05/10/19 - Birmingham's New Good Beer Guide Entries - Cherry Reds and Pint Shop

September every year and the clocks are reset.   A new Good Beer Guide comes out, offering the chance for further exploration of familiar places across the UK.   With a rarely seen 3pm Saturday kick off at the Baggies, I have a lunchtime in the 2nd City.

Cherry Reds, John Bright Street, Pale Brummie

Cafe Bars Come to the GBG

It's been open 9 years and its opposite Brewdog and as distinctive as it is, I probably should have noticed it before.

Instead, google map leads me from the chaos of Grand Central, past the gangs of bicycle mounted ne'er-do-wells to this cafe bar, making its GBG debut.

11am sounds about the right time to be heading into a cafe.  Inside, its as pubby as you like.   Other photos would show a Duvel Lamp Shade that would be rather fetching in Chez Mappiman.

The Duvel lampside was better than the nan's parlour retro one

There's little doubt I will be back.   Friendly knowledgeable staff, excellent beer and a monthly comedy night held on the first Friday of the Month.

Lovely place.

Pint Shop, Bennetts Hill, A Couple of Cask Bitters

I'd recommend GBG tickers new to the City start here.   2 for the price of one, with the established Wellington next door.

This is another new entry - and I knew if would be in this year's guide, having eaten here earlier in the year.

Take me to the Pint Shop

This townhouse is over several floors - with an upstairs restaurant and facilities that would appeal to JDW regulars on the flight above that.

Further advice for newbies would be to have a seat in the front room, under the blackboard.   Its going to take a while to decide what you do want - and only a Yuletide Amateur would do this blocking the bar.

Somebody's Job to keep on top of this

I tried two beers - both perfection in a glass - Roosters's Capability Brown and Shiny Brewing 4 Wood.   Delightful traditional bitters.

My boy had the Camden Hells until he clocked the Price.   He lives 30 minutes from London but has never paid £6.50 for lout stuffed into a tubby pot.

He needn't had worried.   His dad had put a card behind the bar.

Both boozers are fine new entries in the Hit Parade..... next time in Brum - The Craven Arms.