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The Old Joint Stock, pub
Photograph: The Old Joint Stock

The 17 best pubs in Birmingham

Feeling thirsty? Up for a pint (or three)? Here are the absolute best pubs in Birmingham according to us

Huw Oliver
Written by
Huw Oliver
&
Kayleigh Watson
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So you’ve landed in Brum and you want a drink: where do you go? My gosh, where do we start?! You may be up for going somewhere that pairs booze with delish food or a classy kind of spot that serves up only the finest local ales (or maybe just pints, pints, pints) – whatever you’re after, Birmingham can deliver.

Packed to the rafters with character and personality, some of these boozers will cater to those after a lazy afternoon, whether it’s with a board game and book, or catching up with your nearest and dearest. Others will sort you out if you’re simply looking for a Big Night Out – few cities do it better, after all. Looking for the quintessential Brummie experience (and you’ve already ticked off some of the city’s Indian restaurants)? Get to know the locals and drink yourself (moderately) silly with our ultimate guide to the best pubs in Birmingham.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in Birmingham

Best pubs in Birmingham

One of the world’s greatest pubs, The Bartons Arms is a rare treasure among the mean streets of Newtown. Established in 1901 as a Victorian gin palace, it’s still beautifully ornate with original features such as Minton tiles, a grand horseshoe bar and a stunning wrought iron staircase climbed by the likes of Laurel & Hardy and Charlie Chaplin. Book a tour or choose a pint from its fine range of Oakham ales and something spicy from the Thai menu.

  • Bars and pubs

Dating back to 1398 and tucked opposite New Street Station in the Burlington Arcade, this pub is pretty easy to miss. But first-time visitors to Bacchus Bar are always in for a treat, as the descent underground and bizarre interior leave a lasting impression. While it’s not quite Crystal Maze Medieval Zone, once you’re familiar with its whereabouts it’s a perfect place for a catch-up; for starters there’s next-to-no signal, plus it has a warren of nooks and crannies.

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  • Bars and pubs

Chesterfields, Victorian tiles, a full-size red telephone booth and an illuminated tree are just some of the things you’ll find at Bitters N’ Twisted’s Jewellery Quarter outpost. While there’s a bunch of sizeable and unfussy grub at hand, the drinks are where it’s at. With regular happy hours lasting distinctly longer than 60 minutes, you can afford to take a risk and try something out of the ordinary, like the Aero Martini – crème de menthe shaken with white chocolate liquor and cream.

  • Bars and pubs

Split into three distinct areas, Hockley’s The Lord Clifden is that rare beast: a pub that fills up in any season and allows permanent locals and transient Jewellery Quarter-dwellers to exist in mutual harmony. Their garden may be a sun trap, but we love long and celestial summer nights in the laid-back surroundings. With guest DJs, table tennis, a seasonal BBQ and the all-important bar, you’ll find yourself leaving hours after you intended. Oh, and their famous Sunday roasts are back on their revamped post-lockdown menu.

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  • Restaurants

Despite offering more than 100 beers, Purecraft Bar & Kitchen is as often the pick of Brum’s gin-swigging contingent as it is the protectorate of boys’ business lunches or post-work ales. With local legends Purity Brewing partly behind the city centre’s industrial chic, the beer is unsurprisingly served right every time, and the drinks list includes a blackboard chock-full of tasty surprises. Also home to high-quality food, including an award-winning Scotch egg courtesy of head chef Stuart Langdell.

  • Bars and pubs

Just around the corner from New Street Station and The Alexandra theatre, The Victoria holds a darkly gaudy charm that dates back to the nineteenth century. Apparently, it’s even home to a ghost. With quiz nights, live music, finger food and a variety of locally produced ales and wines, there’s something for every kind of tippler here.

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  • Restaurants
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One of Birmingham’s most established LGBTQ+ spaces, The Village has stood the test of time for a reason. Quite the chameleon, the venue has an atmosphere for every occasion – not to mention something happening every night of the week. From bingo to karaoke to live cabaret and a host of stellar local drag talent, it is the beating heart of the city’s Gay Village.

Birmingham is well known for its extensive canal system, and whilst Brindley Place and Mailbox host much of the fun, on the opposite side of the water sits The Canal House. A vibrant pub with generous food portions, it positively hums on a warm summer’s day with its canalside outdoor space and live jazz musicians. And if it gets Presidential approval (one Bill Clinton had a pint on the balcony), it’s worth a round to make up your own mind.

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  • Theatre

Another Grade II-listed building, The Old Joint Stock dates back to 1862 and was designed by Julius Alfred Chatwin (who also contributed to the design of St. Philip’s Cathedral opposite). It started out as a parson’s library before being turned into the Birmingham Joint Stock Bank. Near the city’s business quarter, this eye-catching building now houses both a bar (well stocked with ales) and a small cabaret theatre.

Established in 1368, the aptly named Old Crown is a stunning Grade II-listed heritage building on Digbeth High Street, right next to the Custard Factory. Trivia: Queen Elizabeth I stayed here in 1575 on her journey back from Kenilworth Castle, and while this is still an option, the main draw is its great outdoor space and street food that see it packed with local creatives every day of the week.

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A bit further out from the city centre, in Kings Heath, Hare & Hounds has become somewhat of a cult pitstop for both locals and music lovers from further afield. While the pub has retained its classic layout and Art Nouveau tiling, the lounge is a neon-lit haven and its upstairs holds not one, but two music venues that have seen many a great touring act grace its stages. It also holds the honour of having hosted the debut gig from Birmingham music legends UB40 back in 1979.

At the top corner of Bennetts Hill, The Lost & Found is a pub with a period twist of a very different kind. The fact it was once a bank accounts for the overall grandness of the building (as well as a second secret room that’s available for hire), but the Victorian botanical theme was inspired by explorer Hettie G. Watson. The pub captures her sense of adventure with its sumptuous decor, brilliant food and undeniably lush (and potent) cocktails.

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What happens in Flight Club stays in Flight Club, one would presume, yet the Birmingham pub has had an admirable word-of-mouth trajectory since it first opened in 2019. Bringing darts and socialising to the twenty-first century with its patented – and highly accurate – dart-tracking technology, the game is made simpler with a computerised scoring system that means you can chow down and catch up without having to keep an eye on any tricksters in your group. With counterparts in London, Manchester and Chicago so far, Birmingham has drawn a lucky straw by giving this place a home.

The Shakespeare is admirably small but beloved of its regulars; stroll from the station to the high street and you’ll find this place is always busy. Its cosy nature makes it a great place to stop for a bit of undisturbed quality conversation, while the bar food comprises reliable dishes that go down a treat with a pint.

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Back in Snow Hill’s business district, and The Old Contemptibles is another pub packed full of history. Named after its famed World War I counterparts, the classic building is all high ceilings, stained glass, oak furniture and a menu full of pub favourites. With a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, it is a favourite of locals and passers-through for a swift pint or a more leisurely afternoon.

Not all that far from Brindley Place and the Barclaycard Arena, the former canalside pub has been transformed into a gin distillery and bar. Order the venue’s Roundhouse gin – it’s perfect for sipping on its cobbled courtyard on a hot summer weekend with your lamb shawarma.

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Tucked in the backstreets of Digbeth, not far from the Custard Factory, sits Dead Wax. Previously named the Wagon and Horses, this compact corner pub was renovated by Laine Brew Co. back in 2019 and has gone from strength to strength since. If you’re a music fan, be sure to make the pilgrimage; while it hosts gigs upstairs and DJs in its sizeable courtyard, its USP is the 4,000-strong vinyl collection that DJs dig into in the bar all day, every day. Add in a craft beer and a stonebaked pizza and you’re sorted.

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