The Woodman, Birmingham

Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Woodman

One of two surviving pub buildings in a large area cleared for redevelopment some time ago, with the other being the Eagle & Tun (with the Fox & Grapes having been demolished in 2018). Its only immediate neighbour is the iconic Grade I-listed former Curzon Street station; but with the major Eastside scheme ongoing, and the approach viaducts for the new HS2 terminus now nearing completion, this area is on the way back up. What hasn't changed much (thankfully) is this Camra national inventory pub, although it has been sensitively refurbished following another worrying period of closure. Most of the original tiling remains, and the one remaining etched door window pane was used as a pattern for replacements. Large clear windows in the 'L'-shaped bar give plenty of light, although the rear Smoke Room (with its serving hatch) is rather darker. A small snug has also been created from a previously disused room to one side. On this first revisit for eight years, I found the regular Bass and seven less common cask ales being served from the two banks of five handpumps, including Pride & Joy from Vocation and the unusual Wotcha Treacle oatmeal and treacle stout from Front Row Brewing. A bit hidden away, but not far from the city centre and Digbeth, and well worth a visit.

On 11^th May 2025 - rating: 8
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