes offering from some of my favourite breweries (Ossett's micro-breweries Rat and Fernades spring instantly to mind) there is absolutely no shortage of excellent beverages. Now if only my time and money were also in equally abundant supply, I'd never leave. And all that notwithstanding the vast selection of bottled beer available; not to my tastes, despite the knowledgeable staff trying their utmost to convince me. Maybe one day they'll hit the nail on the head and I'll have a new go to beer; until that happens, I'm happy to keep searching. My favourite time to head down is over lunchtime. It's not too busy so I'm able to sit; and with the city centre's array of food outlets from which to choose, taking my own lunch and supping on a good pint is the best way I can think to spend those minutes of sanity that lurk in the middle of the workday. read more

Finally got around to going into this place. I entered through the more obvious entrance on Pinfold Street. On entry you could be forgiven for thinking the place is a little bit scruffy on first impressions however, its all part of the design. The focus here is clearly on the beer and its like secretly sampling the masters beer in his cellar! Its a little exciting! I decided to go for cider and tried Hogans. Very very nice! There was huge range of beers and a good selection of ciders. If you're unsure of what to have the bar staff have a great knowledge of their products (which is a refreshing change) try asking for advice in Whetherspoons and you get "its wet"! Theres also the option of 'try before you buy' which always popular. No food in the Vaults but you can bring your own and a couple of the patrons in there had taken advantage of the nearby Greggs. Nice rustic atmosphere and friendly staff (and customers) I exited out of the New Street door, which is literally just a door on New Street and felt like a secret agent emerging from a shady meeting! Great pub! read more

Beer lovers rejoice! Behold Central Birmingham's newest real ale destinations! And it is all sorts of wonderful. From New Street, you enter via a staircase tucked between the old Habitat shop and Shared Earth. It takes you to a small subterranean bar. The decoration is simple - no kitschy deer antlers or statement wallpaper here. Just the odd piece of beer paraphernalia and simple wooden furniture. The POV is a beery paradise, with 250 beers on offer along with eight real ales. You'll find beer fans agonizing over their next tipple as they flick through the extensive menu. It gets busy on Friday and Saturday nights, so arrive early to bag a table then embark on your personal voyage of beer discovery. read more

Been here twice since it reopened in it's current guise. First - I visited on the day of opening for a pre-xmas drink with an old friend who was soon leaving the country. I joyfully guzzled down some kind of incredible chocolate ale that they had on tap and was rapidly drunk on only two pints (I'm no lightweight - this was STRONG ale and I'd had no lunch as of yet) - so I proceeded to go and drop my purse on my way back to work and panicked about how I was going to cope waiting for replacement cards over the xmas period. Good work, Adrienne. Second visit more recently - I recommended it as a place to stop by for a friend's birthday drink. I was SUPER excited to have the chocolate ale again, only to discover it was just a guest ale and the closest thing was a strange Belgian fruity chocolate ale which was really very vile. The place was far too busy and far too small for our medium size group of friends (10ish of us) and so we all drank very quickly and didn't stay for more than one. I think this place would be good if you're a CAMRA fan and go during the day when it's less packed. read more

I'm surprised I've found 2 gems in the city now, firstly with Wellington and now with Post Office Vaults. I believe the owner of the Wellington is a financial backer for the Post Office Vaults. So, Post Office Vaults - This place is heaven for a beer lover! They have 350+ beers which consist of Belgium, Dutch and German + Bavarian beers. The staff are very friendly and very knowledgeable of all the beers in stock. They don't serve food but do allow you to take in your own food in. One thing to also mention is, they have a bottle of Shackleton whisky which is rare to find in pubs/bars. read more

Such a great little place tucked away just Off new street. I would probably never have heard or found this if I hadn't just come back from Belgium and was dying to carry on drinking their beers. A quick Google and I was itching to get down there as not only do they do tons of Belgian beers but also lots from around the world too, which you can have a look at in their beer bible which is thick and boasts 423 different bottled beers, that's massive! A word of warning though some of these do come at a hefty price but to be honest this is to be expected when you think of the time and money they must spend on sourcing all these different beers. Some are ridiculously expensive and then you get a lot which tend to be about £6-£9 which for a 330ml size which a lot of them are is bad on your wallet. By no means could I afford to come here on a regular basis, as much as I would like to, and drink the bottles beers but as a treat now and then it's very good. I have a pretty big passion for beers so to see hundreds that I've never heard of or tried is amazing. They have a rotation of regular and guest ales on draught too but I can't speak much about them seeing as whenever I've been there I've mainly been there to try different bottled beers from around the world. Another great thing about this place is that almost all the beers I've had have been served in their respective glasses which just goes to show the passion and level of detail they are willing to go for which is applaudable. You can bring your own food in which is great (more money to spend on drink) and the place is very basically decorated but which is something I really like as it seems to fit the attitude of the place that places substance over style. For anyone that is interested in beers from all over the world, enjoying them in a casual and relaxed environment which seems miles away from the hustle and bustle of new street, there really isn't any place better in Birmingham. read more

The Post Office Vaults opened nearly four years ago and immediately became a hit amongst Brummy beer drinkers. The pub consists of one small room, without lighting, in a basement off New Street. It can get rather cramped and overpowering with flatulence on weekends. During the daytime you may see an tourist or two wandering in asking for stamps. Of course they've been given directions to the Post Office over the road and accidentally entered the wrong establishment. They have the largest beer list of anywhere in the West Midlands. Taking the vast majority of their bottles from imported brewers rather than home grown UK 'craft' producers, coupled with 8 handpumps showcasing the kind of real ales that one can expect to find in The Wellington down the road and probably the largest real cider list in Brum. The bottles are the real standout though, expect Belgian Tripel, German Rauchbier, Norwegian Porter, American Pale Ale and a whole cacophony of delectable brewed delights to tickle your tastebuds. Be warned however that these beers are stronger than your average pint of mild or lager, and with cost a deal more too. The POV also are rather proud of their glass collection, going to painstaking efforts to ensure that most of their 350 beers are served with the correct glassware. Any Belgian will tell you how important this is! The landlord proudly boasts about the amount of beers he has had (both in the fridges and down his gullet). He and his staff will help you to choose one from the 100's available. No food is served but they do provide plates and cutlery if you wish to order a takeaway. They also have a bar billiards table, although I believe they keep it covered at weekends and busier times. read more

Decor is nice, but I don't like the selection of drinks, lack of music and the general clientele. The location is nice though. Right on New Street. Quite hidden away, but somewhere different to go if you're sick of Spoons pubs. read more

The Post Office Vaults - Pretty flowers on the ceiling. - Pubs Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

Great selection of beers in a good atmosphere, and a great place for a few drinks, a real hidden beauty bang in the middle of Birmingham. The only criticism is also part of the charm. It's pretty small, so can get crowded, and being small and ever so slightly underground (in a physical sense, not in a bunch of pretentious bellends drink there sense) if somebody farts, and this is an ale pub so somebody will, everyone suffers. read more

A really cool, if far too small for how popular it is pub located in a basement in Birmingham City Centre. Several real ales and a good selection of foreign beers are available. If you visit on a Friday or Saturday night prepare to feel like a sardine, but the quality and price of the beers are worth it. You can shove your BrewDog up your @rse! read more

I went here with a date and was surprised by how much it resembles a pub from the 70s. The space inside is really small so there isn't much seating available. Thankfully I went on a Wednesday evening so we had the chance to grab a seat. My opinion of the pub was pretty much like my date, a one time occasion that won't be repeated. It looked tired inside and needs some renovating. I didn't find the staff too friendly as they preferred to continue their conversation with another member of staff. Prices are okay and a variety of choice available. I do actually like the aesthetic of the outside. It makes it look very cute but the Inside doesn't really live up to it. read more

If you can t find a beer in this pub, you must do something wrong. This is by far the biggest range of international beers, I ve seen so far. Especially for us "foreigners" who moved from other countries to UK, this is a great opportunity to feel a bit home again. Prices are not the cheapest, but ok if you think about import fees. read more

Was squiffy by the time we stumbled down here for the first time so treat my recollections with a pinch of salt. As mentioned he beer choice is prolific, it is amazing that they can cram the stock into such a small venue. Lateish on a Saturday afternoon we found seats and oggled Bar Billiards, it was so cool to see a traditional bar game in a city centre which always seems completely void of table football or pool. Typically stale atmosphere of an ale pub but who cares when you can bring your own food! read more

WOW! This place is hard to find but it is well worth the search! It reminded me a bit of an old Al Capone movie, a small door with steps leading down into a basement. I was a bit apprehensive (there was a train home to catch!) but my friends convinced me to take a risk and I am glad I did! We had spotted the Vaults' store room under Fletchers Way and Google Mapped our way to the bar. There are dried hopes hanging from every possible hanging spot AND a bar billiards table! I haven't seen bar billards in a long time! I was a bit overwhelmed by the beer selection (they have a beer bible with 300 beers in it) but I spotted a beer I had tried before and loved. I asked the barman for a beer similar to that one and after a brief discussion with the barlady, they agreed that I should try a Trappistes Rochefort 8. What followed was the sheer joy that only a beer lover can understand as I savoured a new favourite. I am looking forward to a second visit as soon as possible! read more

This is a great real ale pub, a great selection of really good beers. My friend Steve raves about the wheat beers. It's atmospheric too, not one for the lager drinker. read more

People who know me know I'm a bit of a beer lover..and I saw the Post Office Vault's display in Fletchers walk and pretty much swooned! So, my friends and I set off immediately to find the bar (it was an appropriate time of day); found the entrance, which is a rather inconspicuous door (adding to the suspense!). Down the stairs and the signs were looking good - a wide range of beer memorabilia on the walls and dried hops hanging from the ceiling. The beer collection is extensive - the beer catalog behind the bar is organised by country, which helps! The staff were really helpful - my friends asked for suggestions based on what they liked and were not disappointed. I had a bottle of Viven IPA, possibly my favorite beer (at the moment) and so rare, I only know one other bar in the UK who sells it and they've never had it in stock when I've been. The bar is small and quiet but it is the range of beer that sells it for me. Their website proclaims '339 different beers' from around the world, so if you're a beer lover this is a rare find. I have a new favorite bar in Birmingham, thank you Post Office Vaults for your dedication to beer!! read more

Hmm couldn't decide between 3/4 stars. I guess you could call this place a hidden gem as you really wouldn't notice the small entrance off new street or even the side door opposite the main post office. Decor certainly isn't important to them-it's sparse and a little dated, but then that's not what you are interested in if you come here. There have a great selection of ales on tap, plenty of bottles, a whole board of ciders and a shelf of whisky that I'd like to work my way through some day! None of your regular chain, big brand bar stuff. Definitely worth popping in if you fancy a change from the norm. read more

Located beneath ground level off new street . Its got a great range of ale and cider . Its quite small and very popular .

Plenty to choose from on tap beer and cider, im more of a lager drinker so not much for me but the other half who's from USA was in his element :) read more

A man - this man - walks into a bar - the Post Office Vaults, Pinfold Street - and orders himself a drink. Or at least he would have done had there not been so much to choose from. Happily, in front of the pumps, half full glasses of ale indicated the type of beverage each tap had to offer. "Yes, Bud?" "Erm, a pint of Salopian Oracle please." The man sitting next to me at the bar confirmed the wisdom of my choice: "It sells heaps, that one," he said knowingly. "You'll be back for another in no time." I carried my drink across the wooden floor to a wooden table and sat upon an upholstered wooden chair. Someone in front of me called out amiably to his acquaintance behind me. They all know each other I thought. They, were mostly men, of all age groups, dotted about this long subterranean drinking den like burghers quaffing out of tankards in a Bierkeller. How trusting they must be to hang up their jackets on pegs against the cream and red ochre wall and then turn their backs on them. I went back to the bar for another drink, leaving my coat carefree behind me. "Heaps," said the man again, pointing knowingly, as my pint came over. When I left to catch the 7:10 train out of New Street I paused awhile on the pavement opposite to photograph the cream and red ochre entrance. "You'll be back for another" said my new friend puffing on his fag and pointing at me knowingly. read more

Great little pub hidden away on New Street. Can be strange when first decending the stairs down into the bar but are welcomed in by the staff and patrons. Tasy beer and cider, they change up the selection frequently enough that there will always be something new to try. read more