Five brilliant pubs in Birmingham & beyond listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for the first time

The annual guide, released by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and on sale now, offers an insight into pubs, bars and clubs. It highlights venues selected by its members “as places to savour good beers from small breweries as well as cask-conditioned lagers and world beers and some pubs are highlighted for serving real ciders too”.

There are dozens of venues across Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull that have made it into the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2023 - with many regularly featured year after year. And the 50th edition sees four pubs in Birmingham listed for the first time ever - and one in Solihull.

You can see the full listing in the guide which is available to buy now. Just go here: Camra Good Beer Guide 2023 Here are the five pubs in Birmingham and Solihull that have made it into the famous guide for the first time ever.

1. Halton Turner Brewing Company, Digbeth

Halton Turner Brewing Company in Digbeth is located on Rea Court, Trent Street. It is an independent taproom and CAMRA has only good things to say about it.

CAMRA says: “A lively brewery tap in the heart of the city earning agreat reputation following its relocation and massive expansion during lockdown. A vast array of beers and an evolving selection of real cider are available.”

2. White Swan, Bradford Street Digbeth

This is a classic Victorian pub in the heart of Digbeth and one that has been around for a long time. This is what CAMRA says about it: “Two-roomed unspoilt Victorian red-brick pub, identified by CAMRA as having a nationally important historic interior. The main drinking area has a wooden bar with large bar back and etched mirrors, with stools and benchseating around the walls. Sandwiches, pies and cobs are available. Guest beers are from the Marston’s portfolio.”

3. The Black Eagle, Hockley

This pub on Factory Road is of regional importance. It was built in 1895 and still has its doors open.

CAMRA says: “Traditional award-winning multi-room pub that also features a restaurant to the rear. While slightly off the beaten track, this real ale oasis is well worth seeking out for its excellent range of beers and good-value food. Three guest beers are always available and an annual beer festival is held in the summer.”

4. Ale Hub, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield

Ale Hub is a micropub and an independent establishment in Mere Green that is a family-run business. They have grown since openings its doors in 2021.

CAMRA says: “Formerly a solicitor’s office, this two-roomed micropub opened in 2021. It is part of a small family-run chain now comprising four bars of the same name. The three guest ales are generally from smaller breweries.”

5. Ale Hub, Solihull

The Solihull venue in Shirley is part of the same Ale Hub that started in Mere Green last year.

CAMRA says: “This pub on the site of a former newsagent is part of a family-run, four-micropub enterprise. It specialises in cask ales, craft ales and gins, and listens to its customers, bringing that traditional pub feel to the community. There are four well-kept ales on at all times from breweries nationwide, including Wye Valley Butty Bach.” You can purchase CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2023 here. https://shop.camra.org.uk/product/the-good-beer-guide-2023/