The Craven Arms, Birmingham

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Quinno _ left this review about The Craven Arms

Certainly not the top quality I remembered, with staff hiding in the rear room rather than being visible behind the bar. My BCA Pig was fine, if not fully box fresh (NBSS 3). Went for a cob and ended-up with an anaemic roll. Still has a reputation as the Ajax fans started to arrive ahead of the Villa game which given its location meant they didn’t find it by chance, and the pub itself is certainly very pleasant. But it’s fair to say that I left a bit underwhelmed and its previous status as a rare 10 on my score chart is sadly no more.

November 2014
Takes a bit of finding up a steep hill, the opposite side of the A38 that acts as a concrete barrier round that part of central Brum. Well-worth the effort though, this a lovely backstreet boozer recently taken over and re-invigorated by Black Country Ales who also run the legendary Welly and Post Office Vaults in town. First signs that this will be a good ‘un is the lovely heritage exterior with impressive colourful glazed tilework and nicely etched windows. The interior has obviously been whacked through at some stage but an effort has been made to reinstall some period fittings (eg the dark wood and mirrors and shell style bar back). Carpeted, with traditional banquette seating which always gets a vote from me. Warm, inclusive atmosphere inside aided by the friendly staff. No food but like the other BCA pubs you can bring your own and staff will rustle up crockery for you. A good selection of local ales available and my Clouded Minds Clouded Stout was in excellent form. All ales had handwritten tasting notes. A great little pub and a default stop for any serious drinker who has a few hours to spare in Britain’s second city; it was the best pub I sampled during a long day of crawling. Rated 10

On 24^th April 2024 - rating: 8
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