Brighton Arms Hotel, Birmingham

A corner pub and B&B. The Brighton Hotel, as originally named, is a fantastic reminder of the affluence of Balsall Heath in the Victorian period. It is more Georgian in style, with slight bow and bay windows, neo-classic entrances, decorated cornice and quoin stones. It is in yellow brick, with black paintwork, now sadly looking tired - the place is currently for sale. The interior has a large L-shaped bar room, which looks tidy compared to the exterior. It is in yellow and wood panel, with a wood floor and a red ceiling. Irish flags are prominent, indeed, one of the two TVs on was tuned to an Irish channel - the other had the footy on. The music was general and at a decent level. A few old photos and some strange items were on the walls. The service was fine and a couple of mature locals were in. Beer; no real ale (despite two pulls), the M&B MILD wasn't on, so i had half a shandy. So many pubs have gone in Balsall Heath, and this seems to be struggling - it makes you want to weep.