The Highbury, Birmingham

Had this saved in my Google Maps, as it's in my Midlands Heritage Pubs book. Without a photo and just some text, which shows that there's not that much to promote it. A substantial corner pub opposite the best chippy in Brum. The pub was open on a Monday lunch. The chippy wasnt. Two roomer - a large knocked through front room, with a pool table and some unusual leaning spots for the non-combatants. The wooden bar back board with M&B loving described in the guide but not that impressive really. A second back room of more of the same. Despite the Cask Marque (presumably expired) markings outside and the chalk board inside say "real ales", this is very much a keg only pub. Guinnes, Cruzcampo, Smoothpours etc. Friendly barman who has me enrolled in some sort of loyalty scheme with a plastic card that is honoured by all Heineken venues. I'll keep my eyes open!

Substantial pub built by Mitchell's & Butler's in the 1920s with a heritage interior in two completely separate parts. The wedge-shaped public bar is accessed via the main corner entrance, and a snug (with its own small counter) can be found up one step in the left-hand corner. At the other end of the building, a lounge bar can be found with another branch from the central servery, behind which lies a function room at the back being used for an aerobics class when I visited. Just Doom Bar (£3.10) available from the various handpumps, but at least a real ale was offered, and apparently Tribute had also been available recently.

Official site of Highbury Inn - www.highburypub.co.uk

Official site of Highbury Inn - www.highburypub.co.uk