47 Upper Gough St, Birmingham B1 1JL

About This Pub

Ah, The Craven Arms, what a lovely little find in the middle of Birmingham! I have to say, it's one of those pubs that just hits the mark for a good night out; you walk in and instantly feel at home with its warm, old-school charm and that roaring real fire on a chilly evening. The staff are an absolute delight – always up for a chat and they know their stuff when it comes to the beers, with a fantastic selection of real ales that cater to all tastes, whether you're after something local or a bit more adventurous. Prices are fair too, so you can enjoy a pint and maybe some traditional snacks without worrying about the wallet. It's in a handy spot, just a stone's throw from the city centre, making it perfect for popping in before an event or simply unwinding. That said, it's not flawless – I've heard a few mentions of it needing a quick tidy in the dustier corners, which is a minor niggle but worth noting if you're particular about cleanliness. Overall, though, it's a solid choice for anyone looking for that authentic pub experience; I'd definitely pop back for another round and reckon you lot would too!

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The atmosphere is absolutely spot on – it's got that classic English pub charm with a real fire and a cosy vibe that's perfect for a chat or relaxing after a long day.
  • The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, always ready with recommendations on their superb selection of ales, including local brews and traditional favourites.
  • They've got a great range of beers, traditional pub snacks, and fair prices that won't break the bank, making it a brilliant spot for a casual pint or pre-gig stop.
  • Its location in the heart of Birmingham is spot on, just a short walk from the city centre and venues like the O2 Academy, which adds to the convenience.
Cons
  • There might be a bit of dust in the nooks and crannies, like on top of the curtains, so it's not entirely spotless, though it doesn't spoil the overall feel.

Contact Information

47 Upper Gough St, Birmingham B1 1JL
+441212694113
Pub
Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)12:00 - 23:00
Tuesday12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday12:00 - 23:00
Thursday12:00 - 23:00
Friday12:00 - 00:00
Saturday12:00 - 00:00
Sunday12:00 - 23:00

Location

Recent Reviews

One of the best pubs in the centre of Birmingham. Great atmosphere, friendly staff and a superb selection of ales.
FE
Francis E. Slingsby (Jon Paul Allen)
A classic English pub! There is an excellent range of beers and traditional pub snacks and food. The prices are fair and staff are friendly. The decor is authentically classic and English, however it could do with a dust on the top of the curtains. Nevertheless, it is overall clean, comfortable and cosy without being dark, and the clientele are friendly. Get yourself one of the cheese n onion cobs and a pint of golden ale, cracking combination!
GH
G H
Just a short walk from the O2 Academy venue. The Craven is the perfect pre gig venue. A beautiful building on the outside with lots of original features inside it also retains an old school charm. Service is quick, and the staff are knowledgeable on the great selection of local ales. The Guinness is particularly good too. On busy nights ahead of a gig, people often spill out onto the pavement, which creates a great atmosphere. It's my go-to pub now for pre gig drinks.
MC
Mark Coyle
A real fire, a quiet stylish old pub. Excellent conversation with the bar staff, excellent sound track, a real fire and multiple hand pulled beers. Lovelly. 5 stars are not enough
HP
Hilary P
Excellent friendly back street Birmingham local, warm and comfortable on a cold night with an excellent selection of real ales, both local and from further afield, including several dark and mild beers. A worthy CAMRA Good Beer Guide entry and only a few minutes walk from the City Centre and railway stations. Friendly staff and excellent bar snacks, would certainly return.
N
Nick

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