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Top Breweries and Pubs in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter
I check out a bunch of historical pubs and breweries in Birmingham, shining a light on their cool stories and what they offer. Kicking things off at The Jewellers Arms, which dates back to the mid-1800s, each spot really shows off the rich history of the Jewellery Quarter. Places like The Lord Clifden, Rose Villa Tavern, The Red Lion, and 1000 Trades bring lively vibes, local beers, and cosy décor. I also dive into some innovative breweries like Burning Soul and Rock and Roll Brewhouse, focusing on how they connect with the community and their creative brews. Every place has its own unique vibe, drawing in both locals and visitors with a variety of ales and tempting food options.
The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter is a historic spot right in the heart of Birmingham, famous for having the largest collection of jewellery businesses in Europe, creating 40% of the UK’s jewellery. With more than 800 businesses and around 100 specialty shops, it’s a lively place to shop. The area boasts over 200 listed buildings and is home to the world’s biggest Assay Office, which marks about 12 million items each year. It beautifully combines its rich industrial past with modern art and dining, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
The Jewellers Arms
My first call is to The Jewellers Arms. This is a charming old pub nestled in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. It dates back to the mid-1830s to 1840s, making it one of the area’s long-standing spots. Originally called “Goldsmiths and Jewellers Arms,” it pays homage to the rich history of the Jewellery Quarter, famous for its jewellery trade. Over the years, the pub has seen its fair share of changes, from name updates to renovations, but it still holds onto its unique character.
As the jewellery industry thrived in 19th-century Birmingham, places like the Jewellers Arms became popular hangouts for both workers and locals. Nowadays, it’s managed by Black Country Ales. When you step inside, you’re welcomed by a warm and cosy vibe, perfect for anyone wanting to kick back and relax. The décor has that classic pub feel, featuring wooden furniture, soft lighting, and an overall inviting atmosphere.
A really popular pub with outside seating both at the front and back. On the bar a brilliant choice of cask ales with 10 to choose from today from lots of different breweries. I went with “Ashby Pale” from Tollgate Brewery. It’s a super tasty and refreshing golden pale ale!
The Lord Clifden
A short walk brings me to The Lord Clifden. This pub boasts a fascinating history that goes all the way back to the 1860s. Named after a legendary racehorse, this pub has been a cherished spot for the community for more than a hundred years. With its lively vibe and unique street art, it’s a popular hangout for both locals and tourists alike.
It opened up again after being closed for a bit at the end of 2024, and it looks amazing inside. The main area features a long bar on one side with tons of seating. In the back, there’s a cosy enclosed space. Outside, there’s a massive beer garden with plenty of seating, plus a postbox and some old post office scales for a fun touch.
There are 2 cask ales on the bar, plus a wide selection of keg beers, including some from local breweries. I went with “Intuition” from Attic Brew Co. It’s their flagship pale ale, and wow, it’s super hazy and packed with juicy flavour. Love it!
Rose Villa Tavern
Next up is another short walk away. Rose Villa Tavern has a history that goes back to the mid-1800s. The first records show that a pub was operating on this spot between 1862 and 1867, with Edward Moore as the landlord. Over time, it evolved from a simple beer house into a full-fledged public house, especially during the late 19th century.
In 1896, it officially got the name Rose Villa Tavern when Albert Clarence Taylor took over as the licensee. The current building was constructed in 1919 for Mitchells & Butlers Brewery, costing around £15,000 and designed by the architects Wood and Kendricks. Its architecture showcases Victorian styles with red brick and terracotta details, plus there are some stunning original stained glass windows to admire.
A very warm welcome and quick service today. On the bar one cask ale and a range of keg beers to choose from. Old Speckled Hen was my beer choice in here on cask.
The Red Lion
My next call was a few minutes walk down the hill to The Red Lion. This is a classic pub that’s been a staple in the community for ages. With its cosy and inviting vibe, it’s tucked away from the main road and keeps that old-school charm. Back in the early 2000s, it gained a reputation as a lively music spot, showcasing local talent across a mix of genres like blues, rock, and acoustic. This made it a go-to place for both residents and visitors wanting to catch some live tunes.
As time went on, the Red Lion shifted gears from live music to DJ nights and comedy shows, though it still occasionally hosts live performances. The pub’s snug upstairs area offered a unique atmosphere for shows without a formal stage, making it a beloved hangout for the community. In 2024, Joule’s Brewery took over the pub. In addition is has a brilliant beer garden at the rear of the pub.
A great welcome from Regan behind the bar today. On the bar a line up of 3 of their cask beers alongside a number of their keg ales and lagers to choose from. I went with “Shropshire Hop” from Joule’s Brewery. It’s a fantastic golden ale that’s zesty and hoppy, super refreshing!
1000 Trades
Next up is 1000 Trades. This is a pub that dates all the way back to the 19th century. To really get a feel for its history in Birmingham, we should take a look at the different events and activities that have happened in this building over the years. Originally, in the 1870s, it was home to two jewellers, Thomas Godfrey and Andrew Cotterell, who set up shop there. They were later joined by an Australian silverware maker, Samuel Mordecai Levi, who sold items like candlesticks, match cases, and photo frames.
Fast forward to the 1920s, and bigger companies started moving into the space at 16 Frederick Street, including S. Blanckensee & Sons, which was well-known for their goldsmithing and silversmithing skills. R.E.V Gomm also had a presence there from the 1970s until 1998, focusing on designing enamel badges for different organizations. After a mix of businesses came and went, 1000 Trades finally opened its doors in 2016.
It was very welcoming here today! The bar has an awesome selection, featuring 4 real ales and 6 keg lines, so you’ve got plenty of styles to pick from. Brew61 Brewery from Bromsgrove has a cask ale on tap called “Greenfields Gold.” It’s a super tasty, light, and refreshing golden ale packed with flavour.
Rock and Roll Brewhouse
Another short walk brings me to my next visit, a brewery I visited quite a number of years ago in there old venue. Rock and Roll Brewhouse kicked off its adventure in the summer of 2011 as a home-based brewery. Mark Shepherd, the founder, had a vision to craft unique beers that would connect with the local crowd. They started brewing in Shirley but made a big move to the Old Pie Factory Brewery in Warwick later that year, which really helped them ramp up production. By June 2012, they had yet another change of scenery, this time setting up shop at The Lamp Tavern on Barford Street in Birmingham, where they built their own brewing facility.
As the brewery grew, so did its operations. In early 2017, they relocated to Unit 2 at 60 Regent Place in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. This new spot allowed them to expand even more, adding a six-barrel brewing system and a tap room for customers to enjoy their brews. Their latest move was in February 2020 to their current location on Hall Street in the Jewellery Quarter, which also features a tap room where customers can try out their vegan-friendly beers. Rock & Roll Brewhouse is well-known for regularly whipping up special and experimental brews.
This place is amazing, with eye-catching details all around that photos just can’t capture. You can tell a lot of care went into creating this space, and it really shows. There’s a ton of artwork on the walls, a vibrant mix of colours, a music stage, and so much more. They even have a record player spinning a variety of vinyl records.
At the bar, you can choose from three cask ales, including a Mild, plus a lager, draught cider, and a couple of still ciders. “Voodoo Mild” was my go-to beer here. It had an awesome flavour, super smooth, and just packed with taste.
Burning Soul Brewing
Burning Soul Brewing started off in 2016, thanks to childhood buddies Chris Small and Rich Murphy (now just Chris) in Birmingham. Their love for craft beer sparked when they stumbled upon Timothy Taylor’s Landlord at a local pub, which sent them on a quest to explore cask pubs and discover top-notch brews from places like Oakham Ales and BrewDog’s Punk IPA. As time went on, they moved from homebrewing to entering competitions, and the positive vibes they received pushed them to chase their dream of starting a brewery.
Before they could officially open Burning Soul, Chris and Rich hit some major roadblocks trying to find a spot for their brewery. They had already bought brewing gear that sat gathering dust in Rich’s grandma’s garage for about two years while they hunted for the right location. A lot of landlords were wary of renting to a brewery because of misconceptions about how big the operation would be. But they didn’t give up and eventually scored an industrial unit in Birmingham’s Hockley area, which used to be home to Two Towers Brewery.
Since launching, Burning Soul Brewery has made a name for itself with its creative brewing style. They run a 5-barrel system and specialize in unfiltered and unfined beers that pack a punch in flavour. Some of their fan favourites include the Ice Cream Pale Ale, Coconut Porter, and World King Fist IPA.
The taproom is a spacious area right inside the brewery, featuring a bar on one side and the brewing equipment on the other. The bar looks amazing made out of bottles. I ended up chatting with some locals, which was awesome. When it comes to beer, they had 9 different kegs available, showcasing a wide range of styles and strengths. I picked “Golden Throne” here, which is a tasty, sour, and tangy Bretted Sour Ale. It kicks off with a perry-like flavour, and you can definitely taste hints of citrus and pineapple.
The Wolf
Another short walk brings me to The Wolf. This is situated at the edge of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and opened its doors in January 2017. It was started by a family business with the goal of introducing craft beer to the local scene. Originally called Lone Wolf, the pub had to rebrand due to some legal issues with a prominent UK craft brewery. The new name, “The Wolf,” was inspired by the co-owner’s white dog, Gabbie, who has a wolf-like appearance.
Inside, The Wolf pub features a minimalist design that fosters a chill and welcoming vibe. The walls and ceiling are painted grey, giving it a sleek and modern feel. The furniture includes contemporary wooden tables and chairs that are both comfy and in line with the minimalist aesthetic. The open layout allows for easy movement while still offering cosy corners for small gatherings or laid-back chats.
A highlight of The Wolf’s interior is its graffiti-style murals celebrating legendary figures like Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Robin Williams. These artistic touches bring a fun and quirky element to the pub’s atmosphere, making it visually striking and one-of-a-kind. This blend of art and design creates a vibrant space that encourages people to mingle and enjoy themselves.
They’ve got an awesome lineup of 14 keg lines and one cask line, and today they’re showcasing a Bitter from The Kernel. Seriously, what a fantastic selection! Plus, the food menu is super tasty with plenty of choices. I went for the Cheeseboard to try out. I picked a keg beer from Nothing Bound Brewing Co, located in Warwickshire. Their pale ale, “Fern,” is super tasty, hoppy, and just delightful, thanks to those Mosaic hops.
Barrel Store
Next up is Barrel Store. This is nestled in a revamped railway arch right under Birmingham Snow Hill Railway Station, brought to life by the folks at Attic Brew Co.. This spot doubles as a bar and a barrel-aging hub, letting patrons sip on beers brewed right there. The Barrel Store is all about community and inclusivity, teaming up with local independent businesses like Wine Freedom and Yorks Coffee.
Attic Brew Co kicked off in November 2018, thanks to university flatmates Sam Back and Oli Hurlow. Sam’s homebrewing adventures in his attic gave the brewery its name. They started off small, cranking out about 800 litres a week, but it didn’t take long for them to catch on and grow fast. The brewery really focuses on connecting with the community through its taproom, creating a friendly vibe for the locals.
The interior has a cool industrial feel, featuring exposed pipes, a corrugated ceiling, and concrete floors that create a cosy yet roomy atmosphere. As you step in, you’ll notice large wooden casks on the left, along with various seating options scattered throughout.
At the back, the bar boasts an impressive selection of Attic Brew Co beers, plus a few guest options. There are 14 beers available today, showcasing a variety of styles. I went with “Lumen” from Attic Brew Co. It’s a super juicy, hazy, and delicious pale ale that’s bursting with flavour and really fantastic to drink.
The Indian Brewery
The Indian Brewery kicked off its journey in 2014, stepping into Birmingham’s craft beer world. The idea was to blend classic Indian flavours with creative brewing techniques. It didn’t take long for the brewery to become a hit, known for its distinct beers made right on the premises and a menu packed with contemporary Indian street food.
The first spot is tucked away in the railway arches beneath Birmingham Snow Hill Railway Station. They’ve got a mouthwatering food menu that focuses on Indian street food. Plus, they’re known for their loaded ‘fat naans.’ The bar offers a selection of 6 keg beers, 3 cask options, and a guest beer. In here I went with “Indian Summer” on cask. A delicious, light, refreshing and tasty pale ale.
Just a short stroll away is their latest spot that just opened in December 2024. It’s a cool brewery and taproom combo, giving guests a chance to dive into freshly brewed beers while munching on some unique pizzas with an Indian flair. It was formerly a metal pressing factory for a company called Taylor & Challen Ltd.
This place is amazing! It’s a spacious venue with windows everywhere that flood the area with light. You can spot the lifting equipment hanging from the ceiling, too. At the back, there’s a brewery setup that you can check out while sipping on a drink or munching on some food. The seating is a nice mix of benches and other options, including some up on a mezzanine level, plus there’s a big screen at the back for entertainment.
The bar boasts an awesome selection of beers, featuring 15 taps (with 3 of them being cask) and a variety of canned options. Their food menu is pretty cool too, serving up pizzas with an Indian flair and a range of small plates. In here I opted to go with “Bombay Honey” on keg. A delicious beer flavoured with honey making it very thirst quenching.
Gunmakers Arms
A bit of a walk to my next visit. Gunmakers Arms is a classic pub nestled in Birmingham’s Gun Quarter, a spot famous for its gun-making history. This place dates back to the early 1800s when it was originally called the Pike and Musket, a nod to the booming local industry at the time. The Gun Quarter really took off as a centre for firearms production, especially during the Napoleonic Wars and both World Wars, which had a big impact on the local economy and culture.
As gun manufacturing started to fade in the mid-20th century due to industrial shifts and competition from mass-produced guns, many local businesses struggled. But the Gunmakers Arms has seen its fair share of renovations and ownership changes over the years. Recently, it got a fresh lease on life with new management from Two Towers Brewery, who have embraced its rich history while creating a friendly vibe for visitors.
Two Towers Brewery, also based in Birmingham’s historic Gunmakers’ quarter, specializes in brewing traditional ales in batches of 10 British barrels (360 gallons). It was founded in 2007 by Mark and Trevor Harris.
There was a friendly welcome as soon as I entered, plus a selection of three cask beers and several bottled ales to choose from. The pub has a cosy, traditional atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Don’t forget to check out the lovely beer garden in the back, complete with the brew house just behind it. I went with “Complete Muppetry,” a super fragrant pale ale that’s packed with tasty flavors and really enjoyable to drink.
The Bull
Just around the corner to The Bull, this spot was once called The Bull’s Head. It’s thought that a beer seller was doing business here way back in 1729. The pub’s location is pretty important since it’s close to Birmingham’s growing firearms industry, which ended up being the top arms producer in the world by the late 1700s.
It changed from an Ansells Brewery house to a respected traditional pub that highlights its historical importance and ties to Birmingham’s industrial past. Nowadays, The Bull is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists, loved for its vibe and historical appeal.
The Bull features two separate drinking spots that wrap around a U-shaped bar. This setup creates a vibe that’s both social and cosy, perfect for sipping drinks and chatting with friends. If you’re after a bit more privacy, the smaller back room is ideal for low-key meetups or deeper conversations.
The Bull has a wonderfully quirky vibe, with about 300 jugs hanging from the ceiling. This eye-catching setup really gives the pub its own personality and sparks conversations among visitors. Plus, you’ll spot some vintage photos and memorabilia that tell the story of Birmingham’s past scattered around the place.
There’s a cool lineup of 5 cask beers at the bar—3 of them are always available, while the other 2 rotate. It’s great to see a variety of breweries represented! I went with “Helter Skelter” from West Yorkshire based Bingley Brewery. A delicious crisp, light and hoppy beer.
AJ’s Ales
My final stop on my trip was to Walsall, where I checked out Aj’s Ales. This microbrewery was started by Andy Dukes and his wife Charlotte back in 2014. Andy’s journey into brewing kicked off when he took a job as a delivery driver at the well-known Highgate Brewery in Walsall. That experience really sparked his love for real ales and led him to pursue a career as a brewer.
After eight years at Highgate Brewery, which sadly shut down in 2010, Andy moved on to develop his brewing talents at Blue Bear Brewery in Worcester. There, he took on important roles in the daily brewing process. But it was his partnership with a friend at Worcestershire Brewing Company that really sparked his creativity, pushing him to whip up new recipes and eventually start his own brewery.
The duo kicked off AJ’s Ales back in 2014, setting up shop at Ashmore Industrial Estate on Long Acre Street in Walsall. The first year and a half was pretty tough as they hustled to get their business off the ground. But thanks to a lot of encouragement from family and friends, they managed to push through the rough patches.
Andy and a few regulars gave me a super friendly welcome. The tap room is a cosy and inviting spot, featuring various seating options both inside and outside. You can pick from five different cask ales, all brewed on-site, plus a nice range of bottled beers, so there’s plenty to enjoy. I sampled a couple of beers that were available. The first one was “Stuff the January Sales,” a really tasty blonde ale. Then I moved on to the “IPA,” which was a fantastic American-style IPA packed with flavour.
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