please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I have a new favourite Birmingham pub. Four ales on and a series of cosy little spaces that reminded me of nothing so much as my old house (although that didn't have a bar nor pleasant barstaff such as are here).
Some pork was being roasted out the back and I had some which was v. pleasant.
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5th stop on JQ crawl, and tied for top spot with the Brown Lion in my view. I think there were 4 ales on, of which most of us went for the Saddleback - another new one for me, which was so good I quickly got over any initial disappointment at the lack of Bathams. As with the Clifden dont let the Art Bar tag put you off for this is a top quality boozer, with traditional decor and a warm inviting feel to the place.
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I liked the contrast of this pub. Old style decor but with new and inventive art work very similar to the clifden up the rd. staff very welcoming. we sat in the back patio area that was well covered. The owner kindly put the sound system on out the back for us so we could hear the juke box. t.v's also out there.
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As said above, linked to The Lord Clifden - "Urban Art Bar" (?!)
Alot smaller than its sibling, which can be annoying if there are more then seemingly 10 people in the bar.
Apart from that its good. Cask is better in my opinion then Clifden, slightly pricy for its draught products (�4 a pint!!).
Generally go there for the food on a sunday, though stopped going as much as the only area to eat is in the backroom really, and with there only being 4 tables cramped together, getting a seat is an issue. Apparently there is an upstairs, though it is never open on a sunday, which is a shame as it would be nice to have some space. Courtyard is alright, fairly covered over.
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Had some Bathams and a couple of packs of Tastees - havent tried any of the lagers yet. Will keep to the Bitter.
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The problem with refurbs is however much one tries it is difficult to recreate an old fashioned kind of ambience. This place gets kind of close to it but the excellent beers on offer make up up for any slight loss of character. Add to that the fact it serves my current favourite beer on draught (Mad Goose) means it was well worth the tek out to the deserted jewellery quarter.
anonymous - 28 Dec 2009 12:26 |
Went in there today, excellent beer a bit dead at 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon only 4 people in the bar but well worth a visit
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Called in on a JQ crawl, found it very welcoming, good pint of Purity, nice refurb, but not sure about the tele's.
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Posted on the wrong entry, so here is my review copied;
'Taken over by Urban Art Bars, but don't let the name put you off, this remains mostly a traditional boozer and is very pleasant. Two rooms served by a central bar, and dim lighting, tiled floor and mirrors to add character. Some modern additions include chandeliers (quite nice) and pop art (not so sure!) Quiet when I visited on Saturday night, most people watching football. Good choice of beers from Midlands brewers including Purity, but I couldn't keep off the Wye Valley Butty Bach, irrestistible! One of the Jewellery Quarter's best.'
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The Red Lion is a top pub. The Wye Valley is kept very well. The Red Lion also had a different guest beer each tine I visit. Spoke to a couple of local residents last time I was there, who were trying to get more local residents involved in local issues, in conjunction with the pub.
Had some Tastees snacks when I was there - much tastier than the Real Crisps which were also on sale.
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This pub, like the clifden is pure quality. UAB is really a sign pointing out- friendly welcome, gorgeous ales and top quality interesting pubs. The kind I find hard to leave, which as an avid pub crawler can sometimes make life hard
Keep it up
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Lord Clifden's (or the Cliff, or even Cliffie if you really want to prove your credentials as a Hockleyite) sister pub, and for me the preferred watering hole than it's now very trendy sibling. The UAB touch ups don't detract from the splendour of it's beautifully tiled interior and non-sports lovers (fair game in my book) will bristle at the ease the screens can be viewed in both rooms, but will have to admit the resident ale Purity is in top notch nick. Four ales altogether, two of those being guests as well as those �5.00 a pint lagers that the new inner city dwellers insist on drinking. Expect warm, cheerful and good natured service from the dark haired barman, but rather fashionable aloofness by courtesy of the Ian Beale lookalike.
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The Red Lion has been beautifully restored, and is a pleasure to sit inside. The real-ale beer range is wider too than it's nearby sister pub 'The Lord Clifden', this boozer being a continuation of the 'Urban Art' theme but rather more softly done in this instance. Beer quality of what we've had over a few visits has been was excellent too.
But there are a couple of downsides. Both front & back rooms have huge flat-screen TVs, showing sport, which unfortunately dominate the ambiance. Perhaps one TV in one room would be forgiveable, but both means than wherever you sit, you are gazing at others whose heads are angled over yours at the inane sport. The tasteful restoration is so good, that to kill the natural conversation of a back-street boozer with Sky Sports seems like a crime.
The other problem to be aware of is that a function room often seems to have private parties, those attending then spill into the rear bar room in particular, filling it to capacity. So those who've travelled some way to this very quiet Jewellery Quarter location (get the 101 bus from Colmore Row) may find they can hardly get in on a Saturday night. I've always felt that Saturday parties which either officially close a pub or else make it hard to get into, are rather a smack in the face for both regulars and occasional pub explorers, albeit the pubs themselves would probably claim financial necessity. But ring first, would be my advice, so you don't have a wasted journey to a beautiful pub.
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A fantastic find - we spent a few happy hours in here last weekend and were made to feel very welcome by the great staff despite our domination of the jukebox - apologies to the locals! The beer is well kept and there is a good variety of ales. Sky sports was a nice surprise too. Will definitely return.
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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.
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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.
Meena - 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!
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This is a smashing cosy pub in the heart of the jewellery qtr and opposite the historic Warstone lane cemetery. Beer well kept and food is amazing with huge portions. Staff are very friendly and manager Tommy is top notch geezer. Mixed crowd and very friendly.
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Good food, good beer and friendly service.
Fabulously done out, keeping the old Victorian style and combining it with the urban art style from the Cliffo. Perfect location as well.
Definitely would recommend it!!!
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A lovely, comfortable pub with an interesting blend of Victorian and modern. The beer is highly drinkable. A very handy pub when visiting Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. It has a good atmosphere and seems to be frequented by a very friendly crowd.
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Great pub. Still feels like a proper pub, but with Grahams twist on it. The beer is great as you'd imagine, haven't had the food yet but in time i shall, oh yes I shal. I can't help but compare it to the Cliffo but I can't decide which I prefer. The Cliffo will always hold a special place in my heart, but if i''m honesti think i actually prefer the Lion. Although the toilets aren't as fancy, but I don't drink in the toilets... not often anyway. Really friendly staff again, I don't know what else to say. Keep up the good work lads.
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A brilliant pub. Great real ales on tap and a good food selection. The interior is really well done and the art adds a funky vibe to it. They've got Sky Sports too which is always a bonus.
I'll definitely be going back.
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I popped in last night (Tuesday) for a pint and a quick snack. It's a very small pub with a small bar at the front and small lounge (about 5 tables) at the back. It's done out beautifully with some good modern touches adding to the original style. It wasn't particularly busy but it felt comfortable and welcoming.
I had an excellent pint of Purity Pure Gold at 3.8% which was served perfectly and went down very swiftly.
Food is served until 8 o'clock and I had a cajun chicken and cheese ciabatta/pannini with fries for �5.95.
Will be coming back her for the odd pint and spot of lunch. 9/10.
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JUST LIKE TO THANK ALL OF MY CUSTOMERS OLD AND NEW, FOR YOUR CONSTANT SUPPORT ....
THE RED LION IS AWESOME. FANTASTIK REFURB BY M.A.G.S. BUILDERS AND THEIR TEAM ....
FROM BANK'S TO BANKSY !
OUR KITCHEN IS OPEN FOR BREAKFASTS AND SARNIEZ DAILY FROM 10AM THEN ALL DAY TIL LAST ORDERS IS 8PM .
THE CLUB ROOM (THE OLD LIVE MUSIC / FUNCTION ROOM ) IS AVAILABLE TO HIRE FOR SMALL PARTYS, MEETINGS, PRIVATE DINING.
LOTS WILL BE GOING ON IN THE NEXT MONTH SO JUST BARE WITH US UNTIL WORKS ARE COMPLETE, THEN WE WILL HAVE AN OFFICIAL OPENING PARTY ...
THANKS FROM GRAHAM AND ALL THE STAFF
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