We ask Birmingham: What is your favourite pub in the West Midlands?

Birmingham and the West Midlands is home to many iconic pubs, many of which have been loved and lost over the years.

Pubs have been struggling across the whole country, with data showing that around 50 pubs a month are closing across England and Wales. Pubs have always been an important part of our culture offering a shared home for communities to come together.

An important part of the cultural tapestry, bringing communities together, most of us have a pub that really stands out to us, and I’m here in Birmingham to find out Brummies favourites in the region.

Speaking to BirminghamWorld, Nic says:“So my favourite pub is probably The Plough in Holborn. And I love it there because it’s a real community feel as a pub. They take great pride in what they do - in terms of the food and drink they serve, the service that they offer, making it a really lovely environment, very inclusive. I’ve got children, and they’re always very much welcomed and catered for as well. So for me, I think it’s a great pub that you know, I certainly enjoy going to.”

Chris says:

“My favourite pub is a Gastro Pub. It’s The Physician in Edgbaston. The food’s fabulous, the staff are so friendly. Lisa, the manager, is an absolute star. And it’s always a pleasure to go there. And it’s walking distance. So what’s not to like?”

Jack said “If I had to pick a pub - one near where I live called The Greenland. It’s quite interesting, I’ve been there a few times, because they host parties in the back. It’s quite homey, got a good vibe to it. For the most part, it ain’t expensive.”

The decline of pub culture coincides with an age where young people are feeling more atomised than ever. The pandemic and cost of living crisis contribute heavily to this - but what can be done to encourage people to get out of their homes and back into their loca.

Nic said “I think it is necessary to help people get back into pubs to stop them closing, to stop them, you know, kind of vacating, you know, premises on the high street and local communities. I think offering themselves up to more community based initiatives would definitely help. So whether that’s promoting their location for team working, for businesses to come and use them informally, as well as local community groups to hold gatherings and meetings would definitely help.

“And then, you know, I appreciate there’s kind of a cost, but any incentives around special offers etc, I think is always helpful. That’s certainly something that I look out for.”