The Hop Garden, Birmingham

The Hop Garden was another Birmingham pub where were encouraged to sit outside in the hop garden itself. Luckily, there are some marquees set up which helped cut out the cold winds. Ordering was again by a website. Although we were asked to shout somebody if we were struggling. I was impressed with the ale range here. 5 real ales were on. These were Ridgeside Equator, Little Critters Raspberry Blonde, Three Hills Heavens Above, Wilde Child Risk Avoidance & Halton Turner Whiplash. They also had a couple of ciders - Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon & Lilley's Mango Cider. I went for the Heavens Above, which seemed a little past its best. Nevertheless, with this kind of beer range, I will be back one day.

A big improvement on the old Sportsman and well described below. Great selection and the beer was in top form. I was made to feel very welcome and I will be popping in again!

Thoroughly remodelled alehouse with a mix of reclaimed furniture and repurposed decor in the bar area and side room (odd featuring the bottle fridge). Substantial beer garden to the rear. Three of five handpumps in use, but my eyes were inevitably drawn to the Hopcraft West Side Oak on offer at just £2.50. 12 keg taps offering a diverse range of craft beers and ciders. A bit quiet on a Wednesday evening, but it deserves to do well, so I hope the forthcoming beer festival helps spread the word.

Official site of The Hop Garden - hopgardenpub.co.uk

Official site of The Hop Garden - hopgardenpub.co.uk

This pub opened yesterday and the new name is Hop Garden. It has opened as a craft and real ale outlet recently and it is going to be a winner. Well served ales and a brilliant selection. 5 real ales and we enjoyed beers from Billericay, Harwich Town, Fixed Wheel and Green Duck. The other was Blackedge brewery, 7 craft beers on tap and we tried beers from Turning Point and Weird Beard. All beers in great condition. They also have 5 ciders plus some foreign beers on tap. All beers displayed on an electronic beer board. The pub has a rustic character at the moment but is comfortable enough with solid tables and chairs. The massive garden with some shelter will be great in the summer. No food at present but no objection to bringing your own in. Easily reached down the alley alongside Marks and Spencers in the High Street served by a variety of buses.There is also a fridge with a good selection of bottled and canned beers.Beer festivals are planned for next year.