retiredmartin

August 2025. Birmingham

Well, that’s what they say, though we didn’t have a tape measure so couldn’t confirm that.

Mrs RM had a Brum checklist. Civic buildings, Digbeth, Ozzy trail, canals.

For many years Birmingham canals meant  Gas Street basin with its Tap & Spile survivor (looked pretty good to be fair),

and the huge complex of fun pubs and clubs behind Symphony Hall and the ICC.

It’s a bit too “chain” if I’m honest, but you’ll still get your Ozzy ticks amongst the actual canal boats.

Notably quieter than the Bullring, though,

and apart from the legendary “Young BRAPA has a **** ” artwork, I begin to wonder why I’m here.

Frankly, the canals and locks of Dudley are the place to go.

And then I remembered the Prince of Wales.

One of Black Country Ales more recent acquisitions, I remember live music and Pedi here,

but it’s Pig on the Wall  (3.5) and a soundtrack of Nick Drake tonight, and a gem of a young barman keeping an immaculate pub.

“Fancy a cob ?” asks Mrs RM.

Well, actually I fancied a Balti, but it’ll do, particularly with black pudding added.

A bit quiet for a pub in the heart of the city, but as “Into the Mystic” gives way to “Northern Sky” it’s also rather calming, and a bit magical.

As is Birmingham.