28/05/26 - West Midlands Metro Pub Crawl - Stage 5

The End, Again

The plan - testing AI to see the nearest pub to a West Midlands Metro stop, alighting at every third station. For the second time, I have reached the end of the line. 

Plenty (too much) variety, as I attack some of the stops in central Birmingham. Things learned? Broad Street doesn't open until the evening. And neither does St Chads.

Number	Station	AI Recommendation	Actual Nearest
18	St Chads	The Gun Makers Arms	The Gun Makers Arms

The Gun Makers Arms had been closed for a short while. Unsurprising, really. There were never any punters in there during my previous visits. Even with the Good Beer Guide recommendation, keen pricing and being a brewpub. Looking at Google now - it is labelled Mason Newman's Gun Makers Arms. Which seems a mouthful. Hidden in the small print is the fact that it doesn't open until 4pm. I'll have to wait for a weekend to determine what Mason has done with the gaff.

So the next obvious choice is the Old Contemptibles. A Nicholson pub that really could do with the patronage of a resident artist.

Tommy on the right has too much on his spoon

This is a much improved pub, beer-wise. The last couple of years it's quite rightly been endorsed in the Good Beer Guide. The beer selection is also rotating and you are never sure what to find. Keeping a perfect pint of Bass in this heatwave is something that should be heralded.

One of Birmingham's Best

There is no point catching the tram to The Town Hall. It's quicker to walk up Colmore Row.

Number	Station	AI Recommendation	Actual Nearest
19	Town Hall	The Victoria	Pure Craft Bar and Kitchen

I'm unsure which Victoria AI is suggesting, but if it's the theatre pub next to the Alex, then that is an awful long way away. There are a few contenders for the closest pub to the Town Hall. Across the road from Pure Craft is a Pieminster, with "Pie and Mash" emblazoned on the door. This might be a good idea, when the heatwave breaks.

Handsome

I've never really got on with the inside of the tap room for Purity Brewing. It's cavernous, all exposed ducting and completely soulless. Yet in the sunshine, it's a fine spot to people watch. I particularly like counting the number of people drinking who should be at work. And jealously wondering if they are on expenses. The one thing I miss during retirement is asking for receipts. I can do it in four languages.

A fine (expensive) Purity Helles.

Onwards to Five Ways - the far end of Broad Street. 

Number	Station	AI Recommendation	Actual Nearest
20	Five Ways	The Distillery	Barbara's Bier Haus

I don't know who Barbara is, but looking at Google Maps Street View, she used to be called Heidi. I don't suppose I will ever find out. A Germanic themed fun pub that opens at 4pm. I wasn't against a visit. They sell Lowenbrau by the stein.

Instead, I have a little backstreet pub called the Vine saved in my "Google Want to Go" list. With no description on why I want to go. 

Protect Ladywood

And everything about it is weird. It looks like a traditional Victorian corner pub - which has had a new build added to the top of it. The architecture is at odds with the rest of the street - which looks like a 1960s housing estate. I can't tell whether the area is commercial or residential. It would certainly be handy for Birmingham's nightlife and could save someone a fortune in Uber.

Inside, it's very traditional. Wood panelling, sports TVs and a pool table, being put through its paces by the bar staff.

The outside A-frame promotes Real Ale but I wasn't forced to make a choice. Both pumps off.... not that I would have trusted it in > 30 degree heat.

Sshh... please don't tell anyone

Next leg? Back to Wolverhampton.

Walk Details

Previous Metro Pub Walks - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

Pubs - 3

Total Number of Metro Station Pubs - 20