The Best Pubs
View of Birmingham

The Best Pubs
in
Birmingham

Diverse, historic, and welcoming, where canalside music meets cosy real ales under Victorian domes.

Photo by John Sutton — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Best Pubs in Birmingham

As England’s second city, Birmingham boasts a pub scene as diverse as its 1.2 million residents, from canalside music haunts and historic inns over 600 years old to converted libraries and lively Irish sports bars. Whether you’re after real ales in a quiet tiled room, a Sunday roast in a heated garden, or a craft beer beneath a grand Victorian dome, the city’s drinking dens welcome dogs, live music, and groups of every size. Discover why this West Midlands hub is a true pub lover’s destination by exploring the best pubs in Birmingham.

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The Wellington in Birmingham

1. The Wellington

37 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5SN, UK

9.2🌿 Outdoor seating

Head straight to The Wellington for a top-tier selection of real ales, ciders, and an impressive range of whiskies that will delight any enthusiast. Tucked away on a quiet hill, this traditional pub boasts a lovely roof terrace and multiple cosy rooms with original tiling and fireplaces, perfect for catching up with friends or settling in for a match. The knowledgeable staff keep the ever-changing beer board fresh and exciting, while the earlybird pint deals make a lunchtime stop even more rewarding. Whether you’re after a pre-show drink or a long afternoon of sipping and chatting, this spot is a genuine gem.

Photo by P L Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Flapper in Birmingham

2. The Flapper

The Flapper, Cambrian Wharf, 8 Kingston Row, Birmingham B1 2NU, UK

9.19🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

Nestled right on the canal with a huge, sun trap beer garden, The Flapper is a true Birmingham icon that has championed grassroots live music since the early 90s. This welcoming spot is perfect for groups, dog owners, and sports fans alike, offering reasonably priced beers, wines, and cocktails alongside a packed calendar of gigs and weekly quiz nights. With its intimate downstairs venue and fantastic sound, it’s an absolute must for music lovers and anyone after a cracking, no frills night out.

Photo by Chris Allen — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Shakespeare Inn in Birmingham

3. The Shakespeare Inn

31 Summer Row, Birmingham B3 1JJ, UK

9.19🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

Step into The Shakespeare Inn and you’ll immediately feel right at home, whether you’re here for a solo meal after a long day or gathering a group to catch the match. This cosy traditional pub serves up an excellent range of beers, wines, and cocktails, and the kitchen turns out hearty plates like piping hot pies with mash and gravy in record time. With its charming layout of separate rooms, twinkling fairy lights, and a wide open back seating area, it’s a welcoming spot for everyone including your four legged friend. The friendly, attentive team makes every visit feel special, making it the perfect place to celebrate a victory or simply unwind.

Photo by Philip Halling — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Plough Harborne in Birmingham

4. The Plough Harborne

21 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NT, UK

9🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

Tucked away in a charming village setting, The Plough Harborne is a wonderfully versatile spot where you can settle in for a proper Sunday roast, grab a wood fired pizza, or simply enjoy a round of drinks with friends. The menu is packed with homemade bread and carefully sourced ingredients, while the drinks list offers everything from crisp lagers to matcha and fine wine, making it a hit with groups of all tastes. The spacious, beautifully decorated interior and the covered, heated garden mean you can relax in comfort no matter the weather, and the friendly team ensures every visit runs smoothly. It’s a dog friendly, cosy local that balances hearty food and a lively buzz without ever trying too hard.

Photo by Richard Law — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Bacchus Bar in Birmingham

5. Bacchus Bar

Burlington Arcade, New St, Birmingham B2 4JH, UK

9🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

Step through the doors of Bacchus Bar and prepare to be utterly charmed by its jaw droppingly unique interior, a truly one of a kind setting that feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. The menu goes far beyond standard pub fare, with perfectly cooked chicken dishes and hearty mains that pair brilliantly with their excellent selection of cold, fresh craft beers. It’s an ideal spot for groups and their four legged companions, offering a relaxed yet lively vibe where the service is genuinely warm and enthusiastic. Whether you’re winding down after work with a pint or meeting friends for cocktails, this is a place that delivers on every level.

The Physician in Birmingham

6. The Physician

Harborne Rd, Birmingham B15 3DH, UK

9🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

The Physician transforms a stunning 19th century library into a wonderfully welcoming pub, where you can settle in by the open fire with a dog at your feet and a perfectly poured pint. The huge reclaimed wooden bar offers an exceptional selection of eight local cask ales, alongside a well curated wine list and creative cocktails, making it a fantastic spot for any occasion. With its grand high ceilings, charming nooks for intimate catch ups, a light filled garden room, and a beautiful flagstone terrace, there's a perfect corner for everyone, whether you're here for a relaxed meal or just a few drinks. The kitchen delivers fresh, modern British dishes that have earned consistent acclaim, and the friendly service ensures every visit feels genuinely special. It’s a brilliant choice for groups, celebrations, or simply a top notch pub lunch.

The Old Crown in Birmingham

7. The Old Crown

188 High St, Deritend, Birmingham B12 0LD, UK

9🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

The Old Crown is a true gem, a historic inn that has stood for over 600 years and blends its medieval charm with a wonderfully welcoming, cosy vibe. It’s the perfect spot for a Sunday vegan roast with generous extra helpings, or to gather a group of eight for a lovely evening of great food and drinks. With a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, a dog friendly policy, and live music, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re catching the game or enjoying the outdoor seating. The friendly staff and quick service make every visit a pleasure, and the delicious coffee and chips are a brilliant bonus. This pub is a living piece of history that truly delivers on modern hospitality.

Photo by A J Paxton — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre, Birmingham in Birmingham

8. The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre, Birmingham

4 Temple Row W, Birmingham B2 5NY, UK

8.8🌿 Outdoor seating

Get ready to be utterly dazzled by The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre, a magnificent Grade II listed gem that serves up a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails in a truly jaw dropping setting. The incredible, theatre like interior with its stunning dome and grand wooden bar creates an unforgettable backdrop for a relaxed meal or a lively catch up with friends. With a brilliant new summer menu, a charming outdoor seating area, and a working theatre upstairs hosting everything from comedy to musicals, it’s the perfect spot for any group looking for a memorable night out.

Photo by Oosoom at English Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

O'Neill's Broad Street in Birmingham

9. O'Neill's Broad Street

Broad St, Birmingham B1 2HG, UK

8.8🐕 Dog-friendly 👶 Good for children

O'Neill's Broad Street is a cracking spot where you can settle in for a perfectly cooked Mega Irish Breakfast or a crispy takeaway fish and chips, all while the place buzzes with live music and sports on the screens. The friendly team keeps the pints, wines, and cocktails flowing smoothly, whether you're gathered with a big group or just popping in with your dog after a walk. With a dartboard ready for a friendly game and a lively, welcoming energy that makes every visit feel like a proper night out, it's an absolute winner for a hearty meal and a great time.

Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Nortons Digbeth in Birmingham

10. Nortons Digbeth

43-45 Meriden St, Birmingham B5 5LS, UK

8.79🌿 Outdoor seating 🐕 Dog-friendly

Craic is absolutely top tier at Nortons Digbeth, a family run Irish bar that nails the balance between a brilliant live music venue and a proper local for watching the GAA or Six Nations. The pints are famously well kept, the pizzas are a revelation, and the Sunday roasts with proper Yorkshire puddings have earned serious praise from regulars. With a huge capacity back room for gigs, a dog friendly welcome, and outdoor seating for sunny sessions, it’s the kind of place where the staff make you feel genuinely looked after from the moment you walk in.