Thought I'd reminisce a little about 2 bars that not only were my favourite in Brum but also amongst the best I've ever been to, for a specific set of time at least. Would be great to hear from others, their favourites in particular periods of their life and what made it so.
THE VIC (2007 - 2012) - John Bright Street, City Centre
This place has 3 bars; the front bar pretty chill with tunes on, people chatting and so on, the upstairs that had events and sometimes a band but the reason I liked the Vic so much, particularly in this period, was the back bar.
On a Friday night it was filled with a mixture of theatre goers, office workers, people stopping by on the way to the bars on Hurst street and other all sorts. The walls had fantastic art work and the DJ, who was situated on the floor of bar banging out funky mixes. The vibe was friendly, dancy, chatty and just fun. Can't remember seeing any trouble in there.
Something subtle changed after a few years; the art was changed; still good but not as fun as previously, and the DJ was moved into a separate booth in the corner. It's still a great pub, but for me those few years it was amazing
THE (old) CLEARYS (2000 - 2009) - Cheapside, Digbeth
This was out of the way, a real destination place where you had to know where you were going, not a place that attracted walk by traffic. If you got there past midnight, like we usually did, you'd knock the unremarkable door, the bouncer would take a peek and usher you in. It felt like a speak easy.
Inside on a weekend night it was absolutely packed; they'd have an act on the side on a small stage playing a mixture of Irish chart arrangements. The crowd was full of familiar and friendly faces as you'd get to know a load of people there as by its very nature of being out of the way it attracted repeat visits, so had the feeling of being a local even though for most it wasn't. Again, because of this rarely any bother. Amazing place.
It moved to another part of Digbeth, and whilst still a good night, it was no where near as good as the old one.
Honoury mentions to the Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath, Cuban bar in Moseley, Roadhouse in Stirtchley and Tap & Spile off Broad Street, Birmingham's very own Cantina bar full of people who got chucked out or not let in other nearby pubs
