The Craven Arms, Birmingham

My last visit to the Craven Arms was in February 2019, so I decided it was about time I paid another visit. This is still the traditional old school pub that it was back in 2019 and was somewhat busier, giving the pub a bustling atmosphere just before 4pm on a weekday. A real fire was burning, which helped add to the atmosphere and feeling of tradition. At the bar, 9 of 11 hand pulls were in operation, four of which were offering beers from Black Country Ales. There were also several keg options that I didn't take much notice of. My Pig On The Wall (mild) by Black Country Ales was very enjoyable. Reasonably priced pub snacks are available from behind the bar - home made cobs, slice of pork pie, sausage rolls, scotch eggs and crisps, for example. No artisanal £6 scotch egg here, just good honest snacks ranging from £1.50 for a slice of pork pie (which I went for, and was very nice), sausage rolls and scotch eggs around the £2 mark, and if you wanted to push the boat out with a home made cob, that would set you back £2.50 with a variety of fillings including cheese and onion, cheese and tomato, and cheese and ham. A handsome pub both inside and out, and one I would be happy to spend a bit more time in.

It has been far too long since I last took the short stroll from Broad Street. Another rock solid pub from one of my favourite chains. You know what to expect - 3 house beers plus half a dozen guests. My Mallinson's NZ Double was spot on. So was the Aussie Blonde I tried next. A great looking pub from the outside too. Well worth a visit.