White House, Hockley, Birmingham

Ian Mapp left this review about White House

Blimey. What a survivor. I've got a book of photos of the old East End of London and this building reminded me of that. Two road systems look like they have cut it off from whatever architecture it used to sit aside. Its now in complete isolation.

Lack of lights on, barred windows and seemingly shut doors give the place a very closed feel but luckily, I timed it when two workmen were exiting. After I had completed two complete tours of the building to gain access.

Inside, its neat and tidy - with continuous rooms around a central bar. Vague Irish feel to the decoration. Old photos of the pub and that classic shot of New York workmen having their skyrise lunch.

Beerwise - this is where it gets bizarre/interesting. I should have noted that my other two pre-midday drinkers were on Carling. In cans. That's a first. There was a handpull - Holdens Mild - but that was off.

So a tied brewery pub with none of the breweries cask on. There was some holdens keg and guinness which was chosen, decent and cheap. £3.40?

Bit of an end of days feel - but cheery staff. Maybe to go the same way as some other Holdens that are marked on Google Maps as permanently closed.

On 5^th June 2024 - rating: 5
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