United Kingdom
The Custard Factory is a large former industrial complex housing creative businesses and a number of nice cafes and bars, including the Medicine Bar and Rooty Fruity.
There a few galleries, shops and showrooms that are also worth a visit.
You don't feel like you're in Brum when you visit this place, which for most people is a good thing.
Gibb Square, Birmingham, B9 4AA
0121 224 7777
info@custardfactory.com www.custardfactory.com/
Like the Anchor down the road, another family run traditional Brummy Irish pub. Nice interior and good, reasonably priced beer.
As with the Anchor, this isn't a cosy gastro pub, but a genuine old fashioned Brummy boozer. In no ways rough, but probably not somewhere to take a date. Authenticity is a real rareity in Brum though, so this place should be appreciated by those who appreciate these kinds of places. If that makes sense.
276, Bradford St, Digbeth, Birmingham, West Midlands, B12 0QY (0121 622 2586)
This is a great little family-run traditional Digbeth Irish pub. They serve a good range of beers. The front bar in particular is notable for its partitioned booths.
This is not some National Trust pub, but a proper old fashioned Brummy boozer. Don't expect to be seduced first time. This is the kind of genuine and authentic pub rarely found in the city. Worth a visit.
Bradford Street, Birmingham
B5 6ET United Kingdom.
Tel: 0121 622 4516
www.the-anchor-inn.fsnet.co.uk/
This historic Grade 2-listed building is Birmingham's finest example of Victorian pub architecture, resplendent in decorative tiles and stained glass.
The pub serves Oakham's award-winning real ales, guest ales from the region and across the country and imported bottled beers from around the world. Authentic freshly cooked Thai food is served from 12 noon-2.30pm and 5.30-10pm Tuesday to Sunday.
One of Birmingham's true gems.
144 High Street
Aston
Birmingham
West Midlands
B6 4UP
0121 333 5988
Really unusual bar, with a Gothic theme - almost like you are sat inside a haunted house. Lots of leather chairs, fireplaces and intimate booths. Serves tasty food too. Great place to escape the shopping crowds.
Underneath the Burlington Hotel, off New Street in the city centre.
This is a real gem away from the hordes on Broad Street. The Custard Factory is an arts complex with a very large and very nice bar inside. Hoxton ish vibe (if a bit glossier and friendlier), Hoxtonish prices too, sadly. Outdoor events around the emptied swimming pool are fun, but it's always pretty crowded.
The area just outside of the Custard Factory has evolved alongside it, and now has shisha bars for post party chillouts, and nice looking hangouts.
In Digbeth (Gibb Street).
www.factoryclub.co.uk/
www.worldsbestbars.com/city/birmingham/the-medicine-bar-birmingham.htm
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