The Vine, Birmingham

Bucking Fastard left this review about The Vine

I used this pub regularly when a student living in the area in the late 70's.This street corner boozer hasn't really changed in the 45 years since,it is located in a deteriorating estate,has some pleasing heritage curved front windows with good etched glass and retains a pleasant interior.The side entrance no longer works,you enter into the bar with a cosy ,traditional seating area,then a pool table with small screens above,then the left sided bar before a rear section behind with a large sports flatscreen on the wall.This rear section with large banquette, its framed pictures of the local area and good collection of china plates is the most restful part and does include two gaming machines but also some sports memorabilia.
Food is served,free newspapers are in a rack and the bar stools are well used by regulars.There is an excellent soundtrack and the volume on the sports screens was well controlled on my Wednesday afternoon visit.
The A board outside talks about real ales,but the four handpumps were not clipped ,the lager selection is very mainstream although there is a keg M&B Mild tap.( My Carlsberg was a very reasonable £3.60)It's a friendly place ,off the beaten track and used mainly by local folk and caters well for those that want televised sports both terrestrial and Sky Sports.
The lack of real ale took a point off my rating but this proper boozer is well worth a visit for it's tradition.Just about the only proper pub for quite a long way,it deserves a visit .

On 13^th July 2023 - rating: 6
[User has posted 2727 recommendations about 2727 pubs]