The Bartons Arms - Birmingham - Pub Reviews

Name: The Bartons Arms
Location: 144 High Street, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UP
Phone: 0121 333 5988
Opening Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 12:00 – 23:00

• Friday to Saturday: 12:00 – 00:00

• Sunday: 12:00 – 23:00

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)

Facilities & Entertainment:

• Parking: Yes

• Darts & Pool Table: No

• Live Sports: Yes – particularly busy before and after Aston Villa home matches. Welcomes many home fans.

Food on Offer:
The Bartons Arms is celebrated for serving authentic Thai cuisine within an opulent Victorian setting. Popular dishes include aromatic green curry, pad Thai, and spicy stir-fries, all praised for their generous portions and vibrant flavours. The food consistently garners rave reviews for freshness, authenticity, and value.

Beers on Tap:
The pub is proudly owned by Oakham Ales, with regular appearances from favourites like Oakham Citra and JHB. Rotating guest ales and seasonal brews are also served, ensuring a fresh pint for even the most seasoned ale enthusiast.

Price Range:
££ – Most dishes fall between £10–£15, while ales typically range from £4.00 to £5.00 per pint. Excellent value given the quality and setting.

Customer Service:
Feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Staff are frequently described as knowledgeable, helpful, and genuinely warm. From pint recommendations to food pairings, they offer attentive service that adds to the experience. Personally, I found the hospitality faultless – it strikes a perfect balance between casual and attentive.

Events & Special Nights:
While there aren't regular themed nights or quizzes, the pub becomes a lively meeting point on Aston Villa matchdays. Occasional beer tastings and events are held in collaboration with Oakham Ales, and it’s worth checking their site or social media for updates.

In-Depth Review

Nestled on Aston’s busy High Street stands a true Birmingham icon – The Bartons Arms. This Grade II* listed pub is more than just a drinking spot; it's a living museum of pub history fused with a surprisingly exotic culinary offering. Built in 1900 for Mitchells & Butlers by the architectural firm James & Lister Lea, the building is a masterwork of Victorian design. Its ornate Minton Hollins tiles, rich mahogany woodwork, and rare ‘snob screens’ are as much a draw as the food and drink.

The Bartons Arms distinguishes itself not just through its grandeur but through its bold menu of traditional Thai cuisine. It’s a juxtaposition that works brilliantly – where else can you enjoy a creamy Thai green curry while sipping a locally brewed pale ale beneath a stained-glass dome?

Now under the stewardship of Oakham Ales, the pub is well-stocked with a rotating lineup of expertly kept cask ales, with regulars like Oakham Citra providing hoppy, refreshing consistency. The beers are a major attraction for CAMRA members and ale lovers across the Midlands.

The crowd you’ll find here is diverse. Mid-week afternoons are often calm, drawing local professionals and architecture enthusiasts. Come the weekend – or especially on matchday – the place hums with football fans, both local and visiting, who enjoy the pub’s relaxed, welcoming vibe. Despite the influx, it never feels rowdy or overwhelming. It’s a proper community pub that balances tradition with modern hospitality.

In terms of accessibility, the pub offers outdoor seating and is welcoming to dogs. Inside, while the heritage layout might pose minor limitations for some with mobility issues, staff are known for their accommodating attitude. Parking is available nearby, which is a definite plus in a city location.

If you're visiting for food, the Thai green curry comes highly recommended – rich, fragrant, and with just the right amount of heat. Pair it with a pint of JHB or one of Oakham’s seasonal specials for the full experience. The menu balances classics with more adventurous specials, offering something for every taste.

Of course, no venue is without room for improvement. On particularly busy days, especially when Villa are playing at home, service can slow down due to the sheer number of patrons. Seating may be tight, and waits a bit longer. But for many, this buzz is part of the charm – a living, breathing slice of Birmingham’s social life.

Located just a short walk from Villa Park and accessible from the city centre, The Bartons Arms is perfectly situated for both locals and visitors. Whether you're stopping by for a pre-match pint, a quiet weekday meal, or a post-work drink, this pub offers more than just refreshment – it offers a sense of place, history, and community.

In every way that counts, The Bartons Arms delivers. It’s not just one of Birmingham’s best pubs – it’s one of Britain’s most distinctive. Highly recommended.