Black Eagle, Hockley, Birmingham

I too had read the article about this pub closing so I felt I needed to call in once more. It is a little run down now and looks a bit sorry for itself. No ale left so made do with an M&B Mild. A few old regulars in - where will they go when this pub closes it's doors? Ironically the barmaid said they had been busier this week than they had for ages. She even joked that she should have put up the closing notice months ago. It's a classic case of the area around the pub changing beyond recognition. Far too many of these bits of history are vanishing - I'd be surprised if this one opens again. Use them or lose them!

This pub will close down on 10/05/26. Doesn't look like there are any plans for a takeover. https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/historic-birmingham-pub-lost-time-33832678 Popped in again, whilst I had the chance. As you would expect, a sad air of resignation - like having a last pint on the Titanic.

Can only report as I find. And how, I wanted to enjoy this Good Beer Guide Pub - one of the closest to the Albion, where you can find me at every other 3pm kick off. A 2mile walk from the ground to work up a thirst. Fine looking exterior and a tiny hall to give you the decision to go left (lounge) or right (bar). I went left and into a very traditional room, low ceiling, mock Tudor effect. Two Cask on my side but both the Golden Glow and Butty were off - with an excuse from the near teenage staff that "they need the lines cleaning". Do you have any cask, I enquire? HPA in the other bar. Normally, I am a big fan of HPA. It's pin sharp, crystal clear. Firstly, this was a short pint. Secondly it was murky in a way that I know HPA shouldnt be. Finally, there were bits floating around the bottom. How can a CAMRA accredited pub serve produce so poor? If this was your first taste of real ale, you would be on Madri for life. I would have taken it back, but a large group of other pub enthusiasts had come in and were hogging the bar, going through the "no butty" "no Golden Glow" routine. I left my drink unfinished and returned to the Soho Tram stop. A short distance away.