Easily the best place for real ale, in fact its bar sports very little else out front, although alternatives are available behind. It’s very popular at the weekend so expect to stand, especially as food is an option here as well. Located in the heart of the city center it is an easy stop on a pub crawl of several of Birmingham’s best listed ale bars. The decor is a little ordinary.

I think that this is truly an excellent pub and one that I would jump at the chance of visiting again. A fantastic range of beers, probably unequalled throughout the UK one would imagine. On the day that I visited 01-12-07 it was absolutley heaving with folk, was sweaty and standing room only my beer was a bit warm but I reckon that this was more of a case of the environment being so stuffy and hot and not a slur on the pub at all, the bar staff seemed very knowledgable and I would definately head to here again.

Visited several times, and for sure worth a go if you are in or close to Birmingham. Just love their black board, which get updated as soon as they put on a new beer, both in the pub and on the net :-) It was the first place, I noticed used this, years ago. Friendly staff, great variation on the beers, often very crowded, but very cosy..

This has been an institution in the Birmingham Real Ale scene since it started up a few years back. It’s set in a great position between Victoria Square and the Commercial area. There is always a lot of choice, although the usuals are building up now, so the changing beers have become a little less. No food is served, but you are free to bring in your own. The place is generally pretty full at most times of day and seating can be difficult to sort out. The Bar is also pretty packed at times, although the electronic board helps in choosing the beers.
Updated Rating Dec ’12. A bit of an improvement in here, the carpets have been cleaned, it’s had an air through and the beer quality seems to be better. An improved mark from me and is now my new favourite in Birmingham.

One of the best places in Birmingham for an real ale. Lovely old traditional british pub. Friendly and nice staff. Good selection both on tap and bottles.

Great selection, good, knowledgable staff and an excellent atmosphere.

If drinking Cask Conditioned British Ales is your bag, this is the place in Birmingham for you. No frills or Inglenooks in here, just tables, chairs and a long bar with a choice of beers to die for! The ever changing range of 12 beers (?) is very impressive in deed, because the place is so popular, they are fresh, or they have been drank already, so quality is ensured. The service is good and it is not expensive. I like the way you can take your own food in, or better still, order a take away and get it delivered. The Wellington will supply your plates and irons for free!

Visited during a wet afternoon on 12 August 2008. Excellent selection of 15 ales, mainly from the Midlands with some well chosen guests from further afield brewers such as Fernandes, Coastal and Pictish. Service was brisk and enthusiastic, and the customers were friendly enough. the real time beers listing is of great use both in the pub itself and on the internet when planning a trip.

An old favourite reincarnated, with a well regarded landlord parachuted in. It’s been open less than a week, but already we’ve seen 16 beers on hand pump. The intention is to specialise in local micros, including a couple always on, from new local brewery Black Country Ales. Decor still resembles the wine bar it previously was, and there’s no food, but you can bring your own in apparently. It looks like this will be the city centre pub that Brum was crying out for, and it looks set to form a formidable triumvirate with the Anchor and the Bartons.

Excellent place. Good atmosphere with lots of choice of beers on tap.