I went to Ed Sheeran's favourite pub in Birmingham and realised he's more of a Brummie than we ever knew

When I first stepped into The Roost Pub, I was eager to uncover what made it Birmingham’s #1 pub and why Ed Sheeran held it in such high regard.

Little did I know, the charm this pub has.

The pub’s cosy, rustic charm immediately drew me in.

The warm glow of the lights, the lively chatter, and the clinking of glasses created an vibe that felt both familiar and true.

The Roost in Small Heath, is a cherished spot for Birmingham City FC supporters and gained even more fame after Ed Sheeran’s visit.

He visited the pub twice, most recently in September.

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Located just a short distance from the Birmingham City football stadium, the pub is adorned with pictures inside and outside of Birmingham City FC players, Peaky Blinders memorabilia, and legends of the club.

A young bartender, who had only been working there for only three weeks, couldn’t hide her excitement when she saw Ed Sheeran. “It’s not something you expect during a regular shift. I was bartending when Ed Sheeran walked in. No one knew he was coming. It was definitely surprising. It felt like he was one of us, enjoying the night.”

“He was just a nice guy,” said the bartender.

“He signed shirts, called us the number one pub, took pictures with everyone who asked, and had a good laugh with everyone. It was surreal to see someone like him just enjoying a night out like any other regular.”

The pub even has a dedicated corner filled with photos of regular pub-goers, capturing moments of them cheering together, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company - that big family feel.

Ed Sheeran’s friend Birmingham-born rapper Jaykae is a regular at The Roost pub and introduced the pub to Ed Sheeran, which is now his favourite pub in Birmingham.

The bartender added, “I wasn’t really a football fan, but working here, the football love takes over. On game nights, it’s busy, full of fun and excitement. It’s something you don’t find in other pubs, and I think that’s what Ed Sheeran liked about us. It feels like being part of a big family. I’ve only worked here for a short time, but I love this job.”

A regular pub-goer shared his experience of Sheeran’s first visit.

Although he missed the second visit, he echoed similar sentiments. “Ed was amazing. He played a game of pool with us and even pulled a few pints behind the bar. It was like having a mate over for a drink. He’s definitely more Brummie than we expected.”

“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw him walk in. He was so friendly and even joined us for a singalong. It felt like he was one of us, just enjoying the night.”

As I sat down, it was easy to see why Sheeran felt at home here. The Roost’s warm, welcoming vibe and the genuine camaraderie among its customers make it a special place.

Ed Sheeran’s visits to this local community pub have shown us that he’s more Brummie than we ever imagined, embracing the city’s vibrant culture and its people with open arms.

So, next time you’re in Small Heath, pop into The Roost—you never know who you might run into. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of Ed Sheeran enjoying a pint and a game of pool, blending in with the locals like he’s been there all along.

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