The 14 best pubs in Birmingham

Bacchus Bar is minutes from Birmingham’s New Street station, but I wouldn’t suggest the place for a swift pre-departure drink. A legendary pub in the basement of the centuries-old Burlington Arcade, once you’ve descended into this underground warren of medieval archways and themed seating areas (don’t miss the Egyptian room), you can say goodbye to your phone signal and all track of time. Ideal for whiling away the hours sinking some real ale, not so good for catching your train in good time, the Bacchus Bar is just what pubs should be. The frescoes along the staircase are a bit naff, but it’s all part of the fun.

Chesterfields, Victorian tiles, a full-size red telephone booth and an illuminated tree are just some of the things you’ll find at Bitters N’ Twisted’s Jewellery Quarter outpost. While there’s a bunch of sizeable and unfussy grub at hand, the drinks at Rose Villa are where it’s at. With regular happy hours lasting distinctly longer than 60 minutes, you can afford to take a risk and try something out of the ordinary, like the Aero Martini – crème de menthe shaken with white chocolate liquor and cream.

Despite offering more than 100 beers, Purecraft Bar & Kitchen is as often the pick of Brum’s gin-swigging contingent as it is the protectorate of boys’ business lunches or post-work ales. With local legends Purity Brewing partly behind the city centre’s industrial chic, the beer is unsurprisingly served right every time, and the drinks list includes a blackboard chock-full of tasty surprises. Also home to high-quality food, including an award-winning Scotch egg courtesy of head chef Stuart Langdell.

Just around the corner from New Street Station and The Alexandra theatre, The Victoria holds a darkly gaudy charm that dates back to the nineteenth century. Apparently, it’s even home to a ghost. With quiz nights, live music, finger food and a variety of locally produced ales and wines, there’s something for every kind of tippler here.

One of Birmingham’s most established LGBTQ+ spaces, The Village has stood the test of time for a reason. Quite the chameleon, the venue has an atmosphere for every occasion – not to mention something happening every night of the week. From bingo to karaoke to live cabaret and a host of stellar local drag talent, it is the beating heart of the city’s Gay Village.

Another Grade II-listed building, The Old Joint Stock dates back to 1862 and was designed by Julius Alfred Chatwin (who also contributed to the design of St. Philip’s Cathedral opposite). It started out as a parson’s library before being turned into the Birmingham Joint Stock Bank. Near the city’s business quarter, this eye-catching building now houses both a bar (well stocked with ales) and a small cabaret theatre.

Established in 1368, the aptly named Old Crown is a stunning Grade II-listed heritage building on Digbeth High Street, right next to the Custard Factory. Trivia: Queen Elizabeth I stayed here in 1575 on her journey back from Kenilworth Castle, and while this is still an option, the main draw is its great outdoor space and street food that see it packed with local creatives every day of the week.

A bit further out from the city centre, in Kings Heath, Hare & Hounds has become somewhat of a cult pitstop for both locals and music lovers from further afield. While the pub has retained its classic layout and Art Nouveau tiling, the lounge is a neon-lit haven and its upstairs holds not one, but two music venues that have seen many a great touring act grace its stages. It also holds the honour of having hosted the debut gig from Birmingham music legends UB40 back in 1979.

At the top corner of Bennetts Hill, The Lost & Found is a pub with a period twist of a very different kind. The fact it was once a bank accounts for the overall grandness of the building (as well as a second secret room that’s available for hire), but the Victorian botanical theme was inspired by explorer Hettie G. Watson. The pub captures her sense of adventure with its sumptuous decor, brilliant food and undeniably lush (and potent) cocktails.

What happens in Flight Club stays in Flight Club, one would presume, yet the Birmingham pub has had an admirable word-of-mouth trajectory since it first opened in 2019. Bringing darts and socialising to the twenty-first century with its patented – and highly accurate – dart-tracking technology, the game is made simpler with a computerised scoring system that means you can chow down and catch up without having to keep an eye on any tricksters in your group. With counterparts in London, Manchester and Chicago so far, Birmingham has drawn a lucky straw by giving this place a home.

The Shakespeare is admirably small but beloved of its regulars; stroll from the station to the high street and you’ll find this place is always busy. Its cosy nature makes it a great place to stop for a bit of undisturbed quality conversation, while the bar food comprises reliable dishes that go down a treat with a pint.

Back in Snow Hill’s business district, and The Old Contemptibles is another pub packed full of history. Named after its famed World War I counterparts, the classic building is all high ceilings, stained glass, oak furniture and a menu full of pub favourites. With a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, it is a favourite of locals and passers-through for a swift pint or a more leisurely afternoon.

Not all that far from Brindley Place and the Barclaycard Arena, the former canalside pub has been transformed into a gin distillery and bar. Order the venue’s Roundhouse gin – it’s perfect for sipping on its cobbled courtyard on a hot summer weekend with your lamb shawarma.

Tucked in the backstreets of Digbeth, not far from the Custard Factory, sits Dead Wax. Previously named the Wagon and Horses, this compact corner pub was renovated by Laine Brew Co. back in 2019 and has gone from strength to strength since. If you’re a music fan, be sure to make the pilgrimage; while it hosts gigs upstairs and DJs in its sizeable courtyard, its USP is the 4,000-strong vinyl collection that DJs dig into in the bar all day, every day. Add in a craft beer and a stonebaked pizza and you’re sorted.