The Bartons Arms - Birmingham - Pub Reviews

Nestled on Aston’s High Street in Birmingham, The Bartons Arms is more than just a pub – it’s a true local icon with a national reputation. This historic Grade II* listed public house has stood for well over a century, earning renown as one of the most beautiful Victorian-era pubs in the country. Its significance comes not only from its stunning architecture and heritage, but also from an unexpected twist: alongside pints of award-winning ales, you can savour some of the best Thai food in Birmingham right here in a traditional pub setting. Positioned just a short distance from Aston Villa’s Villa Park stadium, the pub’s location makes it a beloved haunt for locals, football fans, and tourists alike. In this comprehensive Bartons Arms review, we’ll explore everything that makes this venue special – from its opulent tiles and Oakham Ales brews to the spicy Thai cuisine and vibrant matchday atmosphere – and explain why it ranks among the must-visit Birmingham pubs.

Architectural and Historical Highlights

Stepping inside The Bartons Arms is like walking into a living museum of pub history. Built in 1901 as the flagship pub for the Mitchells & Butlers brewery, it was designed by famed local architects James & Lister Lea in a lavish neo-Jacobean style. The red brick and stone exterior boasts eye-catching Dutch gables and an imposing four-sided clock tower – a design said to be inspired by nearby Aston Hall. Unsurprisingly, the building was granted Grade II* listed status in 1976 for its exceptional architectural merit.

Inside, Victorian splendour unfolds at every turn. Minton-Hollins tiles line the walls from floor to ceiling in ornate patterns and large painted murals. Stained and etched glass windows and gleaming mahogany woodwork add to the period opulence. One highlight is the grand wrought-iron staircase, which leads to former function rooms and gives a sweeping view of the pub’s decor. Perhaps most famous are the rare “snob screens” – pivoting etched glass panels above the bar that in bygone days allowed wealthier patrons to observe the bar without being seen. (Such features survive in only around ten pubs in the entire UK, underscoring The Bartons Arms’ uniqueness.) Other original details include engraved mirrors, mosaic tiling in the entry vestibules, and even vintage bell-pushes in the lounge indicating where gentlemen once rang for service. It’s no wonder the pub is on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors and widely celebrated as a Victorian gem.

The history here is rich. Over the years, this pub’s guestbook reads like a who’s who of Birmingham’s cultural life. In the early 20th century it was closely linked with the Aston Hippodrome theatre – legends of stage and screen like Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, Enrico Caruso and others all reportedly lodged or drank at The Bartons Arms between performances. In more recent decades, the pub faced challenges (including a period of closure around 2000), but it was saved and meticulously restored by Oakham Ales in 2002–2003. Thanks to that restoration – and a passionate commitment to preservation – visitors today can admire the same stunning tiles and woodwork that astonished patrons a century ago. Walking into The Bartons Arms truly feels like stepping back in time, yet with all the warmth and welcome of a modern community pub.

Thai Cuisine in a Classic Pub Setting

One of the most unique aspects of The Bartons Arms is its Thai restaurant housed within the historic pub. It’s a delightful fusion of cultures: beneath an English pub’s stained-glass windows, you can enjoy authentic Thai dishes bursting with flavour. In fact, The Bartons Arms has become renowned for serving some of the best Thai food Birmingham has to offer, all in this unlikely setting. Popular dishes include:

• Thai Green Curry – An aromatic green curry praised for its rich, creamy sauce and just the right amount of heat. This dish is a customer favourite that exemplifies the kitchen’s authenticity and spice balance.

• Pad Thai – Thailand’s famous stir-fried noodle dish, done pub-style. Reviewers love the Bartons Arms’ Pad Thai for its vibrant flavours and generous portion of noodles, peanuts, and tangy sauce.

• Spicy Stir-Fries – A variety of classic wok-fried dishes (such as chilli basil chicken or crispy beef) offer a kick for those who enjoy heat. They come packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, showcasing the menu’s range beyond curries.

Guests consistently rave about the quality of the Thai cuisine here – “freshness, authenticity, and value” are common themes in feedback. The partnership behind this food is genuine: the introduction of Thai fare was driven by a Thai member of the ownership family, ensuring recipes that are true to their roots. From mild, coconutty curries to zesty papaya salads, the menu spans both crowd-pleasing classics and more adventurous specialties. All this makes for a memorable dining experience: where else can you tuck into an fragrant Thai green curry with a pint of ale in hand, surrounded by Victorian tiles? It’s a juxtaposition that surprises and delights first-time visitors – and keeps regulars coming back for more.

Ales and Drinks – Oakham Ales and More

Of course, The Bartons Arms is first and foremost a pub, and it proudly caters to beer lovers with an excellent selection of real ales and other drinks. Notably, this is an Oakham Ales pub, which means you’ll often find the bar stocked with the award-winning brews of Oakham Brewery alongside other offerings. Oakham Ales, based in Peterborough, actually purchased and rescued the pub in the early 2000s, and their beers have been a fixture ever since. Regular favorites like Oakham Citra (a hoppy, citrus-infused pale ale) and Oakham JHB (Jeffrey Hudson Bitter) are frequently on tap, offering consistent quality and a taste of Oakham’s best. The bartenders take pride in keeping these cask ales in tip-top condition – a fact not lost on the CAMRA enthusiasts who often sing the pub’s praises.

In addition to Oakham’s flagships, there’s always something new to try. The Bartons Arms rotates guest ales and seasonal brews, ensuring there’s a fresh pint waiting for even the most seasoned ale aficionados. On any given visit you might find a malty Midlands bitter one week, and a crisp local craft IPA or stout the next. Recent investments in 2024 upgraded the pub’s taps and cellar system, expanding capacity to 32 different draught lines – an impressive number. This means the bar now offers not just real ales, but also a wider range of world beers, craft lagers (you might spot a Czech pilsner like Staropramen on draft), ciders, and even cocktails. The goal is to provide “the very finest selection of…drinks” to rival any bar in the region. Despite these modern additions, cask ale remains at the heart of the line up: the beloved chalkboard beer list is still updated with guest breweries from near and far, and Oakham’s brews continue to headline the pumps.

All of this makes The Bartons Arms something of a pilgrimage spot for beer lovers. It’s not often you find a pub that can please both a real ale purist seeking a perfectly poured pint of bitter, and a casual drinker looking for a quality lager or glass of wine. Here you get the best of both worlds. The bartenders are knowledgeable and happy to chat about the beers on offer, so don’t hesitate to ask for a recommendation. Whether you’re an ale enthusiast hunting for that hoppy Oakham Citra or just in the mood for a refreshing pint after work, the selection at The Bartons Arms will not disappoint.

Atmosphere and Clientele

The atmosphere at The Bartons Arms ranges from calm and reflective to buzzing and boisterous – depending on when you visit. On weekday afternoons, you’ll often find a relaxed environment. It’s the perfect time to appreciate the historic interior in a quiet setting: a few locals enjoying a chat, perhaps an architecture enthusiast photographing the tiled murals, and diners savoring a peaceful lunch. The mood is friendly and unhurried, with sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows onto the patterned floors. As one of the notable pubs near Aston, it also attracts visitors who venture slightly off Birmingham’s typical tourist track to soak in the vintage ambiance.

Come evenings and weekends, the energy picks up. There’s a diverse crowd here – from local Aston residents and students, to office workers, real ale trail followers, and tourists who’ve heard of the pub’s fame. Importantly, on Aston Villa matchdays, The Bartons Arms becomes especially lively. Being located a short walk from Villa Park, it’s a traditional pre- and post-game gathering spot for football fans. Home and away supporters alike are welcome, creating a jovial mix of claret-and-blue jerseys with visiting team colours across the bar. Before kick off, you might find the pub packed to the rafters – pints in hand, fans singing or chatting excitedly about the match. After the final whistle, many return to either celebrate a victory or commiserate a loss over a curry and a beer. Despite the surge of patrons on game days, the vibe tends to remain warm and civil. Regulars will tell you that even when the pub is heaving, it never feels unpleasantly rowdy or overwhelming – it’s a happy, communal kind of buzz that adds to the charm.

What’s striking is how The Bartons Arms balances its roles. It’s at once a historic landmark and a down-to-earth local pub. You might see CAMRA members and ale aficionados huddled in discussion over their pints, and nearby a family with kids enjoying an early evening meal. Tourists snapping photos of the tiled fireplace mingle with long-time regulars who know every corner of the place. The staff foster a welcoming tone for all, so newcomers quickly feel at home. In short, the pub’s clientele is incredibly varied, and that’s a big part of the appeal. Whether you come for quiet conversation on a Tuesday or the big match atmosphere on a Saturday, The Bartons Arms offers a genuine Birmingham pub experience that caters to everyone.

Facilities and Accessibility

Despite its Victorian age, The Bartons Arms offers a range of facilities to ensure guests have a comfortable visit. For those arriving by car, parking is available on-site or nearby – a real plus in a city setting. Many patrons appreciate not having to fight for street parking, especially on busy matchdays. The pub also provides outdoor seating when weather permits. In front of the premises you’ll often find a few tables – perfect for enjoying a pint outside on a sunny day or bringing along a dog for company. (Yes, dogs are welcome here, particularly in the outdoor areas, making it a dog-friendly stop for those exploring Aston with a furry friend.)

Inside, the pub’s layout spans multiple rooms and levels, given its historic design. There are a few steps and narrow passages, which means accessibility can be a little challenging in parts of the building. However, the main bar area is generally accessible, and the staff are known to be very accommodating in helping visitors with mobility issues navigate where needed. The team understands that the heritage architecture isn’t fully wheelchair-friendly in all corners, but they do their best to assist so everyone can enjoy the venue.

Additional facilities include an upstairs function room, historically dubbed the “Palace of Varieties”, which is used for private events and overflow on busy nights. If you’re planning a gathering, it’s worth inquiring about booking these ornate spaces – they’ve hosted everything from corporate events to birthday parties. While The Bartons Arms doesn’t have distractions like pool tables or loud jukeboxes (fitting its traditional vibe), it does cater to sports fans with live sports screenings – especially live football matches. Televisions in the bar will show major games, which, combined with the pub’s close proximity to the stadium, turns it into a spirited sports hub when Aston Villa or England are playing.

Finally, basic amenities like clean restrooms (including a ladies’ and gents’ with some original tilework to admire!) and comfortable seating in both dining and bar areas are assured. In summary, the pub balances old-world charm with modern convenience: you get to enjoy an authentic historic pub, but still find the practical facilities you need – from parking to seating – to feel at ease.

Customer Service and Reviews

Another aspect where The Bartons Arms shines is its customer service. The staff here have earned a reputation for being friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, which greatly enhances the overall experience. Many pub-goers note that from the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm welcome – whether it’s a regular behind the bar recognising faces or a server ready with a smile. Despite sometimes being run off their feet during peak times, the team manages to keep a cheerful, helpful attitude that makes visitors feel valued.

Several reviews consistently praise the employees for their expertise with both beer and food. The bartenders are happy to chat about the real ales on tap, often recommending a brew to suit your taste or letting you sample something before you commit. Likewise, the serving staff know the Thai menu inside-out. They’re glad to assist with explaining dish ingredients or heat levels, and they ensure that meals arrive promptly and piping hot. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of staff going the extra mile – from offering free tasters of unfamiliar beers to accommodating special dietary requests with a smile. One recent reviewer described the hospitality as “faultless – striking a perfect balance between casual and attentive".

The tone of customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive. With an average rating around 4.5/5 on various platforms, this pub has clearly left a strong impression on its patrons. Diners often remark on how well looked-after they feel, noting that even on busy nights the staff remain polite and efficient. During quieter periods, you might even get a mini history lesson from a passionate barman or a bit of friendly banter that makes you feel like a regular. Of course, like any popular venue, there are occasional critiques – for example, when it’s extremely busy (say, a Friday night or matchday halftime), service might slow down slightly due to sheer volume of orders. However, most people forgive this, commenting that the team still does their best and that any wait is “part of the buzz” in such a vibrant pub.

In summary, the customer service at The Bartons Arms has the kind of genuine warmth that’s hard to fake. It reflects a well-run, family-friendly pub ethos. The staff not only pour great pints and serve delicious food, but they do so with Brummie charm and hospitality. This consistency in service is a big reason why first-time visitors often become repeat customers – and why so many leave glowing pub reviews after their visit.

Events and Special Highlights

While The Bartons Arms is not a “gimmicky” pub that relies on constant theme nights, it does host occasional events and specials that add to its appeal. Beer enthusiasts should keep an eye out for tasting events in collaboration with Oakham Ales or other breweries – these are held from time to time, turning an evening at the pub into a mini beer festival of sorts. At such events, you might get to sample limited-edition brews or food-and-beer pairing specials (imagine sipping a specialty Oakham ale alongside a specially crafted spicy snack). The pub’s management is active on social media and their website, where they announce these opportunities, so interested visitors can plan ahead to join in.

Aston Villa's matchdays are events in themselves here, as mentioned. The pub gears up for the football crowds by staffing up and sometimes even offering a pared-down quick service menu to cope with demand. There’s an almost electric atmosphere when the clink of pint glasses mixes with football chants in the background. If you love the idea of a pub that pulses with local passion, experiencing a pre-match pint at The Bartons on a Saturday is highly recommended. Just arrive early to stake out a spot!

In addition, the pub’s function rooms see occasional use for live music and community events. Historically dubbed “The Palace of Varieties,” the upstairs venue has hosted everything from jazz bands on a Friday night to comedy acts or karaoke on special occasions. The management also invites performers or arranges entertainment on select holiday weekends – for instance, a bit of live music during a bank holiday or a DJ on New Year’s Eve. These events aren’t weekly, so it’s wise to check their announcements, but they do happen and can be a lot of fun, bringing an extra dimension to the pub experience.

Moreover, The Bartons Arms has become a hub for beer and pub culture gatherings. It has been chosen as a venue for CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) meetings and award ceremonies – in fact, it hosts the West Midlands regional CAMRA awards each year in Decembercitydays.com. This underscores how respected the pub is in the real ale community. Occasionally, you might also find seasonal specials on the food menu (for example, a special Thai dish for Songkran – Thai New Year – or traditional British roasts on a Sunday alongside the usual menu). The blend of Thai and English culinary offerings has expanded recently, so don’t be surprised to see a classic fish and chips or even a jerk chicken special pop up next to the green curry – a nod to serving the local community’s tastes along with Thai favourites.

To sum up, there’s always something happening at The Bartons Arms, even if it’s not a rigid schedule of quiz nights or karaoke every week. The pub manages to keep things interesting with intermittent events that feel organic to its identity – beer-focused nights, cultural food specials, and the big surges on game day. This balance means you can usually expect a relaxed, everyday atmosphere, but also have the chance to catch a lively event now and then. It’s the kind of place where any visit might turn into a memorable occasion, planned or unplanned.

Value for Money

In an era when some gastropubs charge a small fortune for a pint and a meal, The Bartons Arms stands out for offering fantastic value for money. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by how reasonable the prices are, considering the quality of the food, drink, and the unique historic setting. Most Thai dishes on the menu are priced in the mid-range of around £10–£15, which, for the generous portions and authenticity on offer, is a bargain. You can feast on a fragrant bowl of Thai curry with rice without breaking the bank. Even those dishes packed with premium ingredients (like king prawns or duck) remain affordable compared to city-centre restaurant prices.

When it comes to drinks, the value continues. A well-kept real ale at The Bartons Arms usually falls between roughly £4.00 to £5.00 per pint, pretty standard for Birmingham and notably fair given the excellent condition and taste of the brews here. Seasonal guest ales and imported craft beers might edge a bit higher, but overall you’re paying no “tourist premium” despite drinking in one of the city’s most famous pubs. The policy here seems to be to keep prices accessible for the community – it is, after all, a pub that wants to be frequented by regulars as much as one-off visitors.

The overall experience adds tremendous value too. Think about it: for the price of a couple of drinks in a generic bar, here you get to marvel at hand-crafted tiles, learn a bit of local history, enjoy top-notch Thai cuisine, and taste lovingly brewed ales. As one review noted, it’s “excellent value given the quality and setting”. The combination of reasonable pricing and high quality has not gone unnoticed – it’s one reason The Bartons Arms often features in lists of best pubs in Birmingham, not just for atmosphere but for bang-for-your-buck. Families dining out appreciate that they can have a full meal without a scary bill, and real ale fans know they’re getting their money’s worth with each well-kept pint. Even the little things, like complimentary prawn crackers with your meal or the affordable bar snack menu, contribute to feeling that you get a lot for what you pay.

In short, The Bartons Arms delivers great value. Whether you’re a budget-conscious student or just someone who appreciates fair pricing, you’ll find that enjoying a night out or a weekend lunch here doesn’t require deep pockets. The quality of food and drink rivals more expensive venues, making this pub a smart choice for those who want the best of Birmingham’s pub scene without overspending.

Experience The Bartons Arms for Yourself

The Bartons Arms offers a rare blend of features that few pubs can match. It’s at once a historic landmark, a temple for real ale lovers, a venue for delicious Thai food, and a friendly neighbourhood gathering spot. After exploring its story and offerings – from the glint of its Victorian tiles to the aroma of its Thai kitchen – one thing is clear: this pub is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the very best of Birmingham’s pub culture.

If you’re searching for pubs near Aston or the best Thai food in Birmingham, The Bartons Arms should top your list. Every aspect of it, from the Oakham Ales at the bar to the cosy corners adorned with snob screens, tells a tale of tradition meeting innovation. It’s a place where you can enjoy a quiet pint on a weekday or dive into a lively matchday celebration on the weekend. It suits the real ale connoisseur, the history buff, the foodie, and the casual visitor just the same.

Don’t just take our word for it – plan a trip to 144 High Street, Aston, Birmingham (B6 4UP) and see it first-hand. Step through the grand doors beneath the clock tower and take in the atmosphere that has enchanted visitors for generations. Order a pint of your favourite brew (or ask the bartender for their recommendation) and perhaps pair it with that famous Thai green curry or a plate of pad Thai. Whether you’re lounging by the fireplace admiring the tiles or clinking glasses with friends in the bar, you’ll quickly understand why The Barton's Arms earns such glowing reviews and loyal fans.

In a city full of great pubs, this one truly stands out – a perfect marriage of Victorian charm and Thai culinary delight, of historic character and modern hospitality. The Bartons Arms invites you to be a part of its living history. So next time you’re in Birmingham, make a point to visit this extraordinary pub. Enjoy the sights, the flavours, and the camaraderie on offer. Chances are, you’ll leave already planning your return – and telling everyone you know about the unforgettable time you had at The Barton's Arms. Cheers!