15 months later and here we are, armed with the 2018 bible. Horrifyingly, the number of City Centre entries has dropped to just 4.
To justify the journey, we cobble a pub crawl from the two editions and throw in our own stupid mistake.
Eagle Eyed Pub Tickers may be able to spot the mistake from our Route |
C19th Theatre Bar |
Punter-wise we have a mixture of the after office crowd, slagging off useless Project Managers and a random odd bloke ordering a 2nd pint before finishing the first and disappearing, leaving both drinks his table. I can identify with both parties.
Things to do, People to see |
The Shakespeare, Lower Temple Row, Moonstone Hadley Brewing Company
Short walk around New Street and we are in Pub 2.
I'm perplexed as to why a City Centre Identikit Nicholson Pub should be troubling the Good Beer Guide.
Seen it all before |
See previous comment |
The answer? It isn't in the guide.
Don't tell Mrs M, but I have made a monumental screw up in planning - the Shakespeare we wanted is in Summer Row.
Still, it was less of a walk to this one.
The Wellington, Bennetts Hill, Staropramen (2017 and 2018 Guides)
Should need no introduction to anyone still interested in reading this blog.... its been a stalwart of the Real Ale scene in Birmingham for many years.
It kind of works and it kind of doesn't.
Architecturally, it a stunning Georgian Town House, split over at least three levels. We might have been able to climb higher in the quest for a seat but decided to cash in under heaters on the external terrace. Nice in the summer, not so great in the Winter that never ends.
The Wellington as Night Falls |
We had a quick expensive Continental lager, made our excuses and left.
Always too busy. Always too confusing.
Queens Arms, 150 Newhall Street, Wye Valley HPA (2017 Guide)
Another handsome Victorian pub that has disappeared from the guide.
Need to see it in daylight really |
Rare spotting of Mrs M getting a round in |
The owners have invested in keeping it pleasant. Inside is just as nice as outside and many distractions are available. Mrs M challenges me to a game of Connect Four. The pub sport of Kings.
Whether the patrons appreciate the attention to sophistication remains to be seen. Ever so slightly intimidating feel oozing from some well oiled patrons.
The Gunmakers Arms, 93 Bath Street, Two Towers Hockley Gold (2018 Guide)
Been looking forward to visiting this place. The Gunmakers are the kings of Social Media Marketing - frequently tweeting about Birmingham events and history and not always beer related.
And you wouldn't think anywhere that's a 5 minute walk from Snow Hill could still manage to be in the absolute middle of nowhere.
Bang in the City Centre |
Barman - Have you been before? Would you like help choosing? The Two Towers brewery is next door. This silver tongued charmer talked Mrs M into her first ever real ale. In 33 years of drinking with her, this is a first.
A Regular on spotting a group of Scousers supping in the Corner - "I've put something on the jukebox that you chaps will like". The opening chords to Echo and the Bunnymen's Never Stop are met with "they're Birkinhead Scum".
Can't win them all.
We commandeer the Jukebox for a bit of Bad Seed Action and I try and work out how much I am enjoying my pint. Quality but maybe over hoppy for me. I'd need another to be sure.
Only Nick Cave'has a Red Right Hand |
I suggest a compromise. After the row has fizzled out and Mrs M hears the compromise, we catch the 20:58 home and have the pint of the night.
Bathams at the King and Castle, Kidderminster Station.
I reckon the Gunmakers and the Queens Arms are the two best boozers on ths little crawl. Queens Arms is underrated but a great building, good beer and usually lively whilst Gunmakers deserve to succeed as they hard working and have made a success of a place that was on its knees after The Post & Mail moved out.
ReplyDeleteCan't argue with that! Surprised that Birmingham Centre has just the 4 recommendations in this year's guide. Will be heading to Hockley next!
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