Birmingham is home to a swathe of interesting pubs - from the more underground indie joints to the traditional old-school pub - but have you ever wondered what the oldest pubs in the city are?
Pubs have always been an important part of our culture, offering a shared home for communities to come together. There are so many great venues across the city, you’re never short of somewhere really great to enjoy a drink or two.
There’s plenty of boozers in Brum that have a storied history dating back decades - but there’s also a few which have a heritage dating back literally centuries.
In this story we wanted to look back at these historic pubs and their heritage, and how they survived for so long in our fair city. These are the 10 oldest watering-holes in Birmingham listed in chronological order:
1. The Old Crown, Digbeth: 1368
The Old Crown in Digbeth is Birmingham’s oldest pub. The legendary pub has a rich history being Birmingham’s oldest non-religious building in the entire second city. Founded in 1368, The Old Crown has hosted Queen Elizabeth I on her way home from Kenilworth Castle in 1575 and has fought off attacks from Prince Rupert in the Battle of Camp Hill in 1643. The Crown is still a city favourite for drinks and often has music and quiz nights on for punters to enjoy
2. The Brasshouse, city centre: 1781
Broad Street brewery The Brasshouse is renowned as being one of Birmingham’s best traditional pubs. The pubs has a great atmosphere and does a cracking Sunday roast
3. The Anchor, Digbeth: 1803
The Anchor in Digbeth opened in the early 1800s. The Bradford Street boozer is a place of comfort to enjoy real ale, ciders, craft beers, wine, spirits and even cocktails, and modern drinking
4. The Great Stone Inn, Northfield - early 1800s
Another one of Birmingham’s oldest pubs. The Great Stone Inn in Northfield and opened in the 1800s. Today, it’s a a traditional pub with a fantastic beer garden, with a great range of drinks, cask ales, meals and entertainment