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
moc.htebgidrohcnaeht@nailuj(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.
- Arthur Robertson
(0121) 332 5910
51-53 One Stop Retail Park, Walsall Road
Birmingham
B42 1AA
A popular large open plan Wetherspoon at the One Stop shopping centre in Perry Barr. Named after Birchfield Harriers' very first Olympian and medal winner. The manager tries to keep three local guest ales available alongside the standard offerings when possible and it serves the standard Wetherspoon's food menu. It can get very busy when Aston Villa are playing at home.
- Aston Tavern
ku.oc.nrevatnotsa@ofni(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
(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 tram stop and New Street station.
- Birmingham Brewing Company Taproom
(0121) 724 0399
Unit 17 Stirchley Trading Estate, Hazelwell Road
Birmingham
B30 2PF
Craft beer brewery and tap on Stirchley Trading Estate. The tap is open Thursday to Sunday, serving up to four cask beers and four kegs, including one low/no option. Also serves locally made ciders, as well as wines, spirits and soft drinks. Food is available at weekends from a changing lineup of street food vendors. A large outdoor seating area is available during summer months. All cask beer £4 on Sundays.
- Black Horse
(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. 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.
- Bull
ku.oc.mahgnimribllubeht@ofnI(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
moc.sderyrrehc@elpoep(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
(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
moc.oohay@smranevarceht(0121) 269 4113
47 Upper Gough Street
Birmingham
B1 1JG
This Grade II-listed 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
(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
(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
ku.tnetnidoogeht@tcatnoc(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. Sandwiches from nearby Anderson & Hill, a cheese specialist, are available on the bar. 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
moc.smrasrekamnug@ofni(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.
Thai food, cooked in the on-site kitchen, provides an affordable and enjoyable option for eating.
- Hare & Hounds
ku.oc.htaehsgniksdnuohdnaerah@ofni(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
ku.oc.maetsfodaeheht@mahgnimrib.selas(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
moc.murbhctocspoh@ofni(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
moc.kooltuo@smrasrellewej(0121) 269 4110
23 Hockley Street
Birmingham
B18 6BW
A cosy pub, acquired by Black Country Ales in late 2017. It has up to eleven 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
ku.oc.enrobrahnoitcnujeht@yriuqne(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. 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.
- London & North Western
ku.oc.noopsrehtewdj@0347p(0121) 643 7527
Birmingham New Street station
Birmingham
B2 4QE
This Wetherspoons opened in Grand Central/New Street Station in November 2022 after a £2.4million conversion. The pub is named after the Victorian rail company that originally operated between Birmingham and the capital. Standard Wetherspoons offering is available, including food throughout the day. Children are welcome until 9pm.
- Old Contemptibles
(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.
Note: management policy is to display all pump clips regardless of availability.
- Old Moseley Arms
moc.liamg@smrayelesomdlo(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
ku.oc.stluaveciffotsop@netxis(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
ku.oc.yelesomecnirpeht@enaid(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
moc.srabtfarcerup@ofni(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 Arms
ku.oc.mahgnimribsmrasneeuqeht@ofni(0121) 285 4803
150 Newhall Street
Birmingham
B3 1RY
Classic grade II Victorian corner pub with outside tiled signage. Refurbished in late 2022 and again in 2024, the interior is open plan with a central bar that retains it heritage. Comfortable seating is found at either end and there is a sheltered smoking area at the rear.
- Queens Head
ku.oc.mahgnimribdaehsneeuqeht@ofni(0121) 236 0345
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. An extensive menu has a good range of vegetarian options as well as pub classics. Afternoon Tea is availably by booking only.
- Red Lion
bup.yelkcohnoilder@reganam(0121) 233 9144
95 Warstone Lane
Birmingham
B18 6NG
Traditional two-roomed pub, bought by Joule's Brewery in 2024.
- RedBeer'd
reeb.dreebder@olleh
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. 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
07922 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
(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.
- Selly Park Tavern
(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
moc.sbupsnoslohcin@worremmuseraepsekahS(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
ku.oc.liamtoh@nrevatohosweneht(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
(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.
- Village
(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
ku.oc.elalaernotgnilleweht@ofni(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
(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).
- Woodman
ku.oc.mahgnimribnamdoow@ofni(0121) 572 9863
New Canal Street
Birmingham
B5 5RE
Historic backstreet boozer located close to Millennium Point, Curzon Street Station and Birmingham City University. Originally opened in 1897, this Grade-II listed pub was reopened in 2024 following a sensitive refurbishment. The proprietor is John Brearly of Union Inns, who also restored the award-winning Swan & Railway, Wigan, in 2019.
This multi-room red brick and terracotta pub still retains many of its original features. On entering through the main corner door, visitors will be in an L-shaped bar. Large windows provide plenty of light, reflected in the traditional mirrors behind the bar and on the walls. To the right, visitors can enter a small corridor leading to the smoke room - perfect for a quiet drink. To the left is the library with real fire. Toilets can be accessed by exiting this area to the rear.
The Woodman was originally an Ansell's Brewery pub but now proudly serves Draught Bass on one of two five-handpump beer engines that also serve up to nine changing cask beers. Lagers, stouts and cider are served from keg taps. Tea and coffees are also available. Food is available 12noon until 9pm with a selection of cold snacks, cheese boards, pies, sandwiches & wraps, pizzas, and cakes.
- Anchor
moc.htebgidrohcnaeht@nailuj(0121) 622 4516
308 Bradford Street
Birmingham
B5 6ET