The Craven Arms, Birmingham

A good solid traditional pub with a great selection of ales, as described previously. Further comment superfluous.

2020 Good Beer Guide Tick thats long been on the list to visit but is slightly out of the City Centre..... although very handy if you are attending the 02 Academy. Heaving - all the other punters were also attending the 02 Academy :-) Typical Black Country Ales Pub - classic pubby feel, their signature ales and other rotating guests - all displayed on TV screens. TItanic Glacial and Oakham Citra in good condition. Worth seeking out.

I found myself in Birmingham earlier in the week so decided to pay a visit to the Craven Arms on my way in to the centre. Nine hand pulls for ale with one of these off at the time of my visit. Of these nine, three were by Black Country Ales and the rest guests. In addition there are two hand pulls round the side of the bar for real cider. An electronic beer board lists the cask, keg and craft can offerings complete with prices. Pies and sandwiches are available but no hot food. I went for a pork pie to go with my Fireside bitter, both of which were very pleasant. The pub was quiet on my 12:30pm-ish visit midweek, with just one guy who appeared to have come in to down a coffee and make awkward small talk with the barman, another chap who came in just to use the toilet (and got suitably pulled up for doing so by the barman) and another chap who came in asking strange questions about what was the "newest" beer before ordering a pint which then appeared to disappear also in record time. He also made a strange comment to the barman about the pub being small but "still OK" which I think went down like a lead balloon. I had definitely put deodorant on that day, so the quick departure of these customers cannot be blamed on me! This is a small, quiet traditional pub, everything reasonably priced, decent ale selection, clean and tidy, no nonsense, just a solid boozer. Worth a visit.

A good looking back street pub more than backed up by its content, Its a proper pub with some decent ale available, three Black Country beers and three or four guests, the Slaters Haka was good enough for a second pint. A very nice pub and a must visit when in town.