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Two Ale Hubs & a Pup & Duckling: A Solihull Micropub Trail
This was a day dedicated to micropubs, starting in Dickens Heath before travelling through Shirley and Knowle and finishing in the Solihull area at The Pup & Duckling. I began with a train to Whitlocks End and a walk to the first Ale Hub, then made my way between five welcoming little pubs by taxi, on foot and by bus. It turned into a lovely mix of independent places, each with its own character.
A Little History of Solihull and the Surrounding Area
Solihull has roots as a medieval market town and has grown into a busy centre in the West Midlands. Knowle is especially known for its historic village centre and medieval parish church, while Dickens Heath is a much newer settlement. Shirley has its own long-established shopping and residential streets. Travelling between these different parts of the borough made for an interesting day beyond the pubs themselves.
Stops on This Trip
Dickens Heath
Shirley
Ale Hub – Shirley
The Shaking Hand
Knowle
Solihull and Hatchford Brook
Dickens Heath
Ale Hub – Dickens Heath
My first call of the day was to the “Ale Hub” in Dickens Heath. A number of micropubs in the region are owned by the same family (and called the same).
A really relaxing seating area in the micropub with the bar located on the left at the rear. A good selection of 3 cask ales alongside some draught selections. Great to see crusty sandwiches on the bar aswell.
Went with the “Gold” from Ludlow Brewing Co. An easy drinking Golden Ale and a great one to start the day with.
Shirley
Ale Hub – Shirley
A short taxi ride from Dickens Heath to Shirley to visit the “Ale Hub”, another from the same family as the last micropub visited. A great friendly feel again upon entering the pub.
A similar setup to the last bar with lots of seating around (along with outdoor seating at the front), with the bar being on the left hand side.
A choice of 4 real ales on the bar with 2 being from Wye Valley Brewery in Hereford. I went with “Chinook & Loral” a tasty beer from Ossett Brewery as part of their Synergy series.
The Shaking Hand
A 20 minute walk down to Shirley Parkgate Shopping Centre where the “Shaking Hand” Micropub has been located for the last 4 years. A great looking one roomed micropub.
A fantastic range of beers here from some breweries you dont often see in the area. Breweries from Scotland, Kidderminster, Derby and Manchester. I went with “Birdie” from Copper Beech Brewing Company based in Kidderminster.
Knowle
The Ale Rooms
Two buses to the next micropub changing in Solihull Town Centre. “The Ale Rooms” is located in Knowle which is about 10 minutes on the bus out of Solihull. The Ale Rooms used to be a former funeral directors, and has won several CAMRA awards since it opened in 2016.
A great choice of 7 beers here to choose from, I went with “Super Star IPA” from Silhill Brewery based in Solihull, a beer packed full of flavour.
Solihull & Hatchford Brook
The Pup & Duckling
Last call of the day and another 2 bus journeys, one back into Solihull Town Centre and then out to Hatchford Brook. “The Pup & Duckling” is a three-roomed micropub located in a long term closed shop unit.
A really busy bar with people coming to the bar one after the other (and it had just opened). It has also won 2023 Branch pub of the year. Outside seating at the front and a small beer garden at the back. A good range of cans/bottles is also available.
A great choice of 7 cask beers here alongside a couple of keg beers and a selection of ciders. I went with “Summer House” from New Buildings Brewery in Leicester, a new brewery for me. A tasty IPA with a bit of strength.
