The ‘proper’ old-school boozer was a rite of passage for so many people growing up, but sadly they are dying out - the good news is that Birmingham still has a wide choice of traditional pubs to suit all tastes and pockets.
Here at BirminghamWorld, we love to support these traditional pubs, which are often packed with interesting characters and serve cheaper pints than posher places that often feel more like restaurants than pubs.
Food is not always top of the list when it comes to proper drinking pubs, although if you’re lucky there will be a clingfilm-wrapped cheese and onion bap on the bar and a few packets of Scampi Fries or pickled onion-flavour Monster Munch to line the stomach.
These are timeless pubs where conversations often compete with live sports on TV or a game of pool or darts in the bar.
Here are nine of the last ‘proper’ Brummie pubs but we’d like to know about more so let us know which are your favourite boozers and we’ll check them out.
1. The Old Crown in Digbeth, Birmingham
I've been to Old crown on a number of ooccasions over the years and have also enjoyed my visits thanks to its great selection of food and drink. Birmingham’s oldest pub remains one of the city's very best. 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 more than stood the test of time. The pub also hosts penty of brilliant quiz nights and they often have special guest appearances. The pub also serves up tasty food, for example, you can get slow cooked belly pork for £15. They have a great range of real ales and lagers
2. The Fighting Cocks, Moseley
Loved by locals and embodying the friendly vibe of its Moseley neighbourhood, the Fighting Cocks brings the best in British hospitality to the suburb. I popped into the pub a couple of month ago and It has a nice relxaed atmosphere and lovely decor. They serve a wide selection of beers and ciders, plus food and a brilliant garden which is why it's high up on the list
3. Tap & Spile, Gas Street Basin, city centre
The location of the Tap & Spile pub in Gas Street Basin makes it one of my favourite traditional boozers. The canalside pub is especially enjoyable in the summer months when you can enjoy a drink by the water
4. The Old Contemptibles, Edmund Street, city centre
Another great option if you're in the city centre is The Old Contemptibles. It's one of my favourites thanks to its grand Victorian style and top range of real ales on tap. Thanks to its location, the pub also has a great atmosphere throughout the week as well as weekends, and they serve classic pub food, real ales and exciting, premium gins