Stirchley & Harborne Pubs

I was inspired to visit Stirchley on my recent visit to Newcastle. As I was down in the West Midlands for a wedding this weekend (congrats James and Lisa), an opportunity presented itself – and, happily, Karina and Wendy were up for joining me on my latest mission.

Southbound

There had been a lot of very good food at the wedding and I was still full this morning from the wedding lunch the afternoon before. However, I realised it was important to take a hearty breakfast before starting on the lash, so I managed to force down breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, I said my goodbyes to the wedding party and went to wait outside for collection by Daz and Wendy. It was raining but I managed to find shelter in the outside smoking area.

The rain was torrential as we headed down the M6 and traffic began to slow. I didn’t mind this, however, as (a) it wasn’t me driving; and (b) it gave us longer together in the car to catch up on all things SlimmingWorld and exercise and football. We’re all doing marvellously at losing weight and getting fitter. Hence there is no guilt whatsoever about heading out for a few beers and a curry every now and then. It is more of a treat for me these days than the regular habit it once was.

Daz despatched me and Wendy at Hop Garden (more of that later), where we were welcomed warmly by Karina and Brendon. We caught up over a leisurely brew as we waited for the rain to clear.

On heading out, we continued with the theme of not rushing. First, we headed into a local charity shop, Birmingham Hospice Harborne Superstore, which was surprisingly excellent. I ended up trying on and buying a summer dress as well as a leopard print shirt (they had a whole rail of Bet Lynch wear). Next stop was Harborne Market, where Wendy sniffed out some rare cheese which seemed to take her about 15 minutes to buy, as the popular stall was manned by one person. Meanwhile, Karina and I stood by the ‘Save Harborne Library’ stall. I signed their petition because I am a regular user of libraries (albeit not that one). There were several people manning this stall and I wondered if one of them might be better put to use on the cheese stall, as that was where the demand was. Anyway Wendy eventually reappeared with her cheese and we mooched around the rest of the market. The stall that caught my eye was Breeosh (sic), whose brioche pies looked sensational. But of course I wasn’t hungry and, besides, we had drinking to be getting on with. To the pub!

White Horse

Karina led the way to I wasn’t sure where. I remarked that I did fancy popping to the White Horse because I had seen that they had my fave Church End Gravediggers Mild on permanent. It turns out, that was exactly where she was leading us. Yay for Karina!

Right now where is it…?

‘Do you want me to move my pint?’

‘No it’s ok – it adds to the ambience.’

Obvs you know what I’m having…

In fact all three of us had a pint of this. We do get some looks, three females with three pints of dark ale, and it always makes me chuckle to think of us as the modern day Ena Sharples, Minnie Caldwell and Martha Longhurst.

There was an interesting range of snackage in here.

I’m not sure about Johnny’s Spicy Rings but I can confirm from my recent(ish) night out with Si (which apparently I didn’t blog but he did here) that those Jalapano and Dill crisps are yummy.

The pub was decked out for the Euros, which were just starting, and Hungary v Switzerland kicked off as we were in here. I wanted Hungary to win because Budapest is my favourite European city break.

This was a cracking proper boozer. It was dimly lit, which I like (except when trying to read menus, although the torch function on my phone does resolve this). I just felt comfortable in here, with my pals and my pint of Gravediggers. I could have happily stayed in here all afternoon – something that is possible to do in a pub that serves Gravediggers, as that is a beer that I could safely drink for hours on end (I have, indeed, done this in the past). The pubs I know that do have it on permanent (this one, Katz in Walsall and The Bull in Birmingham) are all comfortable, proper pubs that I would happily stay in for hours. (Do let me know if you know of any other pubs that have Gravediggers on permanent, btw).

I couldn’t leave without conducting a Loo Review. The highlight was the taps, which came with clear instructions.

The plan had been to get in some Body Magic and walk down the canal into Stirchley; however the risk of further rain put paid to this and we ordered an Uber.

RedBeer’d

This place had a hipster vibe (a common theme around Stirchley, as we’re about to discover).

I went for the Brummie Stout, which was brewed very locally. Birmingham Brew Co didn’t make the cut for today’s itinerary so I was pleased to enjoy one of their beers so they were included in the day.

As further evidence of the hipsterishness of this place, that chalkboard to the left of the crisp basket was advertising ‘rolls’ (as opposed to ‘cobs’). I know they’re barms but let’s not get into that debate.

On the next table, a bottle had been recycled as a vase (fine) and a man was drinking out of a vase (not fine). This was taking hipster a little too far.

There was a blank wall opposite where we were seated that was crying out for a picture or a mural or something. My eyes were drawn around the pub to a section of wall that was decorated with children’s drawings, which I thought unusual for a pub. Then, as the micropub began to fill up (it doesn’t take too many people to fill a micropub), I was alarmed to see a number of children in there. I’m not a fan of children (generally or) in pubs (especially micropubs).

Happily there were dogs in here too (which I don’t generally mind, despite my recent Layton-induced canine anxiety).

Time for a quick Loo Review before heading to the next place. The toilets were upstairs (where there was also more seating and no children).

Right now it was time to move on to an old favourite down the road.

Cotteridge Wines

This is one of the very best bottle shops.

We were expecting to have a tipple in the back room here but the on-site drinking area was closed today. Not to be deterred, I helped myself to these beauties from the shelves to take away.

I had to leave the shop as soon as I’d bought these so I wasn’t tempted to buy more. I could easily have ended up with a massive haul with such a magnificent range here.

Time to march on to our first of two breweries on today’s itinerary.

Glasshouse Taproom

This place reminded me very much of Twisted Barrel Brewery & Tap House in Coventry.

I was beginning to feel the booze now so I wanted to go low ABV in here.

This was not helped by the presence of this fridge.

Well how could I resist that?! In my defence, I did share the can with Karina, despite it being bloody lush.

There was a magnificent aroma emanating from the food van outside.

The fish and chips was tempting but I’d probably have gone for the Cheeky Keema Loaded Triple Cooked Chips. However, as I’ve already mentioned, we’re going for a curry later – and I wanted to fully appreciate that – so there was to be no eating beforehand. Boo!

This was a popular place and it was buzzing this afternoon.

No loo review because the unisex toilets had zero personality and there was nothing to report.

Attic Brew Co Taproom

This huge industrial unit was INSANELY busy with drinkers of all types (even babies, which I DEFINITELY don’t approve of in drinkeries).

I went for the Dark Mild (a style I can never resist).

They had a mobile food van available here too.

I’m not a fan of hot dogs but if I had to choose I’d go for the Chill Dog & Paprika Fries.

Here we were joined by Jo, who we’d not seen for yonks, so there was much catching up to be done.

I was ravenous by this point so we made an early dart to the restaurant in the hope we could get in earlier than our reservation.

Kolkata Lounge

I’d been here before in my Birmingham CAMRA days, whilst on my last crawl of Stirchley (in its pre-hipster days). I remembered it to be good and a quick refresh of the menu online had me salivating for a revisit. I was not to be disappointed today.

Owing to my ravenousness and the lush menu, obvs I was having two courses. I think we had poppadoms but I’m rubbish at remembering to photograph these (I know they all look the same but there is variety of dippage).

Here’s what I had:

And I’m going to include Karina’s choices here too because they were exciting.

It is a rare treat to see combination dishes on an Indian menu.

The food and the service here were excellent and I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone. It’s definitely worth the trip to Stirchley.

We said goodbye to Jo after her flying visit and continued in the direction of (you’ve guessed it) another pub.

Wildcat Tap

Now on my previous visit to Stirchley – back in ooh probably around 2015 – the Wildcat Tap was in a different location (I think pretty much next door to Kolkata Lounge). These new premises are more spacious than that very micro micropub.

Let’s have a look at the beer menu.

Had I looked in the fridge, I’d have been all over that Marble Lime & Coconut Gose. Indeed I’m kicking myself for not looking now. Although this could be a fine excuse to head back down the Marble Arch some time soon…

There was something a bit unsettling about this place that we couldn’t quite put our finger on. Was it the layout of the furniture? Not quite enough for the space available? Was it that the window latches were all at a 90 degree angle? Who knew – although I am now certain that that Marble beer would have made it all better.

Cork & Cage

Blimey we’re rattling through a few pubs here, aren’t we?

Tables were at a premium in this micropub but we managed to secure a low table towards the back of the pub, close to the bar and a television. There was much uproarious laughter as Albania took the lead against Italy in the first minute of the match, the latter being half asleep.

Sadly the Italians had pulled two goals back by the time we came to leave.

Hop Garden

We Ubered back to Harborne, to Karina and Brendon’s pub, where I would be spending the night.

I was very full and tired on arrival here. It was not yet 9pm and I was ready for bed. I decided I was going to have a nightcap so I opted for this.

Karina led us through to a table in the back room. Now the trouble with the back room is that it houses this definitely-not-alcohol-free-and-very-alluring fridge.

So much for that rum being a nightcap…

The above was the best beer of the day by a fucking MILE. Indeed, it was so good that I ended up having two. Do not miss out on this if you ever come across it, dear reader – indeed, hunt it down if you can. It’s even orange (tangerine).

The main feature of this pub is its outstanding beer garden. I realise that I have failed to photograph this for you on my last two visits now (I rarely venture far from the fridge). I will attempt to remedy this by including this video showcasing the garden.

We were joined at our table by Dan and his lively dog Xander. Dan told us a fascinating fact (I love a fact) that towns tend to be 13 miles apart, that being the distance people could cover in a day before we had cars. This is why I love pubs and the people in them, this randomness.

With closing time came bedtime (well, after chilling out in the lounge and filling Brendon in on today’s adventures). Karina and Brendon are such a lovely couple and I very much enjoy being in their company.

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The following morning, after a coffee and goodbyes, it was time for me to take a stroll into Birmingham to take my train home.

Northbound

On arrival at New Street, I had a little time to kill so I decided to take breakfast. I contemplated M&S but thought no – I’ll head to Pret for my favourite Veggie Brioche.

Wot no brioche? Not quite the same with a dry ciabatta – I do like my food moist. Still, it was tasty and did the trick.

Right now it’s time to make myself comfortable before boarding the train in my favourite station toilets.

The train I boarded was called Brett. Who knew trains had names? It’s almost enough to make one become a spotter.

Seated on the aisle across from me on the train was a woman deep in conversation with her dog.

‘Are you a good boy? Yes you are. You’re my besty.’

This made me smile a lot. I bloody love train travel, me.

What an excellent trip this had been once again. This is what weekends were invented for. Join me soon for the next adventure, dear reader.

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Next Up: Stockport Pubs.