The Woodman, 106 Albert Street, BIRMINGHAM, B5 5LG [Map]
0121 643 1959 
11-23 MO-SA; 12-22:30 SU
Evening Meals, Real Fire, Historic Interior, Lunchtime Meals, Rail Station Near Pub

The Woodman, with Birmingham's original train station
now closed behind, May 2001

I think that it's a shame that you just don't get pubs like this down south. In fact, you very nearly don't get the Woodman any more in Birmingham as the Millenium Point development opposite sure must have threatened the existence of the Woodman. The pub is listed in CAMRA's Inventory of Classic Pub Interiors and rightfully so. It's has been little changed in over 100 years and provides a marked contrast to the Millenium Point development opposite. The Woodman's just around the corner from the original Birmingham train station which has long been closed but the impressive building remains. It's a shame that they couldn't have made Birmingham's main station today a little more visually appealing!

The clientele within is mainly local and the atmosphere friendly and welcoming to anyone passing by who fancies popping in. They do offer food at lunchtimes and during the evenings though I've no more information on this as we just visited for a pint and a chat. Ansell's Mild and Tetley Bitter were complimented by a regularly changing guest beer which we consumed in the comfortable back smoke room with its open fire and beautifully tiled walls that are pictured below.

Jim, Colin and Phil in the beautifully tiled smoke room, May 2001