With Better Advertising, it could have been 3
With a couple of hours to spare in the Second City, I turned to Google Maps to guide me through its well-connected public transport network. The inner 8C bus swept me straight to the doors of The Bartons Arms—far earlier than their anticipated opening. Bracing for a wait in Storm Bert rain, I realised I’d overlooked one key detail: Villa were playing at home.
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| Open before midday on match days |
Built in 1901 by Mitchells and Butlers, its a stunning Victorian gin palace of a pub. Imposing from the outside, but the real beauty is the tiling inside.
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| Facebook commented on the steel trolley and laminated loo signs |
Famous patrons? When I posted to British Pubs on Facebook, it generated a lot of love. Scrolling down, I thought the image would be another naff Birmingham Peaky Blinders reference, but no. I have supped in the same venue as my comedy heroes.
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| Just see the pub, top right |
It's faced its challenges over the years - a fire in 2006, damage during the 2011 riots and eventually closed down, to much horror at the start of 2024. It hasn't taken too long to come back to life - reopening in September.
Today's visit felt a little like Staff Training Day. I have the honour of being the first cask served by a new starter. I gently had to ask for a top up. It used to stock the full Oakham range. Just the Inferno on today, chosen after a sample of a truly dreadful house Bartons Bitter. Unfit for sale.
I'm sure it will come good in the end and I wish them all the luck in the world.
Another short bus-ride and I arrive at what I expect to be an absolute gold mine when/if HS2 ever runs. Two and and half years since the Woodman closed down, located right next to the Doric arches of Curzon Street Station.
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| Splendid Isolation |
A former Ansells house, built in 1897.
First thing to notice is the Bass light above the door. Bass a permanent fixture and the WickingMan duly informed, although it looks like Sir Quinno has taking on database duties.
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| Across the threshold |
Whatever renovations have taken place since re-opening have been totally sympathetic. I couldn't tell the difference. Take the wrong door, and you will find yourself in the dead end Smoke Room, with only token access to the bar. The gents are still an outside building. The main bar is mirror backed, with limited number of bolted down tables in a row, with bench seating backs.
Pretty much perfect.
The beer was perfectly kept here, with range that could make it a destination. Initially concerned at the number of handpulls (8) for a small pub, with several similar pales. Bass, Timothy Taylor Boltmaker, White Rat and Purity. I can report that first two were in perfect condition. And you can save 70p by sticking to Bass.
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| Champagne lifestyle Boltmaker |
An in preparation for the hordes of Cockneys that are bound to come for a day out to a proper City, the cuisine simply needs to add eels.
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| Pie and Mash and Bass |
Excellent pubby news, for a change. And the third resurrection? Well, the Lord Clifden reopens in the Jewellery Quarter. Newspaper articles simply state "End of November".
Another blog in waiting.
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