BITE user comments - thegiant
Comments by thegiant
Revisited yesterday evening and things seem to have gone downhill. Judging from conversation between landlord and the one customer other than me, looks like previous landlord has left. The current guy is looking after it short term.
The food was disappointing and the beer was under par.
24 Oct 2013 19:41
The Black Jug has tried hard to provide what the "middle classes" want from a pub these days and it seems to have succeeded.
It is warm and cosy, good range of well kept ales, wines and whiskies. The furniture is hotchpotch of various old chairs and tables as is the vogue. The staff are friendly and efficient.
The food was OK. Again they are trying hard but, judging by our one experience, it is not quite right.
It was nicely busy Friday lunchtime and evening.
6 Oct 2013 09:50
Looks can be deceiving! Looking for a somewhere for lunch, we almost walked past The Pilot. It looked a bit dark and lifeless and no mention of food outside the pub. Glad we went in as the food offering is well-considered and good value.
Decent range of ales though I had a cup of tea (nicely served with a decent biscuit) as I was driving back to B'ham and didn't want to fall asleep!
Service was pleasant enough.
26 Sep 2013 16:37
Blue Scrumpy, are you confusing this pub with the one of the same name in Warwick Street, just up from The Anchor?
18 Sep 2013 07:47
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!
10 Jul 2013 20:57
Jonbag, the post is still there and he didn't say he stumbled. Now stop clogging this thread with rubbish.
22 Jun 2012 08:20
Reopening today, after an extensive refurb, as a "Hungry Horse" establishment.
28 Mar 2012 17:11
The Old Poet's Corner, Ashover
This pub just has everything right! A beautiful building, great range of beers well-kept, real fires, great traditional English food at reasonable prices, superb atmosphere.
Unfortunately for us, kids only allowed in the restaurant area. Not too much of a problem as it's got a really nice atmosphere, but it meant we couldn't sit by the open fire in the bar area.
They make their own sausages but, disappointingly, only about half the range was available. I'm a big blackpudding fan but the pork and blackpudding sausages were not to my taste. It wouldn't put me off going back as the food generally was very good.
4 Nov 2011 09:43
I can agree with earlier reviews. The ale is superbly kept, the tasting notes are detailed and useful. The food is of a really good standard for traditional English fayre , the portions are large and I can heartily recommend the steak, stout and pepper pie, I have not tasted a better pie. The chips are homemade, freshly cooked and delicious.
The pub is beautiful in a traditional, unspoiled way, the staff are really friendly and helpful and children are welcome.
If I had one criticism it would be that there aren't all that many tables for a group of 4 to eat in the main part of the pub. The restaurant room at the back is fine but does not have the same atmosphere.
All-in-all highly recommended.
4 Nov 2011 09:38
The Craft Beer Co, City of London
Good beers and don't forget to pop into The Griffin just around the corner for a bit of flange-dancing!
26 Aug 2011 14:28
Disney's Olde Thatched Inn, Ilfracombe
This is a very pretty thatched pub on the Hele Bay side of Ilfracombe. The inside is cosy with wood panelled walls and a real (I think) fire. It's popular with diners but we didn't try the food. There are several real ales which were served too cold for my liking. There's a reasonably large outside seating area which must get popular on sunny days.
16 Aug 2011 19:33
SteveBrum - there is a "Forge" not far away. Think this is closed and has become a backpackers.
8 Oct 2010 19:37
Actually, SteveBrum, juts open in the evenings last time I looked.
8 Oct 2010 19:36
Not at all, Blastbeat! Not at all. Has just received a new roof so not demolished.
30 Aug 2010 19:56
Re patrick 66 comment about "head". This is probably down to the use (or non-use in the Wellington's case) of a "sparkler". A sparkler is a nozzle with lots of little holes in it to create little air bubbles that make for a creamy head. It also diminishes the rawness of the taste. Pubs in the North tend to use Sparklers. I prefer my beer served "flat" and raw so I can get a strong hoppy taste rather than the blander creamy one.
I suspect The Wellington are very thorough in their pipe-cleaing duties!
24 Jul 2010 14:22
As Newquay is generally full of chavvy stag/hen parties, the good places need to hide themselves away. The Lewinick is certainly off the beaten track and, looking like a shack at the end of a dirt track, does not look all that alluring.
Once inside, though, things are much better. There is a good range of [4] local ales. The food aims higher than most other pubs in Newquay. There is sky sports and a pool table. There is a decking area with great views to the ocean.
A few notes of caution. The ale is expensive at �3.10 - �3.20. The beer I ordered was cloudy and tasted off but was readily changed. The fishcakes were a bit on the dry side and the food is a tad expensive. There were several dogs (canines!) in there.
Definitely a place for the more discerning Newquaian! Highly recommended if you're in the area.
1 Jun 2010 11:01
On recent visits the guest ale has been below par. Today I had what was labelled up as Top Totty. It was too dark to be Top Totty and tasted nothing like it. The barmaid investigated and found it was actually Ruddles.
Still, it's good to have 4 real ales on and the food is good value and quality. Can't go wrong with the Cheese & Onion crusty cobs for about �1.30.
11 Mar 2010 13:57
Goose At The Fighting Cocks, Moseley
One thing that keeps me away from here on a Friday night is how difficult it is to get served. However, last night was a pleasant change.
The best thing about this pub is that there is a very even mix of the sexes - not just full of blokes. And the women are quite nice to look at!
28 Nov 2009 09:05
Old Moseley Arms, Balsall Heath
The quantity of real ales on seems to be increasing. They had 2 guests on yesterday and the one we had was in very good condition. There's a real ale festival on there 10th-12th Dec.
Don't forget, there's another room upstairs with a pool table. There's also a new digital jukebox at �1 for 5 goes, not bad value.
A definite "Oasis" on the edge of Moseley.
28 Nov 2009 09:01
I'll add my thanks that someone is taking good care of this gem of a pub. Given that it's just off Broad Street and round the corner from "Gatecrasher" you wouldn't be surprised if it tried to attract the young/trendy crowd. However, all traditional aspects are retained including a good range of ales. The Davenport IPA was very enjoyable.
22 Nov 2009 18:07
Has now been taken upmarket a little. Was very quiet last Friday. Judging by the decks in the corner, it might get busier later. The front bar has now changed no pool table and no old men. There is a pool table in the back but access is restricted from both ends. A couple of real ales were on but not memorable.
22 Nov 2009 18:01
The Prince of Wales, Birmingham
Looked a bit blokey and rough in there last Friday so walked on by. Maybe it was something to do with The Arctic Monkeys being on at the NIA.
22 Nov 2009 17:59
This place was doing a pretty good trade on Friday night. Seemed like the sort of place you'd go with a few friends for a chat if you weren't feeling too exciting. A bit dull for me. The beer selection - Spitfire, Bass & Pedigree - didn't help.
22 Nov 2009 17:57
Another smart place in the commercial district. Originally an independent called Mortons before it became part of the ABO chain, it has fortunately kept some of its original character. It's long and narrow so, unlike, Metro down the road, doesn't feel totally empty and exposed when there aren't many customers in.
It use to have a few real ales on handpull but they seem to have gone now. It seems to specialise in foreign lagers now, much like its sister in Brindley Place.
22 Nov 2009 17:52
Metro Bar and Grill, Birmingham
Slap bang in the centre of Birmingham's commercial district so expect to see the suited members of society knocking back copious amounts of champagne and young ladies looking for the finer things in life the easy way.
Can be very hit and miss. In the old days you could guarantee it would be packed on a Friday night but walked past Vendredi last and it was quiet.
Several real ales on, including a nice Davenports IPA. to the rear you can get some decent food.
22 Nov 2009 17:04
Thursday lunch at 12:30-1:00 I was the only customer! I had the most awful ham/cheese panini I've ever had - seemed to have been frozen/microwaved.
On the plus side it's pretty and cosy with a couple of coal fires on the go and has a range of real ales.
Food at the George & Dragon much better.
19 Nov 2009 23:17
I feel the need to reiterate how good The Anchor is. I've been to all of the real ale pubs in Birmingham including recent visits to several that are currently in vogue (e.g. Wellington, Clifden, Victoria, Red Lion, Contemptibles, Joint Stock). These other places demonstrate that real ale in Brum is thriving. What I've also found though is that the ale in The Anchor seems that bit better. I note the reviews that question the quality at The Anchor and I've had a few dodgy ones over the years (and it's not always that easy to get it replaced). A few weeks ago I finished a crawl by visiting The Anchor. I'd had the ubiquitous Purity and Wye Valley beers at the other establishments and they weren't bad. One of Anchor staff, knowing my usual tastes, recommended a golden ale that was a huge cut above what had gone before: it was so fresh and zingy and just hit the spot. Again last night my chosen beer, Shropshire Lass, was superb.
I have been to The Anchor when none of the 8ish ales on satisfy my taste buds. Recently though I seem to have been lucky (maybe the fact that golden ales proliferate in the summer).
The staff (some more than others, especially in the day time) can seem a bit surly. But, get to know them, and they can be a great help in identifying the ale that will suit your tastes.
Oh - and there's a new pool table which is a great improvement on the old one!
23 Aug 2009 19:59
Big square corner pub done out in clashing styles but attractive nonetheless. High ceiling. Specializes in whisky with huge range lined up at the back of the long bar.
At least 2 real ales.
Table football at �1 a time and free jukebox with good selection of music.
Live music upstairs.
21 Jun 2009 17:42
Very friendly service. Meatballs off the lunch specials board were very good and not bad value for �6.95.
Unfortunately the 2 ales I asked for were off and didn't fancy the other 2.
Very nice building - spacious, light and airy.
21 Jun 2009 17:35
Pleased to report that this Saturday there were two very friendly bar girls (Alex and Yohanna) who could both mix a good cocktail. The bar man was a jovial chappy too.
21 Jun 2009 17:31
Ignore my last comment - wrong pub! Was thinking about a totally different area!
6 Jun 2009 20:43
Beowulf, I'm pretty sure it's been closed for more than 7 years. I'm sure it was very popular when the area was inhabited by Irish Immigrants but has declined since the population became predominantly Somalian.
It's a real shame to see the demise of wonderful old Victorian boozers. Just down the road from here, also in the "Somalian" district, The Victoria has been turned in to a police station (to deal with the machete-wielding, bus-raiding Somali youngsters) and The Angel, dating back to around 1812 I believe, is being redeveloped into housing.
6 Jun 2009 18:02
The Old Contemptibles, Birmingham
A few years ago The OC's was suffering from a lack of investment and was a very sorry place. This was rather surprising given its location in the business district of Birmingham. Now it has been done up to the appropriate standard it's a very nice boozer indeed.
It's plus points are:
- good ranger of real ale (including micro)
- nice decor
- sausages (though I haven't tried them)
- busy atmosphere
The only bad point I would like to make is that it is difficult to get served in there. When I raised this with the bar manager ha head a rather poor attitude, along the lines of "We're busy so you can like it or lump it".
6 Jun 2009 09:57
I feel a little disappointed with UAB after my experiences last Friday lunchtime. I walked from town to The Red Lion to treat the wife to a spot of lunch and a pint and was excitedly looking forward to it after a recent very successful visit. Unfortunately there had been a power cut and consequently it would take at least 40 minutes for food.
Not to worry, we diverted to The Lord Clifden. Further disappointment ensued, a very limited menu of sandwiches and baked potatoes. What happened to the sausages, burgers, paninis etc. described by the landlord in his blurb (above)? Is it because they were operating a Xmas menu available only to those who had ordered in advance?
Anyway, one sandwich arrived and the bargirl apologised that the chef had done the panini as a sandwich so it would be a couple of minutes to rectify. 10 minutes later the sausage and bacon panini arrived without the bacon. The fries were awful and not worth the effort to eat. Why weren't they like the fresh, golden crispy things I'd experienced at The Red Lion not so long ago.
And what's all this about having to pay "just �1" to pay by creditcard.
What's going on, UAB? I guess I can't blame you for the powercut but so many disappointments in such a short space of time?
16 Dec 2008 23:22
Most of the pubs round the Blues ground are not in the least foreboding. The BB, however, threatened at least a small amount of menace. No old men present here. Loud techno music, brightly lit, pool table round the back and rank M&B mild.
Don't go there unless you're a Zulu Warrior!
8 Dec 2008 23:25
The Cricketers Arms, Small Heath
A real surprise awaited on entry on a dark and cold Friday evening to this inner city boozer - a real fire and dim lighting with several old men snoozing by their pints!
A separate room with pool table and a good jukebox turned up nice and loud.
Liked it and would go back if it could offer a decent ale or 2. Unfortunately just the usual M&B stuff.
8 Dec 2008 23:22
The Brighton Arms, Small Heath
For an old pub, it's got a very modern interior. Not really to my liking but pleasant I suppose.
Reasonably busy for a Friday early evening. Pool table. Sikh landlord.
Not much else to say really. I wouldn't rush back.
8 Dec 2008 23:19
The St Andrews Tavern, Small Heath
Looks a bit scary from the outside with its painted flags of St.George adorning the walls and notice welcoming home supporters only. But inside there's a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
M&B beers. Pool table. BCFC memorabilia and done out in the appropriate colours. Large covered beer garden area - no doubt to pack 'em in on match days.
8 Dec 2008 23:16
The Custard House, Small Heath
The Custard House looks well kept from the outside and the inside offers a bright and warm reception. There is a pool table and dart board. Beer is M&B. Quite busy for a Friday lunchtime. Seems to be a thriving Irish community pub with a landlord that is making and effort getting results. Would be good to have as your local.
8 Dec 2008 23:12
You're not going to stumble upon The Monica, you've got to actiely seek it out as it's not on a main road. Once you get there, you'll wonder why you bothered. The large sparsely furnished front bar is not very welcoming. At least there's a pool table.
However, it's worth venturing through the back to see the huge function room with large, curved, leaded skylight. I imagine that back in the day this room would have been crammed with the local Irish population listening/dancing to a band on the stage.
There's also a small lounge. Beer = M&B. Barmaid friendly enough.
It's hard to see how this sort of pub can survive these days. Go see it before it's too late!
8 Dec 2008 23:08
The George and Dragon, Small Heath
A 1960's pub with no architecrural merit but very welcoming and friendly. Like everywhere else round these parts serves M&B beers but at least they are served well. Just a few people (old men) in the front bar when we visited on Friday lunchtime. Didn't get to see the lounge bar.
8 Dec 2008 22:48
This is a large impressive 3 story building that has seen better days. The clock tower was damaged by the tornado that ripped through the area a few years ago and recent rain got through and further damaged the building right through to the ground floor.
There are some good original features incluidng some impressive tiling and first floor windows with etchings.. It is listed in the CAMRA national inventory
There is a bar with dart board. Beers are M&B. There is a small lounge behind the bar and a separate large pool room.
8 Dec 2008 22:39
The Samson and Lion Inn, Bordesley Green
Apparently been closed since September 2008 but the guy at the offy over the road said it is reopening in Feb 2009.
1 Dec 2008 20:22
I wonder if kiwiphil has ever been to Birmingham, never mind The Lamp!?
It's not the sort of pub you'd make a special visit to Birmingham for but, if you're in the area, it's well worth checking out. It's small, quirky, cosy and the ale is excellent.
Take in The Lamp on your way from Digbeth to The Chinese Quarter where the range and quality of the food is fantatstic
28 Oct 2008 14:44
The Red Lion, Hockley,jewellry quarter
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.
22 Oct 2008 09:57
Mook, forget the game of pool. The back room has been turned into a function room, minus the pool table.
As for getting in, I can't comment as I only ever go at lunchtime and I don't think anybody gets turned away then.
18 Oct 2008 20:49
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!
29 Sep 2008 09:44
Yes, found The Red Lion now but it seems to be one of those "invisible bars" as it does not appear in lists of "pubs nearby". It is also not listed as "Jewellery Quarter".
27 Sep 2008 08:48
Well done with The Red Lion! Cracking little pub in The Jewellery Quarter. Like what UAB are doing around here, just the sort of places the JQ needs. Need to get The Red Lion added to BITE.
26 Sep 2008 15:53
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.
15 Jul 2008 14:13
Thanks for the offer, Tom! I'm not trying to make a big point about the Bathams - it was really good. It's just that it tasted marginally better at The Church (where it was legendary). The Saturday I visited I had Wye Valley HPA and it was probably the best beer I had that day (and I went to 12 pubs in total including The Lamp!). Keep up the good work!
2 Jul 2008 18:50
Adding to my previous post, last time I went in on a Saturday lunchtime there was no Bathams and was told there wouldn't be any until "somebody got up and put it on"!
1 Jul 2008 16:28
The Bathams was good but I agree with Beowulf, it didn't taste quite right. It used to taste better at The Church.
1 Jul 2008 16:26
This pub is a beautiful red brick building in the heart of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter and is listed in The Historic Pub Interiors National Inventory - Part 2.
They had one real ale [Black Sheep] on when we visited on a Saturday lunchtime. The barmaid trashed a couple of them before serving us a couple of pints that were definitely the wrong side of their sell-by date.
Pool Table in a corner by the public bar.
23 Jun 2008 18:48
Visited on Saturday afternoon. Lovely building. Just a few punters. Had a reasonable pint of something golden. Landlord was complaining that things were quiet and how he was going to introduce karaoke to liven things up! It's amazing how many people who run pubs don't seem to have a clue how to make them a success. Surely this pub should draw trade from city visitors wanting a good pint in a fine pub away from the dross on Broad Street?
16 Jun 2008 11:56
Is now called The White Swan. Pool table in the front bar with a few old men sitting round the edge (Sat afternoon). Didn't explore the rest of the pub but seemed to have a large back room and beer garden.
The do serve real ales and the Spitfire was good.
It seemed a really nice old-fashioned sort of pub and is a welcome alternative to the crappy places on nearby Broad Street. It's right in the middle of a lot of city apartments so probably does well out of residents.
16 Jun 2008 11:49
Lovely Victorian corner pub. 3 ales should have been on when we arrived on Saturday lunchtime. But they weren't as the barman did not have the keys to the cellar! Similarly, no ice. This was rectified for our 2nd round and had a nice pint of a beer with "blonde" in the name served in an old-fashioned "jug" pint glass.
16 Jun 2008 11:43
I posted the first review of TLC in Dec 2005 and uploaded the picture and got the name changed from The Lord Clifton. Last Friday I went for the first time since then. It's been refurbished very nicely and is somewhat unique with its location , DJ and table tennis table and its cleanliness!
I was planning to try the food but at 8:00 on Friday night, it's more geared to the DJ playing his music so went to Lalhezar down the road instead.
Can't help feeling that the rating is being manipulated, given the number of recent glowing reviews from one-time raters! Having said that, it is still worth an 8, and I can't really argue with the comments of the first-timers! There is a good range of ales that are well kept. There's a good vibe and a good mix of people. Hope to try the food one day.
8 Jun 2008 09:46
The bar maid was really miserable and tried to short change me - no apology. The pint of IPA I had was definitely the worst handpull I've had in a long time.
On the plus side, a fairly relaxing place to have a chat with friends.
21 May 2008 08:23
A four-roomed Victorian pub in the dingy side streets of Digbeth, The Anchor has just won Birmingham CAMRA pub of the year for the 4th time. There is always a good range of constantly changing Real Ales - at least 3 on a weekday and around 8 at the weekend.
There is a pool table in the front bar and a jukebox in the rear lounge. The decor has been maintained as original as possible, including a snob screen that helps form the snug.
The food offering has recently been vastly improved and there are some good home-cooked offerings at very reasonable prices. The staff are generally quite friendly and helpful. It is also home to friendly Birmingham City supporters that welcome well-behaved visiting fans who enjoy a good pint.
This is probably the best pub in the world. Rates 10.
30 Mar 2008 19:08
The Monsal Head Hotel, Monsal Head
The Stables bar is small and cosy with a coal fire and a good range of ales. I enjoyed the strong (5.8%), golden & hoppy Thornbridge Jaipur IPA.
Food is on the expensive side for what it is. A "large" salad for �7.95 looked very much like a small salad (small must fit on a saucer!).
It gets busy and it can be difficult to get a table indside (not a problem in the summer with the extensive outdoor tables). We were first in and occupied the spaces right by the fire, which seemed to annoy one particular lady who came in later and shot some serious looks in our direction!
The view from outside is splendid. Definitely worth visiting and merits a 9.
30 Mar 2008 18:58
Traditional, attractive front bar with granite-slabbed floor and real fire. You have to pass through this bar to get to the lounge so it's difficult to make a discreet entrance and you will be on display! The locals were friendly enough but at least one thinks he is a comedian.
Timothy Taylor's Landlord and a Holden's brew were the real ales available and both were fine. They also do a few ciders.
Food is served between 12 and 2 at lunchtime. There is a fair selection which is all listed on the chalkboard. Many itmes are available in child size portions. Portions are large so less hungry patrons may be advised to try kiddie versions.
The pub is closed Monday to Wednesday between 3:00 and 5:30. Packwood House is a short distance away if you want something to do before/after.
All-in-all, The Navigation is how I like a country pub to be.
2 Mar 2008 08:46
Not a bad little place just off the main Stratford Rd. Just a few regulars in 1 of the 2 small rooms there on a Saturday evening but they enjoyed our company and shook our hands on the way out. No real ale but tried an interesting bottle of Jamaican "Dragon" Stout (7.5%).
18 Dec 2007 16:58
Stopped in last Friday. Had a reasonable pint of Holdens Golden Glow. Packed full and rather smelly. Lacking in character in my opinion.
18 Dec 2007 16:55
Stopped in here while doing a 15 pub crawl from The Robin Hood to Digbeth. It's been refurbed (apparently half a million spent) and is now very respectable, though not really my cup of tea. No real ale. Nice place for a relaxing read of the papers. Fantatstic to see that somebody has turned the former scrote-hole into something presentable in this not-so-fashionable part of town.
12 Dec 2007 21:20
Is now back to its old name of The Shakespeare. Not a bad place. Quite welcoming. Pool table. No real ale.
19 Nov 2007 11:42
Updated review from me - just to note that, rather than the 3 real ales they used to sell, they now have 9 in the front bar and, apparently a couple in the small bar in the garden. They are generally well known beers rather than the micros, though they did have Bathams and Hobgoblin.
5 Nov 2007 08:18
I don't know another pub remotely similar to this. Dimly lit by gas lamps, open fires, lots of little rooms.... a fantastic trip back in time.
It's a Sam Smiths pub and this means only beer from their stable is available. They do their own bitter, mild, stout and lager. Still �1.33 for a pint of bitter. How do they do it?
Limited food available from behind the bar - pork pies, scotch eggs, baps and chips (according to the notice behind the bar).
Kids allowed in until 7 or 8ish. Modern room at the back with 2 pool tables.
28 Oct 2007 08:38
Closed for refurbishment until 19th Oct 2007. And about time too!
26 Sep 2007 22:01
The Nobody Inn, Newington Green
Returned this Saturday during my annual pilgrimage to London and was pleased to find things as good as I remembered. Andi is still there and was pleased to finally discover the identity of the person that praised her in my earlier review. A very useful new addition is Alison, the Australian/Hungarian bar girl. I've not met anybody with that particular mix of blood but the lads all agreed it seemed to go together pretty well! The staff are really friendly and the pub is well managed. A shame to see it so quiet though - maybe everybody was outside in the nice weather.
I drank about 8 pints of the Summer Lightning (5%). It was very good. 6 hours on the pool table for �30. Food as good as before.
26 Aug 2007 19:32
Following all the good reviews, I've been meaning to visit this place for a good while. Finally got there this Friday early evening and, while the place was pretty much as described, I couldn't help but be a bit disappointed. There were plenty of good ales available and the "Armadillo" I drank was in very good order. But it's very small (only 1 room it appeared?) and there didn't seem to be much else to entertain me.
The Wenlock must be so far up the list because membership of this site is London-biased and maybe there aren't many pubs like this in London. Don't get me wrong, this is a great pub and I'm giving it 8/10, but maybe it isn't as great as its lofty position in the top 40 would suggest.
My regular in Birmingham is The Anchor in Digbeth and would knock The Wenlock into a cocked hat. It's got the same good range of ales but better decor (original Victorian), female bar staff, a choice of rooms and a pool table.
12 Aug 2007 19:01
Adding to my earlier review, I've been in quite a few lunch times since. They do a good crusty cheese and onion cob for about �1.10. The beer is still in very good order. The clientele tends to be mostly OAPs taking advantage of the well-priced food.
We experienced one of the local characters holding court and getting reprimanded by the landlady for his language - she doesn't take any crap!
13 May 2007 08:40
I've been to The Old Fox a few times and the real ale is pretty good - Old Hooky on the last few visits. Also tried the Sunday lunch which is touted as "just like your mother used to make" - not bad but not a huge portion of meat and reasonable value at �5.95.
The decor is a little shabby and the beautiful leaded and stained glass windows could do with a good refurbishment. Staff are pleasant and helpful.
Handy if you want to visit the National Trust "Back-to-back" houses opposite.
20 Feb 2007 13:08
Big lounge bar with worn/fake leather chairs and sofas. Pool Table. No real ale. Bit of a student thing going on. Hostel above.
9 Aug 2006 10:36
Unable to visit The Eagle & Tun as it was closed. Reliably informed it had been smashed up by some punters following a disagreement with The Landlord. Some evidence of this with boarded up windows and damaged leaded lights.
7 Aug 2006 14:56
The Nobody Inn, Newington Green
Previous reviews of this place made me come here for some Saturday afternoon pool, beers and skysport. It didn't disappoint. Bar girl, Andi, from South Africa was a great hostess, changing channels when required without a problem. One of the pool tables is rented by the hour at �6 which proved to be better value than �1.20 per game on the other one. The food (Saturday brunch menu) was excellent; sides of onion rings and chips were huge. My companions were well impressed with my choice of venue.
31 Jul 2006 14:17
The previous reviews sum this place up quite nicely. Cocktails and shooters were good. Bar staff varied from friendly to stroppy. Clientele included more women than men,and some very attractive ones at that. Lighting subdued; vibe cool.
31 Jul 2006 14:12
The Mucky Pup, Angel, Islington
This pub was taken over by new people a week ago. Main man seems to be a guy called Angus. No sign of any dogs or hot rocks. Nice vibe, subdued lighting and a fantastic jukebox (Chameleons, Bauhaus, Jam, Motorhead, Sex Pistols to name but a few). Good pool table in back bar.
31 Jul 2006 14:09
The Blue Bell Cider House, Hockley Heath
Frequented by (friendly) ageing bikers amonst others, The Blue Bell is very popular for its traditional ciders, real ales and good value grub (including the generous Sunday carvery).
29 Jan 2006 10:23
Not sure if The Red Lion has changed recently, but can't understand some of the previous comments. It doesn't look the most welcoming place from the outside and there is a sign that says "Regulars Only". However, the inside is warm and friendly and very traditional. A good range of reals ales (incuding one from Cornwall) is served and seemed to be well kept. A good place for a quiet pint and some conversation.
29 Jan 2006 10:19
Frequented by the younger and trendier residents of Moseley, PK's is a vibrant and well run bar. The biggest disppointment is the real ale which is limited to Brew Xl (and maybe Bass, not sure if they still do it). In my opinion, probably the best place to find fit women in Moseley. Gets packed at weekends. Has big screens to watch the major sporting events.
29 Jan 2006 10:10
Traditional pub serving real ales in reasonable order. Usally Bombardier, Adnams and Abbot. Gets very busy. Eclectic bunch of caracters in front bar. The place has a really good vibe - very friendly and good for conversation.
29 Jan 2006 10:03
Just so that the previous review does not make you rule out going to this pub.....
This is actually the top pub for real ale in Solihull. Consistently praised by CAMRA. Holds beer festivals.
3 Jan 2006 18:32
This pub is in the middle of a 60's council estate and looks scary. German Shepherd dog prowls on the flat roof! Went on a Friday lunchtime and there were around 10 "locals". Good pool table. No real ale.
30 Dec 2005 14:42
It is actually called "The Lord Clifden". Serves good real ale including "Landlord" when I was there. Friendly. Claims to do the best Sunday Roast Beef in Birmingham!
30 Dec 2005 14:28
Visited on a Friday evening. Busy with activity centred around a pool table. Good atmosphere.
30 Dec 2005 14:21
Fantastic boozer with great pub food and Bathams bitter. Very friendly. Seems to be busier at lunchtime rather than evenings.
4 Dec 2005 20:14
Beautiful stained glass window to the front of this pub. Friendly, with dart board and pool table. Good beer - including Landlord when I was there.
4 Dec 2005 20:11
Went there on Friday lunchtime. Serves good Holdens beer. Fairly quiet. Quite a few gams machines.
4 Dec 2005 20:09
The Anchor Inn, Digbeth
There were lots of comments on here about The Anchor but they all disappeared when the pub was mysteriously reported as closed. It's a very traditional & original Victorian corner pub in a scruffy area behind the coach station. There are lots of interesting decorative features including a rare snob screen.
It is renowned for its real ale and has won many CAMRA awards (though none all that recently). The ales are generally from micro breweries and are constantly changing. There is a chalkboard showing the current beers; the ones with a price next to them are the ones that are available at that time.
There is a pool table and jukebox, though the volume is often too low as the landlord doesn't want to wake his young kids who live upstairs. They seem to be doing an ever-increasing number of live music and comedy nights which means the pool table is taken out of action on those nights.
The Anchor's clientele are a mixed bunch. The regulars are friendly and the bar staff aren't too bad!
I give it a 9, possibly the best pub in Brum.
8 May 2015 08:06