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Beer of the Week (w/e 10th December 2023) with ROBCamra
on the Pub Forum
Image posted by Ian Mapp
Submitted on Monday, 6th November 2023
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Detail Pages
The Old Contemptibles, Birmingham
Birmingham
B3 2HB
Old Contemptibles
Due to a late cancellation we now have two tables available for this Sundays England game, drop us a message if you… https://t.co/CoSiYXltXa
9:31 AM Jun 10th 2021 from Reputation.com-Social
Reviews of The Old Contemptibles (Average Rating: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Ian Mapp left this review about The Old Contemptibles
Another visit and now in the GBG. Beers on were standard (London Pride, Ubu Purity) and some interesting cask from Northern Monk and a Red ale that I missed on first perusal and I will be back.
Beautiful inside, with a ceiling to compete with some of Edinburgh's finest.
Will come back, as it is handiest for Snow Hill station :-)
On 6th November 2023
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1273 recommendations about 1261 pubs]
Bucking Fastard left this review about The Old Contemptibles
Operated by Nicholsons,there are some fine heritage features which I'm surprised CAMRA has not included on their listing of historic interiors,if this pub was in London it would be 3*.
The interior has three sections with a couple of steps between them. The ceiling is very high ,great cornicing and the windows are a real feature with stained glass.The corner entrance is opulent,the bar back celebrated the British Expeditionary Force from WW1 from which the pub takes their nickname,and also has impressive inlaid mirrors.The furniture is largely traditional with red leather buttoned back bench seats,the only high tables are butcher blocks to the side.The drapes are impressive ,the floor polished dark wood and many chandeliers hang down on long cords.There are two fine fireplaces in sandstone.
The main serving bar is in the lower section and was offering on my trip Fullers London Pride,St Austell Tribute,TT Landlord,Adnams/Deya Boat Trip,Devon Amber Salcombe and Purity Mad Goose (NBSS 3) with a pull reversed. However at the highest level there is a small bar with more handpumps but a notice saying you won't get served here,I missed this on the way in and the offering expanded with Salopian Gold,St Austell Nicholsons Pale,Five Points Railway Porter and Marstons Wainwright.
A full range of 10 ales is commendable although there are some ubiquitous ales on offer but what was inexcusable was the lack of a full ale menu anywhere.The chain vibe is also reinforced by mindless muzak ,two flatscreen with BBC 24 News (at least on mute) and numbered tables with corporate menus of food service tosh.If eating and wanting to get away from folk just drinking there is a small restaurant area in a large snug at the far higher end.
I've scored it high due to the heritage,and there is a charming steep staircase to first floor loos.However the chain vibe is evident and takes the gloss off.A fine building from the exterior although the upper floors look unused.Worth visiting for heritage and a wide choice of real ale.Conveniently close to the main entrance of Snow Hill station.Stick it on any crawl list.
On 9th August 2023
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2661 recommendations about 2661 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Old Contemptibles
Interesting Nicholsons pub / restaurant, although the upper part of the split-level bar is slightly more modern but less interesting than the main serving area below. This has the expected traditional furniture and decor, with plenty of dark wood and a First World War mural above the bar back. After a pandemic-era slump, I found all ten handpumps back in use on this latest visit, with a reasonably diverse (if fairly mainstream) selection of real ales. Surprisingly, perhaps, the usual Nicholson's Pale Ale wasn't on, so I went for Purity's Pure UBU to finish off my evening's perambulations... Overall, remains worth a visit, and handy for the nearby Snow Hill station.
On 1st December 2022
- rating: 8
[User has posted 7893 recommendations about 7893 pubs]
View more reviews of The Old Contemptibles (25)
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- Official pages of The Old Contemptibles, contains menus and real ale details - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk
- Facebook - The Old Contemptibles
- Twitter - Old Contemptibles
- CAMRA WhatPub :: The Old Contemptibles - whatpub.com
Birmingham Moor Street, 0.52 miles, 9 min walk (show)
Birmingham New Street, 0.55 miles, 10 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Bar Billiards : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Beer Festivals : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Beer Garden : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- CAMRA Discount : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Car Park : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Child Friendly : Yes last updated 07 March 2023 by paulof horsham
- Darts : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Dog Friendly : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Hot Food : Yes last updated 02 August 2015 by hondo .
- Jukebox : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Karaoke : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Live TV Sports : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Micropub : No last updated 07 March 2023 by paulof horsham
- Pinball : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Pool Table : No last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 02 August 2015 by hondo .
- Real Cider : Yes last updated 13 November 2014 by Quinno _
- WiFi : Yes - O2 wifi - last updated 02 August 2015 by hondo .
