please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Lively and pleasant enough with a youngish clientele. Plenty of ales on in good condition. Must have had a few as I don't remember leaving, but I know it was late! Worth including on a Jewellery Quarter crawl.
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Back in Jan 2014 I found the service at Church was very poor.
Last night they was unable to serve any beer. Problems with cooler.
I will return soon to try the beer.
Nick phillips
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Everards pub with 3 of their ales (Original, Tiger & Sunchaser), along with Oakham Citra. Titanic Stout is on keg. It is a corner pub with a bohemian feel, similar to the Spotted Dog in Digbeth. It has a cosy interior and an interesting mix of clientele. Service was ok, without being over-friendly. No real ciders. But they do have Westons in bottles.
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Was passing, so called in Stood at the bar with money in hand. Two bar staff talking to each other regarding the t v the night before after few mins gave in and left.
On the way back thought I would try again, staff still talking to each other rather then looking after customers.
This is a pub with great history, will go back and hope I get the beer that I hoped for at last visit.
Nick S Phillips.
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Very good revitalised pub which serves several Everards ales (do you remember the Radnor Arms? Too long ago and too far away). Its splendid guvnors are friendly and knowledgeable. Its chips are chunky and fresh. It'll sell you porter in the Jewellery Quarter and it is really rather spesh.
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Superb. Now an Everards pub, great quirky interior with roof top terrace an inspired addition! Young staff friendly and engaging. Wide range of cocktails to complement the ales. Definitely a 'must-visit' in the Jewellery Quarter! (Aug 2013)
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Popped in today for lunch. The new owners have done a fantastic job with a sympathetic refurb. 3 Everards ales and 1 guest. Sunchaser and guest were served in perfect condition.
We tried a burger and a jambalaya and both were very good.
They have a very useful function room for hire and a 1st floor sun terrace.
The Jewellery Quarter now has a lot of good pubs!
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June 2nd 2013. I did not think would ever have another drink in "The Church".
A lot of work gone into getting the pub open once more. The pub had a good turn out, people seemed to be enjoying both the food and to me more important the beer.
When I walked in a warm welcome.
I hope it works well and I will return in the next few weeks.
For those who remember good times at "THE CHURCH" it is worth another visit.
Nick S Phillips
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Reopened 25th May. Nice sympathetic refurb inside. Good new seating booths and decor but not significantly changed just well done. New bit is the excellent roof terrace. Old stagers may not like the new place but it does 4 everards beers and those I drank were well kept. OK its interesting food and cocktail based now rather than an old corner boozer but hey an open real ale pub is better than any number of closed ones! Another one making up a good beer circuit in and around the Jewellery Quarter.
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I was passing "The Church" on 16/04/2013. Still closed. But work going on inside.
I had a E-Mail this week, the person feels sure that the doors may reopen in around 4 weeks time.
I hope he is correct.
Nick S Phillips.
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still closed when visited last week
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I have drank in this pub for over forty years, seen some great land lords and staff. Ray Wilkes knew how to offer a beer, not been a beer drinker him self he took pride in his pub.
He put on food and people would travel many miles to eat. The beer and food never got in the way od each other.
I hope that the refurb does not kill the history of this once great place. Birmingham needs the history of its pubs and we have allowed many pubs to get in the hands of people , who drink in bars not pubs.
I look forward to having a drink once more and hope its more then one drink that I return I have.
Nick S Phillips
Birmingham.
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Planning permission for a major refurb submitted be Everards. Includes some rebuilding with a much larger first floor open air, glass walled patio area. All things being equal Feb/March looks to be earliest possibility of reopening.
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Yes, let's all hope so. This once terrific pub has been operating well below it's potential for some years, so it came as no great shock to learn it had limped along into full closure of business. If it re-opens as a competitively priced pub, widening it's custom target beyond the upwadly mobile living-space and loft dwellers of the gentrified Jewellery Quarter (from which admittedly there have been benefits), the Church might succeed where the nearby Brown Lion appeared to have failed. We continue to watch with keen interest.
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Was passing the "Church" last night the lights on but door closed. No idea what was going on but I hope its goon news and the door will reopen soon.
Nick S Phillips
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Very sad to see a pub closed. This was for many years a great pub. I was sure the last time it closed that it had gone with no return. hope this is not the dase this time.
We need to see a younger Ray / Pat looking after back in charge.
If/ when it does open I will return to give it a chance.,drank in this pub since 1967.
Nick S Phillips.
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Temporarily closed but being re-opened by Everards as a project William business so worth keeping an eye on when it re-opens for business.
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Not what it could be.
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3rd stop on a JQ crawl, nice pint of Taylors Best which I feel never gets the praise it deserves due to being overshadowed by their Landlord. Think there were a couple of other ales on but cant recall what. The pub itself was fairly basic, but with a nice fire going in the back room. Very quiet though, even for early evening, but there seems to be some tough competition locally?
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Always drop into (the) Church when in Hockley. Enjoy the Real Ales and the home cooking, the fresh baked rolls,and the home cut chips are particular favourites of mine. Keep up the Good work Vickli
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Hllo everybody, thankyou so much for all your comments, some very confusing so I thought i'd get online and put some upto-date details on.
We are a friendly local traditional pub, the photo is quite old we have had a refurb since, very in keeping with the age of the building, i'll try and upload some! during this refurb we had a new cellar cooling sytem put in and the brewery have provided new glasswear-
We serve Homemade traditional hearty pub food (our homemade chips are very popular and always bring people back.) I still have no sense of portion control but do provide take out boxes for those who cant manage it all.
We are doing some fantastic christmas group bookings so call for details on 07515460175.Ask for Viki.
I have just signd a 3yr continuation on my lease and business is very positive we have a comedy night on thurs dec 22 and a charity band night for help for heroes on fri the 23rd dec, Yesterday I deposited 1000.80 pounds from our last fundraiser for them, great local and community support we are very proud and very lucky.
Th opening hours are
Mon-Wed noon-10pm
Thurs noon-11pm
Fri and Sat noon-midnight
and Sun noon-7pm
Thanku for ur support I hope this info has cleared up any confusions our policy is come in to enjoy or walk on by being miserable! see u happy soles soon!
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Now, having recently moved to Birmingham I've been drinking in this establishment for a while.
Not every weekend mind! But most...
If you are looking for a true, quintessential Birmingham Boozer, look no further!
A visit to the Church Inn on Great Hampton Street will definitely be gratifying, and must be on your Visit List.
You only need to spark a conversation with any of the punters and you�ll be rewarded with friendly conversation. Otherwise, If you prefer to take a little quiet time, there�s space for you too.
The Church Inn is a place where regulars hold family parties, celebrate Christmas together and put the world to rights whilst cared for by the helpful, considerate and caring Landlady.
So, if you�re a person who like�s making up their own mind about where they spend a little free time, rather than following a secondary opinion, The Church Inn I�m certain will welcome you with open arms.
See you there!
(not every weekend mind!!!....)
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Cloudy, warm pint served in a dirty glass....I don't think I will be returning.
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Closed at 9.45pm on a Wednesday night; shame as I enjoyed this pub in the past. No sign on the door so I guess it was just a quiet night. Times are tough in the trade, but 'giving up' cannot be a good idea?
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Went to visit the Chruch inn, served a bad, cloudy pint in a dirty pint...I told one of the bar staff who told me that they had not had any other complaints during the day about the ale and to drink it or leave! Will NOT be returning.
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I pop into this friendly pub whenever I'm in the area. The beer is well kept and better value than other pubs in the area. The staff are welcoming and cheerful and if you're hungry they do hearty meals.
It's quiet sometimes because it mainly a working area, but I've always found it a good place to visit.
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Visited early evening, Saturday 31 July 2010, with a couple of other seasoned real ale drinkers.
The surroundings in the bar were very basic; there were about half a dozen other punters typically drinking lager. There were a couple real ales on tap and we decided to try the Timothy Taylor Golden Best. This is one of the last of the true Pennine light milds, this amber coloured beer makes a refreshing session ale, and it has a smooth and creamy flavour.
On this occasion the way the beer was served, the temperature of warm tea, with all 3 pints having little or no head. All 3 pints tasted sour. I tried asking for a replacement and was offered the same pint poured into a �fresh� glass. The licensee then said that several other drinkers had tried the barrel on the day without complaint, which is unlikely considering the location which is deserted on Saturdays.
No one should ever risk drinking in this establishment, it has no redeeming features.
We walked 100 yards along the road to the Lord Clifden, a wise decision.
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After several visits in the last eighteen months or so I've finally decided to give up on this one. There never seems to be more than half a dozen punters in attendance no matter what night I drop in and they are very rarely in a sociable frame of mind. Tonight's meagre choice of two real ales (T. Taylors & HPA) seemed typical, and my pint was not particularly inspiring, being cloudy and not quite chilled enough. Although I popped in on a breezy summer's evening it was stifling and stuffy inside. The staff are reasonably friendly and the pub has benefited from a lick of paint and new floor, but there is a heavy atmosphere of apathy which is sad when one compares it to the thriving concern the Church had been only two and a half years ago. It would take a considerable turn around to tempt me back again which gives me no pleasure to assert.
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Ray (& Pat)
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Who was the gent that ran it in late 90s and early 2000's? Simple name like 'Mike'. Please advise.
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Please see my review of 11/07/09. I still have not been back, passed many times looked into a empty bar. I note that my review was only one of three in 2009.
If you look at the history of the reviews they came thick and fast in 08,07, you will see in Dec 08 I felt the Church was on it's way back.
But please note I have not been back since 2009 and see no reason why I should.
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New landlady has made this into a good pub. Tidy food and a couple of real ales when I was there.
They also sell some good snacks including Tastees - the best snack of all.
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I have drank in the Church for over 40 years. On 4th June 2009 I was looking forward to a drink at the Church. When I walked in four people were at the bar, one of which were Vickey the (land lady). The person who was with Vickey made a very offence comment to me. To my shock Vickey even though she heard the comment she made no comment it appears that it was acceptable.
I no longer feel able to support this pub which I had great hopes Vickey would bring back to life.
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Thanks for all the Brilliant reviews, really pleased all the hard work is paying off!! Unfortunately due to brewery ties we no longer have holdens, bar humbug the siba scheme who could never deliver on time. Now however we stock Timothy taylor golden best and wye valley hpa as our regulars along with thatchers cider. And we also have either one or two a guest ales on.
Having been very happy with the refurb on the pub we have now expanded and refurbed the large function room at the back which holds around 120 people we will be putting on local bands, moving our karaoke in there so as to keep the traditional pub atmosphere in the pub and will also be opening it up for private functions, thanks to everyone who came on sat for our opening party!!
The Church Inn has a really busy month comin up!!
This Mon ( 25th May) were having a bbq and afternoon disco,
and next Monday, june 1st we have our usual ladies night with bottles of wine just a fiver a jewellery and makeup sale, ann summers party and psychic readings just �15 for 40mins - and she's shit hot if a bit scary!!
on june 5th were celebrating being here a year with a karaoke/disco/bbq/massive party piss up!!!!!
June 20th were having a reggae party with plenty of punch and jerk chicken and maybe even some steel drums!!
During July we will also be holding family friendley afternoon disco and bbq's in the function room and back garden.
every friday is still karaoke and we now have happy hour mon - thurs 7pm - 11pm.
hope to see you all soon.
22 great hampton st, birmingham, b18 6aq
07515460175.
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Visited as per my below comment on Sat, in fact went back after leaving.
Staff were friendly and up for some banter, especially the bar man who gave us the sugar, ha!
Food was value through and through, inexpensive and very nice. All day breakfast recommended
Thanks for a good few visits so far, unfortuantley the holdens ran out as we were ordering, though Mr Scrooge and Rockin Robin xmas special ales were very tasty
Cheers
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A lot good work gone into this pub this year. Those of you who have had many good time at the Church over the years should visit it once more. You could be in for a surprise.
Nick Phillip
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Nice! I liked it though was only passing on way to Lord Clifden
Holdens, very nice pint, will be back, in fact will pop in on pub crawl this Sat
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Popped in on Saturday during a 'crawl' around Hockley. The Shepherd's Pie was delicious and the beer was lovely. I must also comment on the very friendly bar staff. All in all, a very nice pub.
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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.
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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!
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Hi its Viki. hope you are all good. thanks for all the support and well wishes its really appreciated. well loads is happening at the church. It is getting busier and has a great pub atmosphere when you walk in. The brewery have invested a lot and a refurb is taking place as we speak. Don't worry though we are preserving the traditional look rather than demolishing it with a much needed lick of paint, rewire, central heating and a new smoking area. we have been open till now but will be closed for 3 days on october 6th, 7th, and 8th re-opening on thurs 9th oct at our new time of 10am on weekdays with a full english and cup of tea for just �3.90 so if you work local were here!!!
On Oct the 10th (friday night) A huge party is planned to celebrate with a Karaoke and Cabaret show and also a BBQ in our smoking area should weather allow. And a 4am Bar!!
Opening times will be weekdays and match days 10am open with mon-wed 11pm close.
Thurs, Fri 10am-late
Sat 12noon(unless villa or albion are playing at home then we will open 10am) till late
Sun 12noon to 10.30pm
First monday of each month is ladies day with special offers on wine, and lots going on such as beauty treatments, hairdressers, jewellery sales, ann summers parties & psychics.
Thursdays and fridays will be Karaoke with the quiet lounge available on request.
Mon-Wed 7pm - 10pm Meal and a pint for �6!!
Tuesdays and Saturday soirees 9pm-11pm acoustic evenings on classical instuments playing a range of folk, jazz and classical music.
As Ever Sundays get an Amazing Sunday Roast for �6.
Once again thanks for all your support, see you soon. xx
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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.
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I am pleased to see Vickey working hard at the Church. She does seem keen to make her mark on the pub.
I am pleased to see the locals coming back to the pub and Vickey does seem to understand that it does not happen over night.
Those of you who have not yet been back for a visit i feel may be pleased if they did
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Lovely, completly lovely. The Interior is old, yes a bit of T.L.C. is required but please don't spoil it as its beautiful dark wood bar, paneling and furnishings. The beer is excellant too, Everards 'sunchaser and tiger', Holdens 'Bitter' and a new one for me, Robinsons 'Dark Hatter Mild'. A must for anyone visiting the area.
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Hi Its Viki the new landlady from the church inn. I'd like to thank all the support I've had from everyone in the area local bars and regulars and especially the legendary ex gaffa ray. Big thanks also to crazy Joe as the support I have recieved this week from regulars who were in on Saturday and enjoyed having fun in a pub and getting served at the open bar by the tired but soba staff has been amazing. Also I apologise to those of you who have been upset by the noise on a friday and saturday we do have live entertainment which are working fantastically but are happy to offer you the quieter private lounge and a waitress facility. many thanks. see you all soon. (If you like a fun pub that is.)
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Never been in here before, went in on Saturday afternoon, nice enough but bar sealed off.
Drunk blonde landlady in the corner eating a fry up, shouting things at people and sharing private banter with bar staff across the pub.
'If food was as good as sex' she cackled 'I'd be 30 stone.'
How we laughed.
How we left.
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johnnylee, write a few more reviews and you might get some credibility! I'm not a Church regular and haven't been since it reopened. Don't even know if it serves Bathams (doubt it) but it used to be better there than I experienced at The Cliffo.
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WENT TO THE CHURCH INN ON SATURDAY NIGHT, WAS A BIT LOUD BUT NOT TOO BAD, THE MUSIC THAT IS. NEXT DAY I WENT FOR SUNDAY LUNCH AT 1PM, MET ALLAN AND FRAN AND T-BONE TONY. THE MEAL WAS OK, VER NICE IN FACT, WELL DONE TO VICKY ON HER 1ST GO AT THE SUNDAY LUNCHES. I HAD THE LAMB, FRAN HAD THE PORK, I WISH VICKY THE BEST OF LUCK, AND YES I WILL BE GOING BACK FOR MORE SUNDAY DINNERS.
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Attempted to go to the Church last night to try it out since the new ownership. Had to turn round before I got to the door because of the excessive noise. THE MUSIC WAS SO LOUD IT COULD BE HEARD IN TOWN!
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It's good to see The Church Inn reopened, at one stage i thought the pub was gone for good. It's still early days but new Landlady vicky seems to know what she's doing. As posted previously the previous landlord Lee had big ideas but failed to deliver (there was usually an heavy smell of Bulls**t in the air) and managed to piss off the old regulars some of whom had been visiting the pub since before Ray took over. The Prince is welcome to Lee as far as i'm concerned. I like the Lord Clifden as well but it doesn't feel like my local, i feel The Church and the Clifden can complement each other and co-exist. The Church needs to build up its custom from scratch thanks to Lee but good luck to Vicky.
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I WENT IN THERE WITH PAT TODAY, VICKY HAS CLEANED THE PUB UP NICELY, I WISH HER THE BEST OF LUCK WITH IT,IT'S WELL WORTH A VISIT TO GIVE HER SUPPORT.
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good luck vicky from all the regulars at the lord clifden..
tell the giant and beowulf to get a life !!
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same ole same ole,nowt bowsey wowsey about the reopening,having not visited for a long time and hearing the chat at the bar am under the impression that new owners etc.in my opinion slightly cleaner slightly less cluttered but still as grim,depressing and claustrophobic.Good luck to the new owners? I was made welcome but dont think that was enough to make me come back in a hurry.
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Good luck vicky, its great to see the church's doors open again and doing a brisk trade. Contrary to other posters I wouldn't blame Lee entirely for the pubs previous demise, ok he alienated a few customers but he had a vision and got absolutely no backing from Enterprise (the
pub co.) whatsoever, unfortunately this is indicative of the pub trade today and pub co's massively negative attitude towards pubs and communities, as long as there's a beer order coming in to them every week they couldn't give two sh*ts about anything else, lets hope vicky makes a go of it!
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Welcome back to the Prince Lee ~ great to have you back where you belong not stuck in some staid Brummie pub that doesn't appreciate you. Would like to see their faces when they realise you got the Church in the good beer guide for next year. Just a shame the pevious landlord was not into real ale! Keep it up m8.
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Went back to The Church on Friday night. What a relief! I was made to feel welcome and the atmosphere was warm and relaxed. The pub feels like a pub again. Judging by the large number of customers enjoying themselves (young and old) I don't think I'm the only one who feels this way. In reply to the previous report, The Church IS moving with the times, Vicky is putting her own stamp on the pub. The way she is doing it is the polite but business like way, forming lasting relationships with your customers so they come back. Lee always reminded me of the soldier who said "It's not me out of step, it's the others." Running a pub requires more than alienating your customers and donning a greasy cap and moth eaten scarf.
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sorry for all you Locals who think that Lee has ruined the Pub (Church Inn) but you must move with the times! ITs your loss and our gain that he is back at in Moseley in the Prince of Wales with people who are not afraid to broaden their minds, enjoy good music and have a laugh. WELCOME BACK MR LEE!!!!
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I heard the pub was reopening and went down there last night. I don't know anything about the past problems at this pub, but I know Vicky keeps a good pint.
I found the place to be a good traditional local with a friendly atmosphere and good beer. Yes there's still a lot of work to do, because whoever had it last ran it into the ground, but it's got all the signs of being a great success.
Let's hope it soon gets back to its former glory.
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Last night 24th June 2008, I was verey pleased to walk into The Church Inn @ Hockley. I thought the last time I was there was going to be the last.
I thought it would close and become even more flats, so it was with joy that I walked in to be met with a welcome from the new landlady "Vicky".
The pub been closed for a few weeks, Vicky said that she's had a lot of work to get the pub ready to welcome customers back and still got a lot to do.
It was even more pleasing to see some of the old regulars come in.
Vicky said that she not sure what her plans are, she hopes to put on food but needs to do some work on the kitchen first.
The Church able to offer "sunchaser" @ " Holdens Blackcountry" after a few pints I can confirm both are good.
This coming Friday 27th June Vicky putting on an opening party:-
Karaoke/DJ
Buffet
Bubbly.
I look forward to a few more enjoyable nights at the Church.
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I understand that the Church will reopen today.
"The Church Inn" gone through a bad time since Pat & Rays retirement.
I have not yet met Vicky ( New landlady ) I wish her well & look forward to the return of those loyal customers, who I am sure will return if we see good beer and a welcome at the door. Not seen that welcome for some time.
I hope to see some of those regulars soon. I shall have one or two tonight, hope to see you.
Nick Phillips
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IF ANY ONE IS MISSING LEE, ALL THOUGH I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY, HE IS WORKING AT THE PRINCE OF WALES MOSELEY, NEXT ON HIS LIST I THINK.
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So the "problems" with the pub according to Lee were location and the locals! Strange how The Lord Clifden, 50 yards away, doesn't have the same "problems". As previously stated I think the problems were more internal, you reap what you sow! RIP The Church
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WELL AFTER A FEW MEETINGS WITH LEIGH, I COULD SEE WHERE HE WAS COMING FROM,HE HAD NOT GOT A CLUE. FIRST HE TOOK ALL THE ARTIFACTS AWAY,THEN HE GOT RID OF THE LOYAL CUSTOMERS, THEN THE WALL PAPER,AND THE FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN WAS RUINING THE BATHAMS. WELL DONE LEIGH,IT TOOK ME 15 YEARS TO BUILD THE PUB UP TO HOW PEOPLE REMEMBER IT, AND IT TOOK YOU 6 MONTHS TO BURY IT.
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Yipppeeee ! The "To Let" board is up now.... What happend to all the "BIG" ideas Lee? the homely pub, the upstairs smokers area, roof garden etc.etc.etc. You have to look after your regulars first mi old china! - Hopefully will get someone in now who knows how to look after beer and create a nice place to drink it!
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as the previous reveiws state... used to be a nice pub with nice beer... now just attitude and agrovation! Bathams should withdraw their supply to this pub and send it somewhere that will do the beer justice - perhaps the Lord Clifden then we won't have far to go for it. The owners need to decide what they are doing with the place and do it rather than just give the cockney wide boy speel. Not impressed !
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Don't know if this pub is normally open on a Sunday evening, but it was closed at 9pm when we passed by, so we took the advice of others on the board and visited the nearby Lord Clifden, which was indeed very good.
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Well I did go back (see earlier review)but did not stop as no customers and a lot of attitude so until things change avoid at all costs and do yourself a favour and come along the road to the Lord Clifden. 4 real ales and great food.
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as everyone else seems to be saying, this used to be a great pub, but since Lee has taken over it's really gone to the dogs. He hasn't the first clue about running a pub, looking after beer or his customers. The biggest dissapointment is the Bathams, it used to be a thing of beauty but it's obviously not being looked after any more. Hopefully if enough people avoid this place and let Bathams know whats going on then they'll cut the supply off and let a pub that looks after their beer have it. I have nothing good to say about the church, two years ago I loved it, now i'd rather go thirsty.
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I loved this pub and am saddened to see what the landlord is doing to it. I travelled a fair distance for the Bathams and conversation with the pub's characters. I have witnessed on several occasions Lee (the manager) engaging in ridiculous and insulting arguements with regulars to the extent that they've stopped going. What was once a genuine pub has now been 'improved' by melted candles stuck on the mantlepiece above the fireplace and all the original decorations removed. The lighting inside the pub is virtually non-existant. I regret to say the Bathams is now dire, so all of my reasons to visit this pub have now disappeared. If you wish to know what the pub looked like a couple of years ago, visit the Birmingham Camra web page and look in the 'pubs section', you will be astounded! Not so long ago The Church was the Birmingham CAMRA Pub of the Year. I hope it will be again in the not too distant future.
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Awful pub. Used to be a great pub for the Bathams and the Guinness but since Ray left everythings gone downhill> The food was always cheap and cheerful but the one thing you could count on was the beer. When the lads who took over from Ray had it the beer was still ok but now this new bloke has taken over everything is awful. The Guinness is vile and the Bathams has noticably dropped in quality. Hopefully Bathams will find out about this and take it off this terrible pub so that somewhere else in Birmingham can take Bathams on. The gaffer Lee is an absolute ar*se who seems to think he's running a cockny boozer and also seems to think he can treat customers like idiots. When told about how the beer used to be great there and now is rubbish he really doesn't care. He has no respect for the pub, the customers or the beer. They advertise food but it's never on now and half the time it's not open the hours that it's supposed to be. Not a good way to run a pub. I never thought i'd say this but Bring Back Ray! He was a miserable git but he knew how to keep beer.
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Current changes taking time to bed in so i'll put my recent visit down to (in)experience but no excuse for how flat the beer was served. Will try again soon to see of things settled down.
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A good pub situated near the Jewerelly Quarter. I was there for a disco , 'out the back', but the interior is always heart warming on a cold evening (went in Dec 2007). Decent beer too. I didn't have food, but I saw the menu and it looked a good selection. I will be back to try it soon.
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Ambitious boozer retaining the best bits
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Very recently under new management,Nov.07. Better since the smoking ban. Bathams + another real ale. Food is now changed, as yet untried. The new regime has begun to strip the pub of all the old and dusty decor, and new decor appearing seems fine. A welcome sign of good times ahead is the addition of a real fire. This is a pub to watch as it changes after many years of neglect.
Sid98 - 12 Dec 2007 07:53 |
Good beer, miserable locals, mildly interesting jukebox. Very smoky pub. Thats about it for the Church.
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Recently changed hands. Bathams still available and well-kept. Now open on Sundays and serving curry in addition to the famous large meals.
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A black country pub in the city with gargantuan portions
of highly carnivorous food and Batham's sweet, yeasty bitter.
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Fantastic boozer with great pub food and Bathams bitter. Very friendly. Seems to be busier at lunchtime rather than evenings.
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The only Bathams pub in the area.
If you don't know Bathams Best Bitter you havn't lived. Sadly its a very smoky pub, which desperately needs improved ventilation, especially with food being eaten. A very friendly traditional pub.
Sid - 5 Apr 2004 23:00 |
A splendid traditional pub, serving excellent Bathams Bitter plus one guest beer. The food has to be seen (eaten) to be believed - the portions are absolutely HUGE. A comprehensive spirits selection at the bar, too.
I received a friendly warm welcome last Saturday when visiting from London. The chicken tikka and chips were great, and the staff and locals (Alan & Keith?) were friendly enough to recommend some other pubs in the area!
A superb pub, well worth a visit.
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