The Crown, Birmingham

Lovely pub from the outside, this pub suffers from its location, at the arse end of the city centre. However, with New street Station being modernised things could pick up here as its on the direct route from the station to the popular Chinese and gay quarters. The review below touches on exactly what I think, its a little shabby inside and needs a lot more love but it has something about it, a high ceiling, little features here and there, and its imposing exterior. Its an unusual pub for Birmingham. I think this pub has the potential to become one of the best in Birmingham if someone with a little vision and an eye for tradition took it on. And with the development of the station in a few years I believe if somebody away from a national chain were to do that, I will be on here saying 'told you so' and it could be fantastic. As for now it remains a place you wouldn't make a journey to visit. And as for the beer, one real ale - Abbot - and very poorly kept. If only I had a little money!

A very large corner pub that despite its faults still retains a charm, not least for its architecture. The location of the pub often sees us visit for the final drink prior to catching the train home. If i didnt use the train, i would use the pub less. Open plan, with a dance floor area. Yes the pub is a little shabby. Yes, you have to fight your way through the smokers that hang around the entrance like vultures around a corpse. Yes, the clientele is a mix of ALL kinds of Brummies. Yes, you need the artistry of Lionel Blair to dodge some of the 'puddles' in the gents and yes, the M&B MILD is a bit hit and miss, but i have a little soft spot for it.