City Centre (Part 2)
Starting at Birmingham New Street Station

• The Railway
• Cherry Reds
• The Victoria
• The Keg & Grill
• The Craven Arms

All stops on ale trails can, of course, be taken in any order. Below is just a suggestion. We cannot always mention every pub, just a selection: but we like to think these are some of the many good pubs in the area chosen above.

Click on the Pubs section of our website and you will see detailed descriptions of each pub in Birmingham, including the ones below.

In the first City Centre ale trail we took you down New Street to start with: now we take you from the railway station, first heading for John Bright Street.

The Railway, formerly the Brighthouse, is an M&B pub that recently had a refurb. It has a smart appearance with images of the railway (being opposite New Street Station) on the walls. Five hand pulls on the main bar (Hill St side) serving national brands plus Old Rosie, and four more on the other bar (John Bright St side), though recently these have not had different beers on them.

Just a very short walk away is Cherry Reds. It is a stylish independent open since 2010. Expect three changing good quality ales, often including one from Birmingham Brewing Co and always a local offering, alongside a good range of bottled beer and keg products. Freshly cooked and interesting food is served every day, with a focus on local produce and vegan friendly options. The bar has an upstairs area with more seating, so don't be put off by the initial small size when you walk in. Popular with local groups as a meeting place. Opens at 10am on bank holidays.

A few further steps on is The Victoria. The proximity of this pub to a theatre gives it a thespian air and is popular with patrons of the nearby Alexandra Theatre. The bar is in the centre of the pub and is surrounded by drinking areas, with quirky art work on the walls. There is a music and film quiz on a Tuesday, live music on a Thursday, a DJ on a Friday and a club night on a Saturday. It has some benches for outside drinking.

Next, cross safely over Suffolk Street Queensway, and head up Gough Street. This is an ideal place to finish, and the pubs below are given in the order that you may wish a substantial meal before a beery finish, but of course feel free. Passing The Craven Arms (see later!) only a few yards is The Keg & Grill. This is a nicely decorated one roomed pub with a homely, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Located close to the Mailbox and formally known as the Gough Arms, and although extensively renovated the pub has retained its historic charm. There are currently three hand pulls providing two regular ales and one guest. Tony, the landlord, has plans to extend the number of hand pulls once the trade builds up. There is also a wide selection of Indian-style homemade dishes available, daily made on site from fresh ingredients.

You may wish to end this trail at The Craven Arms. Re-opened as a part of the Black Country Traditional Inns, this pub has been tastefully redecorated and the main one room is nice and intimate. Hand pulls take prominence on the bar and alongside their three core beers the range fluctuates to many different styles and strengths. Lunchtime meals Mon-Sat with various cobs, cheese boards and snacks are available at all times. The exterior is wonderfully ornately tiled. The pub may close early if quiet.