Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
Random news of the day with Real Ale Ray
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Old Contemptibles, Birmingham
Birmingham
B3 2HB
Pub Type
Nicholsons (Mitchells & Butlers)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about Old Contemptibles
A great open plan Victorian/Edwardian styled interior with stained glass, dark wood, understated but well done and with a good choice of beers and ciders on the nine handpumps. I had a pint of Purity which was excellent. The light fittings are decidedly imperial and the marble fireplace is nice but carried some very daft candles, there is something of a Gentleman's club atmosphere. It is a bit of an eatery, with sauce bottles being left on the tables after food service and I'm not sure about the murals of First World War Tommys, but it's good to see the BEF commemorated. Although badged with M&B it now belongs to the Nicholsons chain, the service being crisp but a little impersonal. I note no under eighteens are allowed in and the punters were a mix of suits and layabouts
On 22nd June 2010
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3269 recommendations about 2978 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Andy Ven left this review about Old Contemptibles
I remember when this place had black sticky carpet before the refurb a few years ago and it’s now a much more welcoming place. At 9.30 on a Saturday evening it was fairly busy even though it is out of the way of the busier parts of town.
We managed to find some comfortable seating at the very back of the pub where diners sit during food serving hours. I counted 9 handpulls and opted for Cornish Tribute. The barmaid knew that the barrel was on its way out so she handed over the pint and a pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord in case I didn’t fancy the Tribute. I can’t pick fault with that.
Although refurbed in 2007, the decor is sympathetic to the building’s traditional Victorian appearance with heavy curtains and dark wood panelling. It is now quite a popular place. I felt quite comfortable here and I’d be quite happy to pop in any time of day.
On 4th April 2010
- rating: 7
[User has posted 244 recommendations about 240 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about Old Contemptibles
Imposing pub close to Snow Hill station, with large selection of real ales, although not entirely convinced they were all in top form. The special sausages sounded good, although pricey. Obviously popular with office workers.
On 5th March 2010
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about Old Contemptibles
There's been a massive change to this place since my last visit over 2 years ago. It's now been done up very impressively by the Nicholson's chain. Lot's of old wood and glass with several distinct areas even though it's one big room really. Six different beers on handpump. Pedigree, Landlord, London Pride, Stonehenge Sign of Spring, Hopback Crop Circle and Dark Horse Whip Cracker. Had a pint of the Whip Cracker which was pretty good. It's not bad in here, much better than it was at least.
On 23rd July 2009
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3224 recommendations about 3135 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
John Horton left this review about Old Contemptibles
Since my last review this pub has had a complete makeover, the beers have changed (for the better) but it's still NOT my type of pub. The type of pub for young 'professionals' with more money than sense. Visit if you must if only to tick it off.
On 15th December 2008
- rating: 2
[User has posted 148 recommendations about 148 pubs]