please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Nice makeover of a Victorian Theatre Bar by the Bitter and Twisted Company.
Lovely decor inside and good ale - a well kept Salopian Golden Thread.
Worth seeking out.
Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2pxONu4
|
There's something about the Victoria I really like. It looks a dump from the outside. But it's far from it inside. Situated almost at the bottom of the steps of New Street station's new southern exit, it's popularity can only increase. It was an unscheduled stop here, but worthwhile as we found our favourite beer of the day - Cocoa Wonderland from Thornbridge. Other options were Purity Mad Goose, Sadlers Sorachi Solo, Blackjack Royal Flush & Left Handed Giant Brewing USPA. Much quieter than on my previous visit and an older clientele. But I'll be back.
|
Very dark inside the main bar, only one of the bar fronts serves real ale, so you have to push your way through the throng that stay in front of the handpumps. I wish they woulld move to one of the other bars that have more room.
|
A wee bit too cool for an oldish bloke but any port in a storm in what passed for summer in these parts. I had a pint of Cloudwater Grizette, apparently a Belgian ale style & quite tasty. At 3.80 it was the dearest pint by miles I had in Birmingham, only approached by that other hipster haunt Sun on the Hill. Suppose you have to pay for artisanal styles but as I was the only one in on a Sunday afternoon I wonder if the range & prices are uber popular.
|
Popped in for a quick - impossible as the service was too slow, so hotfooted it to another pub instead. Noticed a couple of real ales on tap but sadly beyond reach.
|
A great option not far from New Street and for peddling the majestic Titanic plum porter alone, this pub might deserve pretty near to full marks. We enjoyed the steampunk flourishings and the 'ole South' dominated menu looked interesting although we did not partake. There is a hint of a hipster den about it which is a rarity in Birmingham and a theatre nearby is always good for a pub leading as it does to a mixed clientele. A semi jokey ban on various things including wearers of football shirts could be conceived as a classist though - and service was woefully slow (someone was ordering coffees and playing by card God Forbid!)
|
Just like all the "Bitters n Twisted" chain bars, this one is full of incompetent staff who cannot pour a pint.... Awful, though slightly better than Island Bar around the corner....
|
Interesting pub, after a few pubs/beers this one seemed 'complicated' - I was aware of other areas here but we stuck to the front of the bar. There were about 5 ales on included two from the Redwillow brewery - I tried the Wreckless - somewhat of a change from all the stouts I had previously imbibed. Very nice.
|
Not quite sure to make of this pub. But overall my impression was positive. It took a while to be served as people were served out of turn and some of the bar staff seemed to be spending most of their time dispensing cocktails. (as also seen by the previous reviewer). Nevertheless, the beer choice was good and pumpclips suggest they often have a good choice. There are 3 rooms circling a central bar. It was very busy on my Sunday evening visit and there were no tables available. Beers on were Thornbridge Hopton, Hardknott Lux Borealis & Titanic Chocolate & Vanilla Stout. I think I will give this pub another go when in this area of Birmingham next.
|
Update on my review 30/5//2007. Re-invented in recent years as previously commented. All I can usefully add is prepared to be kept waiting at the bar for long, long stretches of time if the person before you is ordering food and cocktails. Both of these requests will be dispensed with the maximum of flamboyance from the staff, and your still un-served presence will not even be acknowledged with a look let alone a word of courtesy. By this time you will have all the information you need to decide whether to persevere or head up to the equally re-invented Craven Arms.
|
Thought it`d be full of luvvies seeing as it`s next to the theatre but was frequented by beardy studenty types huddled over half a cider when I went in and that included the females! (Only jesting) Ok it was a bit pricey but it`s probably to be expected for the location and the fact that it`s a `real` pub. Ale was of decent quality (Had a guest beer) and it came in a jug! Can you imagine getting beer in a jug these days? I can remember them in the 70`s...Hospitals did a roaring trade because of `em! Anyway a decent change of scenery and recommeded for a visit.
|
couple of ales on normally wye valley and purity quality ok different decor which we liked ,the music playing was strange ,a bit hit and miss on the service.
|
Was in here on Good Friday afternoon for a few pints. Couldn't see any sign of any real ale, so had to go for lager. Decent range of said lager available - Brooklyn Lager, Red Stripe, Asahai...the place was quite cool and fun. No doubt more lively at night and during student evenings. Would happily go back.
|
A bit like the trendy nearby Sunflower Lounge. Always guaranteed to see scarves indoors here.
Good range of drinks. They always have at least two real ales on, and a good draught cider in Stowford Press. Fairly pricey though - not uncommon for a �3 pint.
Loads of events on as per the reviews below, but unfortunately, went here a few Tuesdays ago for their Sound & Vision quiz, alas alas, they'd stopped it until October for "when all the students come back" - immediately tells you the type of its usual clientele.
There's a stunning barmaid that regularly works here; picture Thandie Newton, but a bit taller.
Overall, a decent pub, and getting better.
|
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.
|
Large dark place from what i can remember. Beer seemed to be kept well. Poker was running in the large bar.
|
Doesn't look too promising from the outside, and initial impressions of the interior are also a bit off-putting - rather gloomy. However, the Butty Bach was on top form and the other customers and staff all seemed friendly enough. Very close to New Street station if you want to nip out for a quick pint whilst waiting for a connection.
|
Cool pub, good mix of people, there are better places for choice of beer, but in terms of environment/atmosphere I think this is as good as it gets in Brum. A similar sort of things as the Fighting cocks in Mosley or the Hare & hounds in Kings Heath.
Apparently the same people now own the Jekyll & Hyde up near Snow Hill, which can only be a good thing.
|
This pub is fast becoming a regular haunt on trips to Birmingham . Very busy but with good service , nice mix of clientel , food looks great - I havent tried it ...yet and a good selection of well kept Ale , 2 from The Wye Valley brewery. On Fridays the DJ plays one of the largest selection of tunes that I have come across - Ian Dury , Human League , stone Roses and a bit of Dance too . recommended and good for a late drink on the weekend. 8 out 10 and getting better.
|
This is turning into one of the best pubs in central Brum. The Wye Valley beer is well kept - �2.80 pint for Bitter and Butty Back, and a guest ale. A good selection of lagers. Music & DJ's are v.good, good atmosphere, hope it lasts!
|
Nice boozer, cosy, clean interior. The Wye Valley beer is fantastic, i hope to go back soon..
|
Currently undergoing a refurb on the outside so it�s covered in scaffolding, don�t worry it�s still open! There�s an island bar in here with stained glass windows and dining tables round 2 sides. The back room has interesting futuristic cartoon murals all over the walls, well worth a look. This room also has comfortable chairs and sofas, very lounge like. Four handpumps on the bar but only three on, Wye Valley Bitter and Butty Bach plus Purity Mad Goose. The bitter was in good nick. I didn�t eat here but the sandwiches being served whilst I was there looked huge.
|
best pub in birmingham by a mile. fantastic live music, and the staff are really friendly too :)
|
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.
|
Very popular quiz night on Tuesday. Nice little pub hidden away in the city centre. Definetly worth stopping by.
|
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.
|
So far this is my favourite pub in Birmingham City Centre. Friendly helpful staff, and the choice of music is excellent. The first time I went there for lunch there was a problem with my order, but the staff were lovely and sorted it out wihtout any issues. I'd recommend it.
|
Well done up - splash of greenish paint about the place. Gigs and DJ's are on a regular basis. The beer is �2.75-�2.85 a pint for the Wye valley Bitter & Butty Back - reasonably well kept as well. Good vibe, gets busy at weekends. Hopefully more to come on the gig front.
|
Loved it, new quirky little place, well managed and good prompt service. If its a Gay pub it's very straight friendly.
|
Much better now it's been taken over by the people from the Island bar. They have two ales (Wye Valley Bitter and Butty when i was in) but it appears to be new staff as the barman attempted to top up a half pint with the first pulled of a new barrel through a new line, once we explained to him why he shouldn't be doing that he was fine, so hopefully it won't happen again. Nice to see they're trying, i'll be back.
|
A nice enough pub. Gay scene connections are evident, but no attitude problems for us. Beer OK, music good and loud enough but not too loud, bar staff friendly, building nice.
|
Not the cheapest pub in the area, although they do have a five minute happy hour at some obscure part of the week. However on a good night this pub has shed loads of atmosphere and charm. Plus good food and a notorious karoake night to boot. And this hetero sexist pig of a scribe has never once encounted any hostility from percived lesbians or otherwise during all the times he's visited it.
|
Reasonable pub not far from New Street Station.Very popular with the theater crowd from the nearby Alexander.Can be good fun, although it does tend to atract the more aggresive lesbians.Shame,as this is a long established bar with great connections to the Brum gay scene.lets not ruin it girls!!!
|
