The Red Lion, Erdington

I visited this pub once about 5 years ago and swore I'd never go again but a new landlady and the launch night of real ale provision (four promised) tempted me back and I was not disappointed.

The building is fantastic and there are some great internal features. It's a bit shabby in places though (and way too bright). A little bit of carefully planned investment could work wonders.

I believe Purity and Wye Valley will be regulars with 2 guest ales. When I visited it was Purity Ubu, Two Towers Jewellery Quarter Porter and Beowulf Beorma (I believe Wye Valley HPA came on later). What a great showing for a pub previously bereft of real ale. No point commenting on how well kept as it was the first night, time will tell. Staff were friendly but clearly inexperienced at pulling proper pints (they took their time but got there in the end). Food samples were on offer and I was impressed, seemed like quality pub food.

This really has the potential to be a great pub in an area which is otherwise lacking. I really wish them luck and will be checking back soon to see how it's going.

12 Mar 2011 12:21

Victoria, Birmingham

Establishing itself as a cool pub with a wide range of events from comedy, film, discussion, dj's etc. Some funky artwork in the back bar. Can get really busy with a young weekend crowd but always at least two ales on (including Purity Mad Goose) and usually a guest ale. It's always been well kept when I've been. Definitely worth a visit but if you want a sit down and a chat go midweek.

7 May 2010 12:57

The Wellington Hotel, Birmingham

Traditional pub serving a mostly gay clientele and supporting the gay community. Always one real ale on, currently rotating through the local Aston Brewery Company range which I haven't seen in too many places. A bit pricey for a fairly tatty pub which can be very empty. If you get them chatting though the staff can be hilarious. Unprententious, an okay beer garden but dreadful toilets.

9 Apr 2010 23:07

The Old Fox, Birmingham

Have a soft spot for this place. You find some interesting ales and it always seems fairly relaxed. It has the rare advantage of being a city centre pub which actually gets some daylight in, so if like me, you like an afternoon pint you can sit in the sunny front bar and watch the world go by outside the Hippodrome. Quite and eclectic crowd as well and cheaper than most of the pubs/bars around.

9 Apr 2010 23:02

The Equator, Birmingham

Gay bar with no real ale but you might get a bottle of Old Speckled Hen. Relaxed with a slightly older clientele than some bars in the area. Tries to compete with the style bars but should really just keep it simple, it's small and great for meeting up. Now does a small range of food.

9 Apr 2010 22:58

The Fox, Birmingham

Not sure the other reviews here meant this pub or the nearby Old Fox. The main point to note is this is primarily a lesbian pub although straight women and men (straight or gay) are very welcome. No real ale but the staff are really friendly and there's usually a good atmosphere, especially on a Saturday night. Really nice beer garden. Big minus is no separate mens toilets - all are available for the girls.

9 Apr 2010 22:54