Pub entertainment in The Midlands
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Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Tucked into the cliff below the castle, this fantastically atmospheric alehouse claims to be England's oldest pub; it supposedly slaked the thirst of departing crusaders. The phrase 'nooks and crannies' could have been invented for here. Just when you think there are no more, you'll find another - and there are usually more than enough to accommodate the many tourists who come to sample the brews.
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Dirty Duck
If you only have one drink in Stratford, come here. It's almost as essential as a trip to the theatre. Officially called the Black Swan, this enchanting alehouse is a favourite postperformance thespian watering hole, and has a roll call of former regulars (Olivier, Attenborough etc) that reads like an actors' Who's Who. It's in a very pretty location across from the river. The adjoining restaurant (11:00 to 22:00) is good value.
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Ye Olde Salutation Inn
A dual carriageway disguises the centuries-old atmosphere (c 1240) of 'the Sal', as regulars know it. Ask at the bar if you can have a peek at the labyrinth of underground caves spiralling down behind an innocuous-looking door.
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Globe
At last, that rare beast, a traditional old pub (built in 1720) in a city centre where there's no edge to the night-time drinking - just fine draught ales, a warm atmosphere and little alcoves to lose yourself in.
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Lord Clifden
This atmospheric boozer is tucked away in the Jewellery Quarter. It features real ale, wi-fi , a groovy beer garden and some of the best urban art in Brum – look out for works by Banksy, D*Face and Army Lion.
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Tap and Spile
Overlooking the canal, this traditional pub is full of hidden alcoves and corners, especially once you move away from the minuscule top bar. There’s a good selection of ales on tap here, too.
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Bell Inn
Another must for the history buffs, this atmospheric old coaching inn lies at the heart of the shopping district and has warmed the cockles of Nottingham drinkers for hundreds of years.
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Windmill Inn
Ale was flowing here at the same time as rhyming couplets flowed from Shakespeare's quill - it's been around a while. Despite its age it's still one of the liveliest places in town.
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Tilted Wig
This large, lively pub on the main square spills out onto the streets in summer, provides a cosy haven in winter and serves some great beers – try the Slaughterhouse.
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Jekyll & Hyde
Set below the Gin Parlour, this quirky pub offers cask ales and cocktails, plus a heated purple courtyard presided over by a mannequin with a chunk of hedge for a head.
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Cock & Hoop
Sophisticated yet easy-going, this cosy, traditional refurbished alehouse in a well-heeled pocket of Nottingham is a most pleasant place for a knees-up.
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Bakers Arms
Attracts connoisseurs with a fine nose for locally brewed ale; this venerable old gentleman of a pub is regularly in the Good Beer Guide.
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Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn
Tradition is everything at this well-known alehouse. The home cooking needs a little attention but go for the peaceful, snug atmosphere.
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The Fighting Cocks
Just off Moseley High St, The Fighting Cocks has a lovely atmosphere and a great range of beers.
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Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Tucked into the cliff below the castle, this fantastically atmospheric alehouse claims to be England's oldest pub. Founded in 1189, it supposedly slaked the thirst of departing crusaders and its low-ceiling rooms and cobbled courtyards still hum with atmosphere.
reviewed
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Windmill Inn
Ale was flowing here at the same time as rhyming couplets flowed from Shakespeare's quill – this pub has been around a while. Despite its age it's still one of the liveliest places in town, and slightly removed from the tourist hubbub.
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Tilted Wig
This large, lively pub on the main square spills out onto the streets in summer, provides a cosy haven in winter, and serves some great beers.
reviewed
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Pit & Pendulum
Local goths, emos and indie kids flock to this dimly lit pub for the vampire vibe and theatrical decor. For our money, it's more Rocky Horror Picture Show than Hammer House of Horrors, but it's an enjoyable spot to shake off the coffin dust.
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Old Sun Inn
The cosiest of the High St pubs, with a warren of rooms full of original features and a lively crowd that spans the generations. The pub grub (mains £6 to £9.50), while predictable, is inexpensive and tasty.
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Old Joint Stock
A vast, high-ceilinged temple of a pub, housed in a former bank and appealing to a high-spirited after-work crowd. There's an 80-seat theatre upstairs that puts on plays and comedy shows.
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Malt Shovel Tavern
It's worth the hike from town to this agreeable watering hole opposite the Carlsberg brewery for the wide selection of real ales and regular live music.
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Malt Cross
A genuinely convivial drinking hole in a stately old Victorian music hall that looks like the last variety act just can-canned out the door. A fine place for a pint or a pub meal.
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Golden Cross
The beer is warm and so is the atmosphere at this historic ale-house, set in a jettied timber-framed building from 1583.
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Globe
In the atmospheric Lanes – a tangle of alleys south of the High St – this old-fashioned boozer offers fine draught ales and a crowd who rate their drinks by quality rather than quantity.
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Fishpond
This pub gets a lively, spirited crowd, including legions of bikers. It has a mixed bag of live music and a decent selection of ales.
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