West Midlands pub and bar guide
Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of West Midlands - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.
The Wellington, Birmingham
Address: 37, Bennetts Hill, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 5SN [map]
Phone: 0121 200 3115
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Nearest train stations: Birmingham Snow Hill (0.2 miles), Birmingham New Street (0.2 miles), Birmingham Moor Street (0.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
The Lord Clifden, Hockley, jewellery quarter
Address: 34, Great Hampton St, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, West Midlands, B18 6AA [map]
Phone: 0121 523 7515
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Nearest train stations: Jewellery Quarter (0.2 miles), Birmingham Snow Hill (0.7 miles), Birmingham New Street (1 mile)
Reviews by BITE users:
I brought the in-laws in here for a meal on Saturday after a disappointing Blues match. The food was absolutely delicious and the beer, as ever, was brilliant.
We left feeling very satisfied!
We left feeling very satisfied!
23 Mar 2009 17:54
Went in here for the first time on Saturday to while away some time whilst the missus went looking for sparkly things in the jewellery quarter – have to say I was very impressed. Makes an excellent job of being a funky bar with good beers (can’t be many of them around!), good contrast between the (friendly) footie atmos in the front bar and the more food orientated back area. Nicely done out courtyard area as well. Bathams was spot on when I visited. I’m already a fan of the place and will be making the effort to get out there more often.15 Mar 2009 18:47
Possibly a bit fancier than it needed to be after the new refurb, but its very comfortable, Bathams Bitter and HPA generally always on, fresh doorstop butties are under £3, there is a lot too be said for this place. 2 Mar 2009 16:47
The Red Lion, Hockley,jewellry quarter
Address: 95 Warstone Lane, Hockley, Birmingham, West Midlands, B18 6NG
Phone: 0121 2339144
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Reviews by BITE users:
Late review from October when we visited for a private function, and really liked this pub with friendly staff, lovely rooms and atmosphere. Had Purity and Wye Valley beers.
I had visited before on a 'crawl' with mates, and on my own after buying Christmas presents. I knew my wife would like it here!
17 Jan 2009 12:02
The Red Lion is a tremendously fab, friendly pub in the jewellery quarter. During the excellent refurbishment last year, the landlord restored all the original victorian features and combined these with modern touches. The Club Room upstairs has a unique ambience and the stylish artwork adds to its visual appeal. The food is excellent, both in terms of quality and value. This pub has the magical quality of combining high class food with the finest beers and ales, all against the background of a perfect friendly pb atmosphere.11 Jan 2009 10:25
I brought my wife here on 3 Jan 2009 after a 'spending spree' in the Jewellery Quarter. She loved the place. We ate some splendid food and the beer was magnificent! It is really characterful, has a friendly atmosphere and maintains its Victorian charm. A lovely pub!I had visited before on a 'crawl' with mates, and on my own after buying Christmas presents. I knew my wife would like it here!
4 Jan 2009 15:58
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
Address: Sun Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV10 0DJ [map]
Phone: 01902 351090
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Nearest train stations: Wolverhampton (0.1 miles), Coseley (3.5 miles), Bilbrook (3.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
In the nanny state enforced beer desert that is Wolverhampton city centre on a late Sunday morning, when the authorities order an early kick off for a Wolves football game, one pub defiantly stays open. Packed to the gills with black and gold beerhunters, quaffing fine Bathams and Holdens beers and demolishing hearty breakfasts. Well done the Great Western.
1 Mar 2009 21:06
Called in here last night for the first time. It's not that easy to find now the railway bridge over Sun Street is closed. You need to go under the subway to the left of the station main entrance and then turn right at the end and then keep going, even though it looks like a dead end. Multi roomed pub with two real fires on the go. Holdens pub with Mild, Bitter, Special and Golden Glow on, plus two "guest ales" according to their chalkboard, Holdens Old Ale and Devil Dunn. Someone needs to explain the meaning of "guest" to these guys. Had a pint of the Golden Glow and Devil Dunn, both were well kept and tasty. Good,quick, friendly service with a smile. Sat in the main long room. All the walls are covered with railway memorabilia as you might expect from the pub name. Pretty good this place. Judging by the previous reviews, some people have an axe to grind with this pub. I've reviewed it as I found it (eventually) on a first visit.29 Jan 2009 10:09
Can't see where some of the negativity is coming from. A recent visit proved to be extremely satisfactory for both beer and food - and the service was speedy and pleasant.12 Jan 2009 23:27
The Anchor Inn, Digbeth
Address: 308 Bradford Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B5 6ET [map]
Phone: 0121 622 4516
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Nearest train stations: Birmingham Moor Street (0.3 miles), Birmingham New Street (0.5 miles), Bordesley (0.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Yorkshire beer week, and between our group, all available offerings were sampled, and all were excellent. It is hard to fault this pub, very friendly service, great atmosphere (visiting football fans welcomed), excellent beer. I have been there on a few occasions, and found the beer to be of a consistently high quality.
Does have a great interior, but I've never convinced myself to give it another try.
7 Mar 2009 22:04
Only popped in twice, but on both occasions I've been served a suspect pint in a filthy glass with a scowl from the barmaid, seems somehwhat bizzare given its generally glowing reputation amongst local drinkers. Does have a great interior, but I've never convinced myself to give it another try.
27 Feb 2009 14:41
Called on a Wednesday and had to have a tail end festival beer replaced. As we cannot get here weekends now, we like to call but wish the beers changed more promptly when they reach the end of the barrel.29 Jan 2009 11:04
The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham
Address: 4 Temple Row West, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 5NY [map]
Phone: 0121 200 1892
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Nearest train stations: Birmingham Snow Hill (0.2 miles), Birmingham New Street (0.2 miles), Birmingham Moor Street (0.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
During a recent daytime tour of Birminghams pubs we decided to pay another visit to The Old Joint Stock based on a visit had on a previous outting. I have to be blunt and say I cant knock this place at all, reading coments below makes me wonder if their talking about the same Old Joint Stock as me? Firstly I have to point out a comment below stating that a pint of Discovery was served cold. I hope the person below realises that its meant to be served cold and has the word "chilled" on the pump clip. I only bring this up as it one of my favourite drinks here along with the superb ESB. Some of our group decided to order food this time round and werent disappointed it arrived quickly and was very hot. We visited at lunch time and it was very busy but I felt service was quick and friendly.
25 Mar 2009 12:31
Typical Fullers London bank building conversion, but in Birmingham. The usual impressive high ceilings and old paintings, it's fine but nothing unusual these days. Had the whole standard Fullers range on tap plus a "guest" Gales HSB who are owned by..........yep Fullers, so it's not a guest at all. Had a pint of Discovery which was served cold as usual. Has a theatre upstairs which is pretty uniquel, also has jazz session nights. It's OK for one.23 Mar 2009 21:36
Paid a visit to The Old Joint Stock on recommendation from The Good Beer Guide and Good Pub Guide. The beer selection was very good on the ale front, my friend and I had a pint of chilled Fullers Discovery, there were about 8 ales to choose from if I remember correctly all from Fullers apart from the one guest. The service wasnt as bad as people are making out in my opinion but we did visit when it was quiet. I hear at 5 oclock onwards this place is packed with the local office staff so that could mean a slower more abrupt service. Prices are a little steep but its the city centre so its not over priced by any means. The building and interior are the real stars though, I won't go into details but its impressive. I will be visiting again and alot more often.17 Feb 2009 18:51
Victoria, Birmingham
Address: 48 John Bright Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 1BN [map]
Phone: 01216339439
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Nearest train stations: Birmingham New Street (0.1 miles), Birmingham Moor Street (0.4 miles), Birmingham Snow Hill (0.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Relaxed and pleasantly non-trendy pub in central Brum, a few beers, food good, unfortunately I was there at lunchtime and had to work so no beer on this occasion, but it seemed good, also music and events going on.
19 Mar 2009 23:24
Very popular quiz night on Tuesday. Nice little pub hidden away in the city centre. Definetly worth stopping by.18 Mar 2009 09:43
Visited on a busy Friday night - fantastic atmosphere with lots of different music - reflected in quite a diverse mix of customers. Staff friendly and helpful and a choice of 5 well kept Ales on tap (mainly from wye Valley brewery) Compare this to a few month back when they had no beer and the change is almost unbeleivable. Im told the Sunday lunch is good too , but I will have to find out for myself . 7 out of 10 and on the up.15 Mar 2009 12:30
The Church Inn, Hockley
Address: 22 Great Hampton Street, Hockley, Birmingham, West Midlands, B18 6AQ [map]
Phone: 0121 5151851
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Nearest train stations: Jewellery Quarter (0.3 miles), Birmingham Snow Hill (0.6 miles), Birmingham New Street (0.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Thanks "the giant" for the luck, currently we are doing 16oz t bones and 10oz sirloin steaks, I can order in any wine you request and larger T bones if you require but unfortunately we have lost the bathems. we have a fine selection of sexy beers though with The Dark hatters Mild, Holdens and at least 2 guest bitters aswell. Infact this Sunday all Cask will be on sale for £1.50 as we are shutting for the refurb on mon, tue, wed (6th, 7th, and 8th October)
If you would like to book the number is 07515460175. Just try and give me a bit of warning for any special requests. Thanks for your comments. See you soon.
I was pleased to see that a substantial refurbishment is under way.
It was also good to see good food been served.
I wish Viki would turn the music down a bit, but if thats all I can find fault with I lookforward to many more good nights out.
This is a pub thats on its way back.
Well done Viki and Staff.
If you would like to book the number is 07515460175. Just try and give me a bit of warning for any special requests. Thanks for your comments. See you soon.
1 Oct 2008 15:05
Wish you lots of luck, Viki, though I make a point of staying away from pubs even remotely linked with the word karaoke. Let me know when the 32oz T-Bone with a bottle of chateau neuf and pint of Bathams return!29 Sep 2008 09:44
Hi all, if you can get a copy of "Out inn Brum" turn to page 16 and I think it's well worth a read.I was pleased to see that a substantial refurbishment is under way.
It was also good to see good food been served.
I wish Viki would turn the music down a bit, but if thats all I can find fault with I lookforward to many more good nights out.
This is a pub thats on its way back.
Well done Viki and Staff.
14 Sep 2008 12:17
The Windsor Castle Inn, Lye
Address: 7 Stourbridge Road, Lye, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY9 7DG [map]
Phone: 01384 893666
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Nearest train stations: Lye (0.2 miles), Stourbridge Junction (1 mile), Stourbridge Town (1 mile)
Reviews by BITE users:
This pub & the Sadlers beers in particular are going from strength to strength, fantastic to have the Mud City Stout on, what a beer. With the Shovel down the road also going great guns, its a great time to vsiit Lye!
Maybe not as characterful as a many in the Black Country (and I was particularly spoilt on the day of that trip) as it has a more modern slant inside but well worth a stop for a good few pints nonetheless, especially on a Saturday for the football by the looks of it.
11 Jan 2009 17:18
GREAT PUB, GREAT PEOPLE. The Bar staff and locals were so friendly to my wife and i . It was our first time here, we ended up eating and drinking until last orders. The food was fantastic pub grub, which i washed down with plenty of top quality Sadler's Ales. I really reccomend this Pub!15 Oct 2008 16:01
A pretty good pub serving up some good Sadlers beers. Maybe not as characterful as a many in the Black Country (and I was particularly spoilt on the day of that trip) as it has a more modern slant inside but well worth a stop for a good few pints nonetheless, especially on a Saturday for the football by the looks of it.
13 Oct 2008 20:00
The Vine (Bull & Bladder), Brierley Hill
Address: 10 Delph Road, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 2TN [map]
Phone: 01384 78293
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Nearest train stations: Cradley Heath (1.1 miles), Lye (1.1 miles), Stourbridge Town (1.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
A few years ago i was a regular, this pub is an institution( of the best kind ).
Bathams Bitter and Mild are two drinks definately not to be missed.
22 Feb 2009 19:08
What a great town pub! Wish a few more were like this! Batham’s is heaven in a pint glass. Did not try the pork pies as we had just eaten elsewhere – next time eh? This pub was recommended to me by ‘The Antique’, who knows a few around here and who I met coming up the Hatton Flight.22 Feb 2009 18:57
One of the dying breed of 'Real Pubs'Bathams Bitter and Mild are two drinks definately not to be missed.
17 Jan 2009 15:25
The Bartons Arms, Aston
Address: 144, High St, Aston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B6 4UP [map]
Phone: 0121 333 5988
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Nearest train stations: Jewellery Quarter (1 mile), Aston (1.1 miles), Witton (1.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Visited with Gillhalfpint and Ray on a Saturday afternoon, I had been longing to visit this for years. Dodgy area but beautiful pub, full of interesting nooks & crannies, fantstic decoration and marvellous fittings.The staircase is fantastic. I love Oakham Beers and the Inferno was not a let down, the guest beer was Brentwood Best which was a bit avergae. I'm glad I have seen it, but with nothing else close by I wonder if I will get there again.
31 Mar 2009 19:45
Called in as I had heard there was a beer festival on, and found some friends to join for a few. It was a shame that the handpulls were not all operating - some servicing to be done, so there were not a lot of beers available from the list, but those we had were in tip top condition as usual, as was the Thai food we had. They do cellar runs, but only 2 pints at a time. OK if in a group but a lot when there is only 2 of you and you have a lot of beers you want to try. First class pub though with a wonderful interior.8 Feb 2009 12:07
Edwardian drinking palace surrounded by a forbidding high rise estate. This is worth the walk or bus ride from the city centre, don't be put off. The building dates from 1902 and the tiled interior is spectacular. Oakham ales and also some guests, my light beer was in top form. The pub also functions as a Thai restaurant with a seperate eating room. This does not affect the pub's ambience at all, testified to by the deserved place in CAMRA's National Inventory of historic pub interiors so don't be put off by that either. The previous incarnation has only been going since 2003 after a long period of closure but seems to be very popular despite its geographical drawbacks. A must. 30 Dec 2008 17:55
The Posada, Wolverhampton
Address: 48 Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV1 1DG [map]
Phone: 01902 429011
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Nearest train stations: Wolverhampton (0.2 miles), Coseley (3.6 miles), Bilbrook (3.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Called in again last night. Had a pint of Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted which was very nice. 20p off my pint as I had remembered my CAMRA membership card this time. New quiz machine installed since my last visit. So far so good. Then I visited the gents for the first ever time. What a mess. Dirty and smelly, didn't look like they'd been even wiped down for at least a week, never mind cleaned properly. Disgusting. Do something about it guys. Rating goes down a point or two.
29 Jan 2009 09:50
Nice little town centre local with several cask ales on tap. I had a pint of the Fyne Gold. I'd forgotten my CAMRA membership card so no discount for me. The beer was well kept though. Well worth a visit.2 Dec 2008 15:51
Nice pints of East Green and Spitfire last night with at least another 4 well known cask ales I didn't get to try. Nice little pub in heart of Wolverhampton.27 Nov 2008 10:55
The Beacon Hotel, Dudley
Address: 129 Bilston Street, Sedgley, Dudley, West Midlands, DY3 1JE [map]
Phone: 01902 883380
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Nearest train stations: Coseley (1.4 miles), Tipton (2.4 miles), Wolverhampton (3.2 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
You can walk here from Wolverhampton. Go to Jeremy Road, and follow the footpath heading east. At Northway, cross Wolverhampton Road and take a left up to the Beacon hill; there are wonderful views. Carry on towards the transmitters and the Beacon, and then along Beacon Lane to the pub. There are buzzards and skylarks in the fields. I love this pub. I am fortunate indeed that it is my local.
A warren of some of the best preserved traditional interiors I've seen in any pub. Almost a living extension of the nearby black country museum and one of the finest examples of our pub heritage. The black country is oft much maligned, but I think this establishment gives testament that the area is not without charm. And, yes the beer is very nice too.
5 Apr 2009 21:32
I won't review at length as many I'm sure have said it better, but just to add a brief 2 cents......this place is bloody bostin ay'it!! A warren of some of the best preserved traditional interiors I've seen in any pub. Almost a living extension of the nearby black country museum and one of the finest examples of our pub heritage. The black country is oft much maligned, but I think this establishment gives testament that the area is not without charm. And, yes the beer is very nice too.
3 Apr 2009 10:37
It may be 50 miles away but whenever I'm in the West Midlands I make a point of calling in - it really is an absolute gem. Where to begin? The classic interior, (though I agree with the comment about the lack of real fires), the wonderful brewery and the sublime beers - Ruby has to be one of the classic beers of Britain - a real shock for anyone who thinks Mild is a weak pretty tasteless beer. It's eminently drinkable - but beware -when you step outside!! If you're there in the winter do try Snowflake. Excellent range of other real ales too! Shame Sedgley is a pretty dreary place - otherwise I'd move there!7 Feb 2009 18:19
The Olde White Rose, Bilston
Address: 20 Lichfield Street, Bilston, Nr Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV14 0AG [map]
Phone: 01902 498339
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Coseley (1.6 miles), Wolverhampton (2.7 miles), Tipton (2.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
This pub has to be the best in the area. OK it could do with a bit of a clean up, but the carvery is one of the best I have ever been to for heaps of tender meat and loads of veg superbly cooked. The price is so very reasonable too for the amount of choice. On to the ales and what can I say. At this visit we stayed longer than planned as the choice was great, and all in tip top condition. One to stop off the metro for any time.
8 Feb 2009 12:15
If you are visiting The Robin, get in here first for a cracking selection of beers.9 Sep 2008 18:22
This pub doesn't look much outside and to be honest it could do with a bit of a clean-up with a mop and bucket of Flash. However, try not to let this put you off, the pub is friendly with lots of local characters in abundance. There were 12 real ales available when I visited and I found myself staying much longer than I anticipated - slurp. Would definately return. A 30 mins journey from Birmingham Snow Hill to Bilston station - the pub is a 3 mins walk from the station.10 Aug 2008 22:47
The Whitefriars Olde Ale House, Coventry
Address: 114-115 Gosford Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 5DL [map]
Phone: 024 7625 1655
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Coventry (0.6 miles), Canley (2.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Recent visit proffered 0 drinkable beers out of a good 6 that we saw at some stage in the night.
First few were vinegary, the ones that replaced those returned beers were not ready yet.
Real shame.
The downstairs has become pretty unpalatable. Fave Coventry pub switched to the Beer Engine.
First few were vinegary, the ones that replaced those returned beers were not ready yet.
Real shame.
15 Mar 2009 19:34
A very good pub if you like to sample different real ales. As it's a free house any beer is available! I have recomended a few beers to try and they have had them on as soon as they were available. Large area to sit outside ( could do with tidying ), great in the summer. Can have up to nine ales on but tend to keep only five on unless it gets busy. Food on at dinner only.23 Feb 2009 16:18
recent experience is of having to bring back vinegary beer that had already been complained about by others. Staff slightly arsey.The downstairs has become pretty unpalatable. Fave Coventry pub switched to the Beer Engine.
20 Dec 2008 16:10
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The choice of beers is hard to compete with anywhere, you get the odd one that's not quite right, but that's too be expected from a pub that keeps 15 beers on handpull. I've never been and not found a good one.
I have heard people say it's expensive, which is rubbish really. As far as I'm aware, they price by ABV, so some stronger beers top the £3 mark, some of the even stronger ones may top £4 but most of the session beers are priced as you'd find them in your corner local and lets remember this is a city centre pub, 5 mins from the main train station.
Sometimes its smells a bit, sometimes it's too busy, but well, it's a pub and a bloody good one!