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

The Pilot, Maidstone

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, Horsham

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