The Red Lion

This place is a very basic and serviceable pub. I had a beer and it met the criteria of being cold…read moreand wet. I was also hungry and was told that the only food options were a couple of sandwiches. But I was assured that the sandwiches were quite good. I was told by the bartender that the cheese and onion was the best. Fast forward to a couple of seconds later as I stared in horror at this abomination before me. Perhaps they were just ribbing this yank. I will include a photo. It was a dry roll with the hardest block of cheese know to man and four gigantic rings of raw onion. And that is it! I could barely smell it much less eat it. I love the UK for so many reasons--their sandwiches are not one of them. Perhaps caramelize the onions, or pickle the onions, add some mayo or mustard, anything would have improved this thing. I should have know better as I am still trying to figure out the breakfast ham roll that is ham on a roll (no egg, no cheese, no condiment, no thanks). Love the UK but you could level up the Sammy game.

A terrific experience in all aspects…read more Great service, beer choice, and food. What more can you ask for? I'll be back...

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The Craven Arms

4.5(15 reviews)

1.0 mi•Westside

What a little treat! When I lived in the city centre I think I must have ended up in here nearly…read moreonce a week during that time. I love nothing more than going to a classic, and most importantly, quiet pub to relax after a hard weeks work (and even harder partying on a Saturday night!). If you love venues that have lots of character then you should go and check out The Craven Arms. It offers a great selection of beers for the boys and wine for the girls and the food in delicious. You can't beat their house burger and a nice cold shandy.

I've heard rave reviews about The Craven Arms since moving to Birmingham. Brittany A. and I finally…read morehad a chance to try it out recently on a fairly quiet afternoon, and I can easily say that it deserves all of the praise it garners. The Craven Arms was built for Holder's Brewery at the dawn of the twentieth century. Departing from the Victorian red brick and terra cotta style that is so prevalent in Brum, the exterior of The Craven Arms is adorned with lovely blue and gold tiles, making it one of the more colourful pubs in city centre. Inside, the tile and brick switches over to a traditional 'old man' pub style with wood, carpeting, and dark wood chairs and stools. From the outside, the pub belies the tight quarters inside. The pub makes great use of the space though, and the intimacy and cosiness creates a true neighbourhood feel. Once you grab a stool, be prepared for one of the best craft brew and real ale selections in the entirety of greater Birmingham. Black Country Ales is tied to the Craven Arms, and aside from their traditional golden, bitter, and brown, you'll find more real ales, some IPAs hopped to the max, and fun beers like a red hot chili beer. Hard to find bottled beers and cider in the fridge complete the impressive selections. The pub has no kitchen, but they serve up cheese baps (for £1) and allow you to bring in any outside food and will even provide a fork and knife for you. For the serious beer drinker, you can join their beer club and earn your way up toward the '100 club', tasting all kinds of brews along the way. If you are up for an old pub experience with the latest and greatest in new craft beers, the Crave Arms will suit you well.

Victoriana

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Nice windows!

Peaky Blinder

2.5(4 reviews)

1.0 mi•City Core

Bless them for kind of trying, but I don't think that I have ever experienced so many ill fitting…read morewaistcoats! My friend is entirely obsessed with the Peaky Blinders series, so requested that we checked here out on our Birmingham jaunt. I didn't google or yelp it beforehand, and how I wish that I had! I had imagined a carefully researched themed bar, era appropriate, speak easy vibe, and maybe something special occurring with the final series imminent. However, what we got was cheaply dressed mannequins, t-shirts and waistcoats, oddly placed graffiti, a very run of the mill bar and the weirdest karaoke selection I think I've ever experienced (good on the woman singing Nightwish- 13 year old me would have been very happy, not perfectly executed though, shall we say). It all felt a bit *too* local, which I expect is amazing if you are, mind, and it seemed weird to me that the "speakeasy" behind the big bookshelf was closed on a Saturday night on a bank holiday weekend? It entirely feel like they've simply dibsed a name and tried to cash in on the popularity of the series, with the minimum effort that they could manage. I had themed parties as a skint student that I reckon had a greater budget and craft than this. It's a real shame as it almost stops an amazing one coming along and doing a better job. It's a laugh, but nothing more unfortunately.

This is most likely going to be my last review in the UK for some time as I return to my native…read moreland later this week. I therefore had to give this place a try before I left - especially being a fan of The Peaky Blinders. I had passed by this place a few times when it was known as Confessions and it never really enticed me in. So, this time I was more hopeful! Stepping through the door your attention is drawn to the friendly looking bar tender dressed in (roughly) Peaky Blinder style hat. The next thing I noticed was a mannequin also dressed (roughly) Peaky Blinder style. Now for some the mannequins could be considered bizarre, I however am from a small town which considers one of its prime tourist attractions to be a shop decorated with very bizarre looking mannequins! There are a few more of these mannequins type things around the place adorned with a flat cap, and accompanied by instructions not to touch and that offenders will be instructed to leave! The bar area itself is one average size room, it was relatively clean and populated by older gentlemen of varying mental capacity. There was at least one sat alone having a full conversation with himself. The bar itself had nothing special to offer, just the usual bulk items, Carling, Strongbow (original and forest fruits) and Guinness. A simple selection of bottles were stocked in the fridges, the best of which seemed to be bottles of Magners. As for the "Peaky Blinder" theme. Well, I was pretty disappointed. This clearly just an attempt to cash in on the show, with very little actual connection. A few cap clad mannequin's and few pictures on the wall which seem to be screen grabs from the show. So much more could be made of the theme which would no doubt attract loyal fans. This place just doesn't cut it as a themed venue. Its an OK pub but that's about all it is.

0.7 mi•Historical Quarter - Convention Quarter, Westside

Hello poppy rowan

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Happy christmas

The Canal House

4.0(8 reviews)

I decided to take a walk along the canal and find a place to have a pint and something to eat…read more after one loop, I ended up here at the canal house. It's small and cozy and was playing some great music. The menu was basic but was interesting. when I stepped up to order, I was told we're only serving pizza and chips tonight. Eith that said, I ordered a spicy meat pizza and a pint of cold beer. The pizza was exactly what you would expect at a pub, it was tasty, not too spicy, and cooked correctly. The service was good and helpful and I had no problem getting my pint refilled as needed. This is a great place to sit on an afternoon when the weather is nice and watch the people walk about in the area of the canal while enjoying your food and drink. I would return.

Omg!!!! The food was so good! I think I ate it in 8 minutes lol (greedy) or hungry lol. Anywho the…read morefood filled me up and the chef did his thang! The ambiance was nice and the service was great as well.

Seating area

Scotch Egg

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Pie

Old Joint Stock

4.0(48 reviews)

I aim to come back here to try the food too, it looked good- brought here by the bestie whilst we…read morewaited for our sushi booking slot. I'm really glad that they haven't let down the ceiling! I get really disappointed when people put rubbish and/or uninspiring pubs and shops in beautiful buildings (ahem, Wetherspoons, ahem, the apple rape of the beautiful building that was me favourite Waterstones), and these guys haven't disappointed. It felt nicely traditional, but not left behind keeping up with a decent range of beers, a gin menu etc. We cosied up in a pair of wingback chesterfield chairs of which their were plenty- it's nice when a place is packed which so many comfy chairs you don't have to fight over. We were only there for one, but it was a good one, and I would more than happily go here again. I'll update when I fill my face here.

The place is beautiful! An old bank? Several levels....the food? Incredible! I got a meat pie and…read moreside of sausages and my girl got fish and we both said it was the best meal we have had on our trip through UK! The English mustard was spicy and incredible too! You gotta order and pay in advance like most places (all?) in the UK...great selection of beers too! Incredible service! Friendly and even found out for me what brand of mustard they use!

1.2 mi•Historical Quarter - Chinese Quarter, Southside

Everything was great!

The table near us got the pie taster!

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Sausages

The Old Fox

3.4(16 reviews)

Okay, this pub pretty much feels like your typical old man's pub, except that it happens to be…read morelocated in the middle of one of the progressive areas, so I'm not really sure if you can consider that it is actually an old man's pub. Okay, look, it really wasn't all that bad. Personally, I didn't mind it, but it was still a good pub nonetheless.

If you want the best English in brum. The old fox, China Town, great atmosphere, safe and clean…read moreboozer.

Seating

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Bacchus Bar

3.9(62 reviews)

0.9 mi•City Core

Bacchus is decorated in an amusing fashion, with different historical zones- an Egyptian room,…read moreanother like a Victorian study, another with faux Greek paintings. It used to be a wine cellar, hence the name 'Bacchus'. I'm not sure whose idea it was to decorate it like this but it definitely works as it's always full in there. They get coach loads of tourists in-literally. Other than the decor, Bacchus is your standard pub. It's very difficult to get a seat, but when you do, you can be quite comfortable in here for an hour or so. Menus are on the table, just pick what you want and go up to the bar to order food and drinks. Both are more expensive than other pub chains but I would say the food is a bit better than those other chains. Drinks wise, they have decent ciders and beers on tap and in bottles. There's some great spirits too, including some of my favourite gins! Fish and chips, BBQ chicken, scampi etc all appear on the menu and are consistently good. I always find service very friendly and staff seem happy. I often find myself back at Bacchus as it's just such a relaxed way to spend time.

A fun pub is a great area. This cool place is nestled right next to the Birmingham new street…read morestation. All the staff are super friendly and the place has a nice dark lighting. The food is classic pub food and has lots of choices. Includes burgers, sandwiches, PIES!, snacks, starters and all the drinks you need. A classic place.

1.0 mi•Historical Quarter - Chinese Quarter, City Core

Crumble and cappuccino

Tubb from rubbadubbers

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So true! #goodlucktweetingunderground

The Crown

3.3(4 reviews)

Jack fell down (off a pool table in here) and broke The Crown (he actually just broke a chair), and…read moreJill came tumbling after (she fell over trying to pick him up). Just another typical drunk night at the crown. I was most recently in this pub in late 2014 when I was stuck in England for months. I wanted to go drinking (but not alcohol, lol) in the place where one of my fave bands got their start, to some degree. I spent a good hour in here with friends and we all enjoyed it. It's a little run down and dirty and sticky but it's a good old English pub. We didn't pay too much more than we should have for the drinks. My coke tasted pretty good, not watered down. This is a typical English pub, with average prices and a nice facade. It's underrated and it's also secretly legendary. Because a very long time ago, Duran Duran used to hang out here, before they met Simon LeBon of Watford, and before they became famous. And for that reason, it's my review #1980, since they were one of the best bands of the 1980s, and were recording their first album in 1980. If you're a fan of Duran (a Duranie, as they're sometimes known), then when in Birmingham, come and check out this underrated pub, which scores a 5 from me.

I ended up in here completely by random and WOW what an experience!…read more I was out with a group of friends and we managed to get pretty drunk after a night at the Electric Theatre. We weren't ready to go home so we took a stroll and ended up in here. Before we entered the pub, there were a group of people outside, one of which being sick into a beer glass! We thought to ourselves, 'don't be put off, that will probably be one of us later'. So we trotted in and were quite surprised by how busy it was. It took us ages to get served but we kept ourselves amused by talking to a relatively old man who only had one shoe on! We only realised this afterwards and we didn't want to ask him where the other one was in case of another 30 minute drunken chat so it still remains one of lifes mysteries until this day. Overall, it's quite a small pub that gets packed on a Saturday night but I think that's because the drinks are cheap considering its location and there's plenty of characters to keep you amused even if you do have to wait for a long time to get served.

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The Botanist

3.9(38 reviews)

The food, service, and ambiance are 10/10. Best food we've ever had, so incredible vibey and…read moreamazing. Stop reading this review and go!!

Food and cocktails was all made to be perfection Staff esp…read moreAlice she was helpful , friendly and the environment super clean

Outside area with a great view of the canal

The house martini with a shot of Prosecco

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Steak!!!

The Sun On the Hill

3.6(23 reviews)

•£

I was in town, and it was sunday, so the only thing to do was a Sunday Supper. I spent some time…read morelooking up restaurants and looking at menus. I wanted to find something that looked authentic at a decent price. After taking a bit of a walk I found The Sun On The Hill. it was quiet inside, not too many people, but the young lady at the bar was welcoming with a smile and helpful. I grabbed the table and after looking at the menu, I went to the bar and placed my order. Being new to Birmingham, i've quickly figured out that many of these places our pretty much self serve, and pay as you go. I'm okay with that once I figured it out. The choices were Beef, Chicken, Pork, or Vegan, and I chose the pork. The serving came with vegetables a pudding, and covered in a proper gravey. it was cooked well and there was more than enough. I did enjoy my first english sunday supper and would recommend this place for someone looking for a good meal at a reasonable price.

I only have fond memories about previous visits to "The Sun On The Hill", but it's just not one of…read morethose places I visit very regularly. During a catch up over cocktails with Elite Adam S last night, he mentioned that this venue had received a bit of a makeover recently. As it was just over the road from Bodega (the chosen Cocktail venue for the evening), we decided to pay the cheque and wander on over to check it out. First thing to note, it's not that different. You're not going to wander in and be astonished in a "changing rooms" stylee, but it does look smarter. I love the renewed signage on the door and the little design touches in this smart City pub. It's been a while since I had visited, but I did notice that they seemed to have more cask ale on offer than I remembered them having. I went for a pint of "New World" whilst Adam had a glass of the ole faithful "Mad Goose" (with Purity being a fairly local brewery an' all). I do love the mixed seating here. We sat on a table with high stools, but there were comfy booths in the main bar, a sofa area near the door, bar stools and further tables up a level on the mezzanine. It would make a great venue as a "pre-club" stop, a drink with friends, a casual date or even just a swift afterwork pint! Now, I didn't try the food here but I noticed the menu has been updated (as per The Sun At The Station - http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/the-station-birmingham). They are also offering a "Half Price Food On Mondays" offer until the end of October, so I will try and pop in and catch that to give a more round review of the venue. This is a smart city pub, with a bit of a "younger" and "funkier" feel to it than many of it's nearest neighbours. It plays a good selection of music and has a welcoming and friendly vibe. If you haven't popped in before, make a date to grab a pint with a friend and check out this cool venue.