05/06/22 – Central Birmingham

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A trip around a few pubs in Central Birmingham today before getting the coach home late afternoon.

Colmore

After another visit to The Wellington (included in Fridays blog post), I headed around to Colmore. The building was formerly a Lloyds Bank and was converted into this bar and opened in 2019. The bar is joint between Thornbridge Brewery and Pivovar.

A range of cask ales served (the majority being from Thornbridge Brewery), along with a good choice of keg beers. Went with a sour beer in the end from Brew York “Pineapple Cubez”

Sommar Brewing Co

Around the corner from here to Sommar Brewing Co. They have 2 bars in Birmingham, the other houses their brewery. This bar is done out very modern, with comfy seating.

A great range of session through to strong beers here (percentage wise), was recommended “Panda on a Scooter”, one of their own beers, a delicious 4.5% Session IPA.

Pure Craft Bar & Kitchen

Situated over the road on the corner, Pure Craft Bar & Kitchen is a great venue and one I’ve visited on previous visits. Modern and relaxed layout inside (also inclues a cellar bar)

Great selection of both cask and keg beers on (and food being offered). A lot of the beers are from Purity Brewery along with some guests. Vault Citys “Cherry Cola Cube Sour” stood out here, good as always from Vault City.

Post Office Vaults

Visited here several times in the past and always have a good selection on. Entrance is down a set of stairs from the main street. Food isnt served but they are happy for you to bring your own, and will even provide crockery.

Great range again of 6 Cask Beers, alongside around 10 ciders, a number of keg ales and too many bottles to list. “1st Class Stamp” from Kniver Brewery based in Staffordshire was my choice of drink.

Head of Steam

A new one since I last visited located on Temple Street. Opened in 2018. A very well designed bar over split levels with ample seating and a large bar in the centre of the pub.

7 cask ales on the bar as soon as you walk in, along with a huge range of keg beers, and a big bottle selection. You definitely wont be stuck for choice. Vault Citys Strawberry Sundae sour for me, could smell the strawberry before id even picked up my drink!

The Ruin

A walk back down to the Digbeth area to ensure im nearby the coach station. The Ruin is a quirky take on a very old pub building. The idea is said to have come from some of Europes “cooler” cities and adopts a DIY approach. Lots of interesting items all over the pub.

2 cask ales available from Purity Brewery along with a couple of Keg beers (one being from Birmingham Brewing Co).

Also worth noting they do food during the week (Nachos, Tacos etc) but on a Sunday serve Sunday Lunches from 12-6. Went with the beef option and wasn’t disappointed.

Lamp Tavern

A hidden gem, not far from Digbeth Coach station, and run by Eddie Fitzpatrick for over 28 years. Very homely feel in here and got a very friendly welcome when entered the pub.

Had a choice of 2 ales, one from Hobsons brewery and one from Froth Blowers. Went with the latter “Anthem” labelled as a Super Pale Ale.

The Anchor

Last call before heading for the coach was to The Anchor, located near enough next to the Coach Station. It is a Grade 2 listed building and is listed as a Nationally Historic Pub Interior by CAMRA. Listed as “A red-brick and terracotta pub built in 1902 for Ansells’ brewery to the designs of renowned local pub architects, James & Lister Lea.” (More information can be found on CAMRAs Heritage Pub website.

Three cask ales on here all from Birmingham Brewing Co. Extra Pale Brummie, Gold Brummie and Stout Brummie. So something for light and dark beer drinkers.