Birmingham

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

LocAle Guide

What is LocAle?
The Locale initiative was introduced in 2007 by the Nottingham Branch of Camra, who were concerned about local traditions of brewing traditions of brewing in the Nottinghamshire area following the demise of the local Hardys and Hansons brewery. The second part of the initative was to reduce the amount of beer miles that the beer travels from the brewery to the pub, a green issue that Camra nationally are now happy to be proud of.

Since the launch, consumers have a wider choice of locally brewed beer that gives the area identity, for serving beers with a greater diversity of tastes that can be appreciated. With sales of locally brewed real ale on the increase, this can only generate more interest from licensees to stock more locally brewed real ale.

Definition of Local
The Sustainable Communities Act, which CAMRA strongly supports, provides a definition of local as up to 30 miles from the point of sale. CAMRA recommends that the distance is calculated from the pub to the brewery and should be based on the shortest driving distance. Real ales from regional and national breweries as well as from microbreweries can be regarded as "local" if they are brewed within what the branch has decided as being the local area.

How does a publican get the locAle accreditation?

  • That they will endeavour to ensure at least one locally brewed real ale is on sale at all times
  • Only real ale, as defined by CAMRA, can be promoted as a CAMRA LocAle
  • By keeping their real ale in an acceptable quality

Birmingham Branch LocAle Pubs

  • Birmingham
    • Anchor Telephone(0121) 622 4516 308 Bradford Street Birmingham B5 6ET

      A Grade II listed building, on CAMRA's national historic inventory. The multi-room pub serves up to four hand-pulled ales and one key-keg ale at any one time. Supports local breweries. Can get very busy when Birmingham City are playing at home. Dog-friendly with free treats. Halves marked up above pro-rata. Card-carrying CAMRA members receive 25p off a pint of cask.

    • Aston Tavern Telephone(0121) 328 0095 Aston Hall Road Birmingham B6 6LA

      Large Victorian styled pub, fully restored with various sofas, antique clocks and paintings on the wall. Victorian themed teas are served. Only open weekdays and when Aston Villa are playing at home. Door may be locked, in which case ring bell for entry. The pub dog doesn't like men. Not a pub on matchdays as entrance is £3 for adults, no charge for minors.

    • Bacchus Telephone(0121) 632 5445 Burlington Arcade, New Street Birmingham B2 4JH

      Hidden away below the Burlington Hotel (formerly the Midland). This pub has many distinct areas of discrete seating, many with a unique historical theme. A separate dining area is available but meals can be eaten anywhere in the pub. The pub is one of the Nicholsons chain, part of M&B, and is handily situated opposite Grand Central team stop and New Street station.

    • Black Eagle Telephone(0121) 523 4008 16 Factory Road Birmingham B18 5JU

      This Victorian pub retains many original features including Minton tiles on the bar. The pub has a number of different rooms, starting with a tap room on the left and a lounge on the right when entering. At the rear is a restaurant area.

    • Black Horse Telephone(0121) 477 1800 Bristol Road South Birmingham B31 2QT

      A Grade II listed Brewer's Tudor pub. It appears on CAMRA's National Historic Inventory pub after being refurbished and reopened by J D Wetherspoon in 2010. Built in 1929 to the a Bateman & Bateman design, this Midland roadhouse replaced an earlier, smaller pub that had been on the site. A multi-room pub with extravagant half-timbered exterior, baronial hall with tie-beam roof, and barrel-vaulted lobby. There is a large carpark to the side and a bowling green to the rear. A function room is available upstairs.

    • Bristol Pear Telephone(0121) 414 9980 676 Bristol Road Birmingham B29 6BJ

      This student friendly pub offers a regularly changing selection of cask and craft beers. You can order a 2 or 3 pint flagons of any draught or have a 1/3 pint taster selection (3 x 1/3 pint). There are three hand pulls rotating cask ales and five fonts serving a variety of craft beers alongside a couple of polypins of real ciders on the bar. The one large open-plan room is bustling but not noisy and offers plenty of large tables and small snug areas. It is a roomy but cosy pub with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Sport is shown on plenty of screens but this doesn't dominate the room. As you'd expect for a pub in the heart of Selly Oak it is a mainly student crowd but with a good proportion of locals. The food menu is good with a wide selection from breakfast to burgers. Check out the menu on their website.

    • Bull Telephone(0121) 333 6757 1 Price Street Birmingham B4 6JU

      A quirky country style pub in the centre of Birmingham, near Aston University. This friendly staffed popular backstreet local is one of the oldest pubs in Birmingham and has a snug, comfortable and homely feel. Two distinct drinking areas surround a U-shaped bar with smaller back room for more privacy. A collection of 300 jugs adorns the ceiling, along with a number of old pictures and memorabilia. Small garden area at rear. Traditional, hearty pub food served. Guest beers change regularly. Eleven en-suite letting bedrooms are available.

    • Burning Soul Brewery Unit 1, 51 Mott Street Birmingham B19 3HE

      A brewery and taproom just off Great Hampton Street in Hockley. They serve 11 keykeg lines and one hand pull for cask beer (all meeting CAMRA's definition of live beer). Situated on an industrial estate, the decor is functional but comfortable. There is outdoor decking for the warmer months. A good range of canned beer is available. Opening hours can vary, check social media for details. Card payment preferred.

    • Cherry Reds Telephone(0121) 643 5716 88-92 John Bright Street Birmingham B1 1BN

      Stylish independent cafe bar a stone's throw from New Street station. The downstairs bar is small but there is additional seating available upstairs accessed via a steep staircase. Several cask ales available supplemented by a range of craft keg, bottles and cans. The food menu is extensive and freshly made with plenty of options for vegetarians. Well-known for their homemade cakes. Two function rooms available for hire.

    • Country Girl Telephone(0121) 472 7639 1 Raddlebarn Road Birmingham B29 6HJ

      Typical Ember Inns pub, which is no bad thing as the beer range tend to be interesting. The pub is regularly populated with students and locals alike. The patio at the rear is well used in the warmer months. Food is typical Ember fayre and the pub has events such as quizzes throughout the week. Refurbished in 2023.

    • Craven Arms Telephone(0121) 269 4113 47 Upper Gough Street Birmingham B1 1JG

      This early 19th-century former Holder's outlet, restored and refurbished in 2022 by Black Country Ales, sports an attractive blue-tiled exterior and a cosy one room interior. Handpulls take prominence on the bar and, in addition to three permanent Black Country beers, seven changing guest casks come from breweries across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Three changing craft keg lines. Cider available. Cobs, pork pies and sausage rolls are available at most times and a real fire may await when cold.

    • Elizabeth Of York Telephone(0121) 442 5250 12A St Marys Row Birmingham B13 8JG

      This Wetherspoons shop conversion has two entrances, one from St Mary's Row and the other from the car park at the rear. It is a spacious and welcoming establishment in the centre of Moseley. The food menu is available with breakfast from 8am and typical Wetherspoons menu till 10pm. There is a regular Locale rotation of its beer. These are alongside the usual Wetherspoons ales. Fridays and Saturdays are very popular with a vibrant atmosphere.

    • Figure of Eight Telephone(0121) 633 0917 236-239 Broad Street Birmingham B1 2HG

      Huge Wetherspoon's pub in the heart of Broad Street, which takes its name from the fact that the canal network cut a figure of eight shape around Birmingham. The pub has bookshelves and the usual collection of old pictures of the area adorn the walls. Very popular with after work drinkers and is on the city centre drinking circuit so gets busy early evenings, Fridays and Saturdays. The pub has a dining only area and large beer garden.

    • Good Intent Telephone(0121) 572 5788 32-33 Great Western Arcade Birmingham B2 5HU

      An up-market refurbishment in 2019 of a shop unit in the Great Western Arcade opposite Snow Hill station, the Good Intent is a "not-for-profit" pub operated by Craddocks Brewery. The management tell us "The aim of Craddock's Good Intent is to establish a bar in the heart of Birmingham and to donate all of its profits to charities and good causes. It would be amongst the first of its kind in the UK and we're excited by the prospect of being able to raise a glass and help good causes at the same time!" The pub has a ground floor bar with 6 hand pumps serving rotating Craddocks Ales and Guest Ales from the Midlands Area alongside Keg products, Wines, Spirits and Continental/Craft Beers. From there part of the upstairs cellar can be seen (they also have a cellar downstairs) Additional seating is available upstairs, and there is a function room available for hire. Do not be alarmed by the frequent rumbling and slight vibration from below, it is only the trains going through Snow Hill Tunnel below the pub!

    • Gunmakers Arms Telephone(0121) 236 8486 92 Bath Street Birmingham B4 6HG

      The pub is a Regency period, Grade II listed building in the historic Gun Quarter. The tap house of Two Towers Brewery, which is located at the rear, sharing a courtyard drinking area. Brewery tours available by arrangement. Range of Two Towers ales available with occasional guest ales. It is a small, pleasant, back street pub just off the City’s inner ring road and a five minute walk from Snow Hill Station. There is one large bar at the front with snug seating areas and a smaller separate room at the rear. Regular events include a Student Night on Monday with a quiz, Open Mic on Wednesday, Karaoke on Saturday and live music on a Sunday.

      Chinese and Mongolian food, cooked in the on-site kitchen, provides an affordable and enjoyable option for eating.

    • Hare & Hounds Telephone(0121) 444 2081 106 High Street Birmingham B14 7JZ

      A Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1907, on the corner of High Street & York Street. Art Nouveau tiles on the walls of the York Road entrance and stairs. An L shaped bar greets you as you come in, with original mirrors behind the bar and parts of the bar itself. The atmosphere is relaxed and staff are very friendly. Two upstairs venue spaces are available for hire. There are regular live music nights spanning a wide range of tastes. A wall plaque commemorates UB40's first gig in 1979.

    • Head of Steam Telephone(0121) 643 6824 Somerset House, 36 Temple Street Birmingham B2 5DP

      The Birmingham edition of the Camerons' Head of Steam chain. It features a large and spacious interior, split across three levels, decorated in a steampunk style. An island bar occupies the centre of the middle level. Plenty of seating and booths for people to enjoy a wide variety of food and drinks. Seven handpulls showcase Camerons' own beers and offerings from local and national breweries. Keg lines include international beers such as Delirium and La Chouffe. Wide range of beers from around the world in bottles and cans.

    • Hop & Scotch Telephone(0121) 679 8807 9 Institute Rd, Birmingham Birmingham B14 7EG

      One room micropub situated just off of King's Heath High Street. Emphasis is on convivial conversation and drinking, for regulars, locals and visitors alike. Five cask beers usually local from the likes of Green Duck, Kinver, Malvern Hills, Hobsons & Infinity. A mixture of local & national craft beer, a cider and a German beer, on keg/keykeg, available across 10 taps. Also sells bottled and canned ales. Beers available displayed on a chalk board to the left of the bar. Various seating areas and styles available. Can get busy in the evenings with a varied age range. Food is crisps and nuts. Dog friendly and dog snacks available.

    • Jewellers Arms Telephone(0121) 212 0347 23 Hockley Street Birmingham B18 6BW

      A cosy pub, acquired by Black Country Ales in late 2017. It has ten real ales and two ciders. Gets busy in the evenings. No separate bar as the pub is now all open plan. There is a real fire at one end of the pub, perfect for cold winter nights. A function room is available upstairs.

    • Junction Telephone(0121) 428 2635 212 High Street Birmingham B17 9PT

      This distinctive Victorian building from 1904 dominates the High Street. Constantly changing beer range of up to six ales and quality food is served from an open plan kitchen to a separate dining area. Secluded beer garden at the rear. Quiz nights every Monday. The pubs original tiles can be viewed in the corridor leading to the toilets. Burger deal Thursdays, Sandwich deal 12-5pm Mon-Fri.

    • Lamp Tavern 157 Barford Street Birmingham B5 6AH

      A hidden gem of a pub, almost the last of its kind, on the edge of Digbeth. Run by the same landlord since 1993. The pub has a homely feel despite its industrial location with a small single bar. Closes early if no customers, so ring ahead if intending a later visit. Function room at the back holds about 35 people. Folk club on Friday evenings. The bar is cash only, nearest cash points are on Digbeth High Street or Hurst Street.

    • Old Contemptibles Telephone(0121) 200 3310 176 Edmund Street Birmingham B3 2HB

      A Nicholsons pub very popular with office workers in central Birmingham. Handily located close to Snow Hill Station. A large, single wood-paneled room is divided into distinct drinking areas, with a cosy snug at the rear. A changing range of beers are served from seven hand pulls on the bar. The pub name derives from the British Expeditionary Force who fought in France in the First World War. Hearty food is available.

    • Old Moseley Arms Telephone(0121) 440 1954 53 Tindal Street Birmingham B12 9QU

      An oasis in an otherwise cask ale desert. Two-roomed traditional pub with a central bar. The left-hand room, as you enter, has an 80 inch screen for sport, with a smaller TV above the bar in the right-hand room. No screens in the rear seating area, popular with diners. Also boasts a large, covered patio for warmer weather. Function room upstairs. A superb tandoori menu is served evenings and all day Sunday. Conveniently located for Edgbaston cricket ground.

    • Post Office Vaults Telephone(0121) 643 7354 84 New Street Birmingham B2 4BA

      A subterranean pub, situated close to New Street Station and accessed by a single red door on New Street near Victoria Square or from the rear on Pinfold Street. They serve six real ales, a selection of ciders, a large selection of foreign bottled beers, and a range of cans and bottles. A destination pub for foreign beer enthusiasts. Food isn't served but customers are welcome to bring their own. Cutlery can be provided. There is free to play bar billiards.

    • Prince of Wales Telephone(0121) 449 4198 118 Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8EE

      Victorian pub that was sympathetically refurbished in April 2023. The pub is comprised of several drinking areas. The front entrance from the street opens to a main bar area with table seating, a mixture of wooden and tiled flooring, and (original?) leaded glass windows. There are two screens that show live sport. In the rear of the pub are two smaller drinking areas, both with leather seating around the length of each. All three rooms contain real fires for keeping warm in the winter.

      The rear passageway is decorated using traditional tiling and leads to an extensive beer garden, popular in the summer months and at weekends. There is further covered seating in an outdoor cocktail bar.

      Five handpumps serve real ale, with Timothy Taylor's Landlord, Oakham Bishops Farewell and Wye Valley Butty Bach as regular beers.

    • Pure Craft Bar & Kitchen Telephone(0121) 237 5666 30 Waterloo Street Birmingham B2 5TJ

      Purity Brewery's first outlet, set in a traditional building with an industrial interior in the centre of the Business District. The open and welcoming bar features Purity beers on cask and 14 keg lines, including some guests from smaller breweries. Basic seating in the main bar area and two smaller rooms downstairs. The latter two are available to book for functions. There is an emphasis on gourmet food and tables are available to book online. Can get busy with office crowd after work.

    • Queens Head 28 Steelhouse Lane Birmingham B4 6BJ

      Reopened as the Queens Head in 2022 (both in tribute to its former name and in honour of the Platinum Jubilee). Extensive work has been undertaken inside and out to give the pub the Davenport's feel. Cask ale not always available. Pump clips not turned around when beers unavailable.

      Food is served all day, with breakfast available from 9am on weekdays. An extensive menu has a good range of vegetarian options as well as pub classics. Afternoon Tea is availably by booking only.

    • Red Lion Telephone(0121) 233 9144 95 Warstone Lane Birmingham B18 6NG

      Traditional two-roomed pub, bought by Joule's Brewery in 2024.

    • RedBeer'd 1891 Pershore Road Birmingham B30 3DJ

      Micropub in a converted shop, over two floors. Conveniently located for Kings Norton railway station. Serving two cask hand pulls and up to 10 keg taps. Beers are often from local breweries such as Fownes Halton Turner and Leviathan. They also serve up to four ciders or perries from Hogans and Oliver's.

      Comfier seating is available on the ground floor, while upstairs are chairs and barrels. Toilet is located upstairs. Dogs welcome and encouraged. Third and half pints available. Card payment only. Drinkers can bring outside food.

    • Rock & Roll Brewhouse Telephone07922 554181 19 Hall St Birmingham B18 6BS

      A quirky brewery taproom well worth checking out on the first floor above the brewery, in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. Three real ales are available, all brewed on-site and vegan. There is a focus on a love of music, with memorabilia adorning the walls, books available to read and live music at the weekends. When live music isn't being performed a set list of vinyls are played, often themed around music news that week. Check social media for details. Can get busy when bands are playing. Last orders are 30 minutes before closing time (which is strictly adhered to!).

    • Sacks Of Potatoes Telephone(0121) 503 5811 10 Gosta Green Birmingham B4 7ER

      A traditional lively pub set in the heart of the Aston University campus. The pub is popular with students and local office staff. Weekly quizzes, bi weekly karaoke.

    • Selly Park Tavern Telephone(0121) 472 4392 592 Pershore Road Birmingham B29 7HQ

      An Ember Inns redbricked pub dating to 1901, run by the same manager for over ten years whose clientele is varied. Although it is only a large one roomed pub there are smaller areas so you can still get privacy. There is an active bowling club and a skittle alley at the rear. Less than one mile from Edgbaston Cricket Ground, it is handy for visiting fans.

    • Shakespeare Telephone(0121) 236 8702 31 Summer Row Birmingham B3 1JJ

      Victorian red-brick small city centre local, part of the Nicolson's brand, near the Jewellery Quarter. The traditional bar has a small hatch to serve the rear snug which has a wonderful 'old fashioned' feel. Regularly changing guest ales feature with a good selection of traditional pub food. Recently refurbished (summer 2022)

    • Soho Tavern Telephone(0121) 523 6476 407 Park Road Birmingham B18 5SR

      Definitely a phoenix from the ashes, this pub was run down and then closed for many years but is now refurbished to a high standard. Now a family run Bar & Grill. As is becoming common for the area the food range is mainly Indian with 2 real ales usually available. Vegetarian, vegan & gluten free options available.

    • Spotted Dog Telephone(0121) 772 3822 104 Warwick Street Birmingham B12 0NH

      A multi-roomed traditional pub of Irish character, old fashioned & family owned since 1985. Rugby & Irish Sports are shown on large screen TVs. Features an extensive covered patio garden and smoking area with heaters, large real fireplace, barbeque, projection screen and eclectic adornments. Hand pulls are split over the two bar areas, so make sure you move around to see the full range.

      Traditional Irish music nights on alternate Mondays, Jazz nights on Tuesdays. Home of Na Madrai Golf Society and the Digbeth O'lympics.

      Can be busy when Birmingham City play at home. There is a £5 minimum for card payments.

    • Square Peg Telephone(0121) 236 6530 115 Corporation Street Birmingham B4 6PH

      Wetherspoon outlet sited in the former Lewis’s department store. Refurbished in 2023. At 82½ feet boasts the longest bar in Birmingham. Can get very crowded after work and Friday and Saturday evenings. The pub also has a community notice board on display.

    • Village Telephone(0121) 449 7664 179 Alcester Road Birmingham B13 8JR

      Large, open plan pub on the southern end of Moseley High Street. Emphasis is on food, with an extensive menu of good quality meals. Sunday lunches are popular. The garden offers both uncovered and covered drinking and dining thanks to their glass garden room. Toilets upstairs with disabled access WC available on the ground floor - ask at the bar. Car park is pay and display.

    • Wellington Telephone(0121) 269 4112 37 Bennetts Hill Birmingham B2 5SN

      A Guide Beer Guide regular, this Black Country Ales local has been run by the same landlord for eighteen years. There are 27 handpulls over two floors, dispensing seven regular beers and nine guests. There is a broad range of whiskies, rums and gins available on the impressive back fitting. The suntrap roof terrace is a hidden oasis in the urban landscape. Regular quizzes, folk nights and cheese nights are held. Food is not served - feel free to bring your own and plates will be provided.

    • White Horse Telephone(0121) 608 7641 2 York Street Birmingham B17 0HG

      Small, friendly, traditional community pub just off Harborne High Street. Serves beers from Ostlers brewery, based at the back of the pub, as well as guests on up to six hand pulls. A two-room pub, the smaller room has four rotating craft beers on keykeg (occasionally keg) from Ostlers and other small breweries. Check what is available in real time via the beer board on their website. There is also a gig guide showing upcoming artists for Saturday night live music. There are TVs throughout the pub showing sport (Sky, TNT and Amazon).