The Post Office Vaults - Birmingham - Pub Reviews

The Post Office Vaults is an independent subterranean pub in Birmingham city centre (84 New Street, B2 4BA), known for its extensive selection of bottled beers from around the world. This hidden gem freehouse opened in 2011 in the basement of a former post office and quickly became a haven for beer connoisseurs with its unmatched range of brews. It’s a popular spot for local ale enthusiasts, curious travellers, and city centre shoppers alike, drawn by the unique combination of a cosy, no-frills atmosphere and an astounding beer menu that spans continents. The pub enjoyed a strong reputation (often rated around 4/5 by customers) for its quality offerings and friendly vibe. Opening hours were typically 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Monday through Thursday, extending to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and slightly shorter on Sundays. (As of mid-2025, the Post Office Vaults has sadly closed its doors, but during its years of operation it firmly established itself as one of Birmingham’s most beloved and unique pubs.)

Facilities & Entertainment

The Post Office Vaults offers a cosy, no-frills setting that puts the focus squarely on good beer and conversation. Being underground, the venue is on the smaller side – seating roughly 40–50 people at a mix of wooden tables and benches – and it has a distinctly intimate feel. You won’t find wide-screen TVs blaring sports or a jukebox pumping music here; in fact, the pub notably has no televisions or loud music at all. This deliberate absence of digital distraction helps maintain an atmosphere oriented toward chatting with friends or savouring the nuances of a new beer. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs of old Birmingham and beer memorabilia, giving the single-room bar a touch of local character without overwhelming the simplicity of the space.

In terms of traditional pub entertainments, the Post Office Vaults diverges from the norm. There’s no dartboard or pool table – the cellar layout wouldn’t permit it – but enthusiasts will delight in the presence of a bar billiards table, which is free to play. This quirky addition, a rarity in most modern pubs, adds a bit of old-school fun for those who fancy a game and doesn’t take up too much room. Other communal pastimes like board games aren’t a prominent feature here (the emphasis really is on the beer), and the pub forgoes hosting weekly quizzes or karaoke nights. Instead, the entertainment comes from the company you bring and the bottles in your hand. It’s the kind of place where you might strike up a friendly conversation with the next table about what’s in your glass, rather than staring at a screen.

Being in the City Centre, there is no on-site parking to speak of – standard for a Birmingham pub in such a central location. Most visitors arrive on foot or by public transport (more on that in the Location section). The lack of windows (it is literally underground) might make the space feel a touch enclosed for some, but regulars find that it only enhances the feeling of escaping the bustle above. Overall, the facilities are simple and straightforward: this isn’t a pub with high-tech amenities or sprawling floors, but it makes clever use of its snug basement footprint. The focus on conversation, the unique bar billiards, and the general lack of modern gimmicks all cultivate a refreshingly old-fashioned pub ambiance – one that beer lovers seeking a calm pint in the city have greatly appreciated.

Food on Offer

One distinctive aspect of the Post Office Vaults is that it does not have an in-house kitchen or a formal food menu. Unlike many pubs that pride themselves on gastropub fare or even classic bar snacks, this venue opts to concentrate wholly on its drinks offering. In practice, this means you won’t be ordering fish and chips or Sunday roasts at the bar – in fact, aside from crisps and nuts, no food is served on the premises. However, the Vaults turns this into a positive by welcoming patrons to bring their own food. It’s a BYO-food pub: whether you fancy a takeaway pizza, a sandwich from a nearby café, or even a pastry from the Greggs next door, you’re encouraged to carry-in your meal. The bar staff are happy to provide plates and cutlery on request so you can tuck in comfortably at your table. This policy makes the pub quite flexible and budget-friendly – you have the freedom to pair that rare Belgian ale with whatever cuisine you’re craving, essentially creating your own food pairing.

The lack of an on-site kitchen also means there are no set dining hours or table bookings needed for meals. During lunchtime, you might see local office workers dropping in with a sandwich to accompany their half-pint, and later in the evening groups of friends might arrive with takeaway curries or burgers before settling in for a beer session. The atmosphere remains relaxed and pub-like, as there’s no clattering from a kitchen or food service distractions – just be mindful to clean up after yourself, and the staff will even help dispose of any packaging if needed. Many patrons have found this arrangement refreshingly liberating. Rather than being limited to a pub’s menu, you get to enjoy exactly what you want to eat while still soaking up the pub’s ambience.

It’s worth noting that because outside food is allowed, the Post Office Vaults became a bit of a haven for nearby workers and beer aficionados who might be on a schedule – you can pop in for a quick bite and a quality pint without the wait times of a restaurant. And for those who aren’t eating, the absence of food service has the side benefit of keeping food smells to a minimum, ensuring that the aroma of the beers (some of which are quite fragrant, especially the Belgian brews) remains unadulterated. In summary, while you won’t find a kitchen at this pub, its open-arms approach to BYO dining turns a potential limitation into a unique selling point. It’s all about great beer here, and they’ve made sure nothing gets in the way – not even an empty stomach.

Beers on Tap (and Beyond)

The bar at Post Office Vaults, with hand-pulled ales on tap and a “beer bible” of bottled brews from around the world. The pub’s claim to fame is its unparalleled beer selection.

If there’s one category in which the Post Office Vaults truly excels, it’s beer. This pub’s reputation is built on an extraordinary selection that caters to both traditional ale lovers and global beer explorers. As a freehouse (not tied to any brewery), it offers an ever-changing array of brews. On the bar you’ll typically find 6–8 hand-pulled cask ales at any time, usually including a mix of local Midlands brews and noteworthy guest ales from around the UK. (For example, it’s said they always kept a Hobson’s Mild on one of the pumps as a nod to a West Midlands classic.) These real ales rotate frequently, so one week you might find a hoppy pale ale from a Yorkshire microbrewery, and the next week a malty bitter from a local Birmingham craft outfit. The quality of the cask beer is top-notch – many CAMRA members have noted that pints are kept in excellent condition, with clean lines and proper cellaring ensuring each ale pours fresh and flavourful. The staff are knowledgeable about what’s on tap and can give you a bit of background or a recommendation, whether you’re unsure which ale to try or you’re curious about a particular brew’s origin.

Aside from the cask ales, the Vaults usually had a handful of draught international beers on tap as well. These might include a rotating tap or two dedicated to continental lagers or wheat beers – in the past they’ve featured things like a German Weissbier, a Belgian wheat ale, or a Czech pilsner flowing from the taps. It’s not uncommon to see a Belgian Hoegaarden or a quality German lager available alongside the British ales, which adds a nice variety for those who prefer their beer chilled and carbonated. And cider lovers aren’t left out either: the pub boasts the largest range of traditional ciders and perries in Birmingham, often up to 12 or 13 different ciders on draught or from the cellar. From dry scrumpy to fruity perry, the cider selection here could rival a dedicated cider bar – a real treat if you’re into fermented apple (or pear) drinks.

As impressive as the taps are, the true crown jewel of the Post Office Vaults is its bottled beer collection. The pub became famous for stocking hundreds of bottled beers from around the globe. An encyclopedic beer menu – affectionately dubbed the “beer bible” – lists the available bottles with detailed descriptions, and at one point featured over 350 different beers. Even in recent times, the list hovered around 200–250 offerings, a range that far outstripped any other pub in the city. The selection skews strongly international: you’ll find Belgian Trappist ales, lambics, and strong abbey beers, German lagers and smoked beers from Franconia, hoppy American IPAs and porters, as well as craft beers from places like Scandinavia, Italy, and beyond. The pub’s focus is on foreign beers (in fact, one quirky detail is that they deliberately did not stock British bottled beers, aiming to offer things you couldn’t get elsewhere). For a beer geek, browsing the bottle menu is like being a kid in a sweet shop – there’s always something new or rare to catch your eye, whether it’s a famed Belgian Trappist brew or an oddball seasonal ale from a small brewery in the USA.

The experience of ordering a bottle here is also a notch above the norm. Each beer is typically served in its appropriate glassware – a touch that showcases the pub’s attention to detail and respect for the beer. So if you order a Trappist ale, don’t be surprised when it arrives in the proper chalice bearing the abbey’s insignia, or your German wheat beer in a tall vase-like weissbier glass. This commitment to serving beer correctly not only enhances the taste (and aura) of the beer, but also underscores the Vaults’ identity as a serious beer haven. Additionally, the staff are happy to guide patrons through the bottle list. If the choices feel overwhelming, you can tell them a few styles you like and they’ll suggest something interesting – perhaps a fruity Belgian Lambic if you’re adventurous, or a crisp Czech lager if you want something more familiar. Some of their recommendations have practically become legends, like the Kinver First Class Stamp, a house-special ale brewed exclusively for the Post Office Vaults (the name cheekily nodding to the pub’s postal theme), or the exquisite Deus Brut des Flandres, a Belgian beer fermented in the Champagne method for those celebrating a special occasion.

Crucially, the beer quality is rigorously maintained across the board. Regulars often commented on how fresh the cask ales were (thanks to regular line cleaning and fast turnover), and even the bottled stock was well-curated – the management ensured that the beers didn’t sit around past their prime. The pub won awards and accolades for its beer program (it has been listed in the Good Beer Guide and celebrated by local beer societies). Whether you’re a CAMRA card-carrying real ale purist or an international beer adventurer, the Post Office Vaults delivered one of the best beer selections you could hope to find in Birmingham – or indeed, in the whole country. It’s the sort of place where discovering new beers is half the fun; with hundreds available, one could visit dozens of times and still be tasting something new each trip. That unparalleled dedication to great beer is, without question, the Vaults’ defining feature.

Price Range & Value

Despite its specialised offering and city-centre location, The Post Office Vaults has generally been seen as good value for money. In terms of price, it falls into a comfortable mid-range (££) category. A pint of the house cask ale or one of the rotating guest ales would usually cost around the typical Birmingham city centre price – roughly £4 per pint, give or take a few pence depending on strength and rarity. This is on par with (or slightly below) what you’d pay at similar real ale pubs in the area, and notably cheaper than the fancier craft beer bars that have pricier keg beers. For what you get (well-kept beer in the heart of town), most patrons feel it’s quite fair. The imported bottled beers, as you might expect, can range more widely in price. A bottle might start around £4–5 for a simpler brew, climbing upwards for rare or strong beers – some of the more unique Belgian or American bottles could be £8-£10+ each, especially the large 750ml sharers or high-ABV special editions. While that might sound high to the uninitiated, connoisseurs recognise that these are beers you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, and often priced in line with their quality and import cost. In fact, the pub made a point of sourcing gems from overseas, and those come with a premium. Even so, the management did their best to keep prices reasonable; it was noted that after Brexit and other import cost increases, they adjusted margins to soften the blow for customers.

One aspect of value here is the flexibility of the BYO food policy. Since you can bring your own snacks or meals, you’re not obliged to spend on pub food – which can make a night out at the Vaults more economical. You might grab a £3 sandwich outside instead of a £10-£15 pub meal elsewhere, and still enjoy it with your pint. Additionally, there’s no service charge or fancy table service; ordering is straightforward at the bar, so you’re only paying for what you drink (and any packet of crisps you might fancy). Tipping isn’t expected in the way it would be at a restaurant, though many patrons will gladly drop some change in the staff’s tip jar for good service. The pub also accepts card payments (including contactless), which is handy given the sometimes substantial bill a group can rack up sampling multiple exotic beers.

In terms of overall value, regulars often highlight that you get what you pay for – in a good way. The real ales are not only well-priced but excellently kept, so that £4 pint of bitter comes in perfect condition, better than a cheaper pint in a less scrupulous pub. The foreign beers, while occasionally pricey, offer a whole experience in a bottle – consider that for the cost of a single imported Trappist ale, you’re effectively tasting a bit of Belgium without the airfare. Many visitors have noted that an evening at the Post Office Vaults feels like money well spent: you walk away having tried something new or rare, and you’ve done so in a friendly environment. There are certainly cheaper spots in town (a Wetherspoons down the road would undercut on price, for instance), but few can match the sheer variety and quality on offer here. In short, the Vaults strikes a satisfying balance between reasonable prices and exceptional product. It’s not the cheapest pint in Brum, but pint-for-pint (and bottle-for-bottle), the consensus is that the experience justifies the cost. For beer enthusiasts, the chance to sample a world-class selection in one place provides value that goes beyond just the price tag – it’s about the enjoyment and the adventure in each glass.

Customer Service

Walk into the Post Office Vaults and you’ll likely be greeted – perhaps not immediately (it’s a small place and staff often multitask) – but certainly with a warm, no-nonsense Midlands welcome once you’re at the bar. The customer service here has been consistently praised as friendly, knowledgeable, and unpretentious. This pub was run by a hands-on owner and a tight-knit team of staff who clearly took pride in their beer. In fact, for much of its operation the Vaults was helmed by owner Mike Perkins and crew, and their passion showed. Staff members are known to enthusiastically chat about the latest beer arrivals or help indecisive customers navigate the massive bottle list. If you’re not sure what to try, they’ll ask a few questions – “What kinds of beers do you usually like? Something light? Something dark and strong?” – and then expertly guide you to a pint or bottle that might hit the spot. This personalised touch can make a first-time visitor feel like a regular. It’s not the kind of bar where bartenders stand idly; they genuinely engage with patrons (when the bar isn’t too slammed) and share recommendations. Many a customer has walked out not only satisfied with their drink, but having learned a tidbit or two about a foreign beer style, courtesy of the bar staff’s knowledge.

Despite the sometimes overwhelming selection and the pub’s popularity, service remains fairly efficient. On a quiet afternoon, you’ll get served immediately and might even find yourself in a friendly chat with the bartender about beer or local goings-on. During peak times – say Friday evening when the after-work crowd and beer tourists fill the place – the bar can get two or three people deep. Even then, the staff manage the rush with good humour and hustle. They’re quick at pulling pints and fetching bottles from the fridges, and they keep a mental note of who’s next (with the crowd usually polite and beer-savvy enough to wait their turn patiently). Glasses are collected frequently and any spillage on the bar is wiped up as soon as noticed. It’s evident that the team wants to keep the small space tidy and comfortable. If you bring food in, they’ll often check if you need any cutlery or extra napkins. And if a rare bottle is corked or a cask ale doesn’t taste right, they’re very willing to replace it without fuss – quality control and customer satisfaction seem to go hand in hand here.

Another element of the service is the community feel the staff foster. Regular patrons are greeted by name and often a bit of banter. It’s the kind of place where the landlord might well remember what you drank last time, or ask you how that holiday went, etc. Newcomers, too, mention feeling welcome and not intimidated despite the specialist nature of the pub. There’s no snobbery; even if you mispronounce the name of a Belgian beer, you won’t be judged – the staff might gently correct it with a smile, but they’re just happy you’re trying something new. That down-to-earth vibe is very much in line with Birmingham’s friendly character. Importantly, for all the recommendations given, there’s no hard upsell. The team seems genuinely interested in matching people to beers they’ll love, rather than pushing the most expensive bottle. If anything, they sometimes caution you (“Just so you know, that one’s a really sour beer – perhaps try this first?”) to ensure you enjoy what you get.

All told, customer service at the Post Office Vaults hits the right notes of welcoming and efficient. It has the informal charm of a local pub (staff who chat and joke, a bit of camaraderie all around) combined with the professionalism of a serious beer bar (quick service, deep product knowledge). This balance leaves a strong impression on visitors – it’s common to see reviews highlighting how the people behind the bar contributed to a great experience. Even as the pub saw its trade increase over the years, the service ethos remained focused on treating people well. It’s no exaggeration to say that the friendly service turned many first-timers into repeat customers. When a pub’s staff remember you and your preferred style of beer, and welcome you back like a friend, it creates loyalty. The Post Office Vaults excelled in this, making everyone from travelling beer geeks to after-work regulars feel right at home.

Events & Special Nights

Unlike some pubs that build their identity around weekly events or themed nights, The Post Office Vaults kept things fairly simple on the events front. This isn’t a venue where you’ll find karaoke Tuesdays, live bands on Saturdays, or a regular pub quiz – the small size and focus on beer-centric relaxation set a different tone. In fact, a typical weeknight at the Vaults is pleasantly predictable: people come to enjoy the beer and each other’s company without much fanfare. That said, the pub did occasionally spice things up with beer-focused events. For example, they might host a meet-the-brewer evening if a particular brewery’s beers were being featured, or a mini tap takeover where a microbrewery supplied several of the cask ales on for that night. These were usually low-key affairs, essentially just added incentive for beer lovers to drop in and try something special. Announcements for such happenings would be pinned up on the pub’s noticeboard or social media – like a limited release keg tapping (“Friday from 6 PM we’ll be pouring a rare Belgian stout – only one keg available!”), which tended to draw in the aficionados.

Seasonal beer launches and festivals were another highlight. Around Christmas, for instance, the Vaults would bring in a range of winter and holiday ales – rich stouts, spicy Belgian Noël beers, warming strong ales – effectively creating its own little winter beer festival spread across the bottle list and taps. Regulars knew to pop by in December to sample the new festive arrivals. Similarly, during Birmingham’s annual beer week or ale trail events, the Post Office Vaults often participated as a must-visit stop for ale enthusiasts making the rounds. They might stamp your ale trail passport or offer a flight of tasters as part of the citywide celebration. While they didn’t have space for large gatherings or ticketed events, the pub nonetheless managed to be deeply involved in the local beer scene. It was not uncommon for beer clubs or CAMRA groups to unofficially converge there; you’d suddenly realise half the bar was filled with folks discussing the merits of Belgian yeast strains or West Midlands hop varieties. In a way, every night was a bit of a beer connoisseur’s night at the Vaults – simply due to the crowd it attracted and the shared passion for great brews.

On rare occasions, the pub would adapt to major city happenings. For example, if there was a big football match on (say England in a tournament final), they might quietly put a radio commentary on in a corner or allow checking scores on phones, but generally they refrained from transforming into a sports pub. Their ethos leaned more towards keeping the Vaults as a refuge from the noise. One exception to the low-key rule would be any celebrations of the pub itself – anniversaries or milestones. When the Vaults hit its 5th and 10th year anniversaries, regulars mention there being a bit of a do: perhaps some specialty casks broached for the night, commemorative glasses or t-shirts, and certainly a full house of supporters toasting the pub’s success. These events were heartfelt and community-driven, reinforcing the bond between the establishment and its clientele.

In summary, if you’re looking for weekly quiz nights or DJ sets, the Post Office Vaults likely isn’t (or wasn’t) the place. Its “events” were essentially beer events – tapping a new cask, unveiling a shipment of rare bottles, or gatherings of like-minded ale fans by word of mouth. This kept the atmosphere aligned with the pub’s core mission: enjoying superb beer in good company. Many patrons appreciated this consistency; they could drop in any evening and know exactly what they’d get – a great pint and a chat, without a loud trivia host or band competing for their attention. It’s a testament to the Vaults’ appeal that it thrived without needing gimmicks or a packed event calendar. The beer was the main event, and for the crowd it attracted, that was more than enough.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Inside the Post Office Vaults, the atmosphere hits you as distinctly cosy and welcoming – almost like stepping into a secret beer cellar (which, in truth, you are). The décor is unassuming and traditional: think dark wooden furniture, a simple bar with handpump handles proudly on display, and décor touches like old photographs and beer signage that give a nod to both local history and beer culture. Because it’s a basement space, the pub has no windows – an aspect that contributes to a sheltered, tucked-away vibe. Some might initially find the windowless, subterranean room a bit enclosed or claustrophobic, especially if it’s packed with people. However, many regulars describe it as “cosy” and “cave-like” in the best way, a place where you leave the busy city streets behind and enter a kind of beer sanctuary. The lighting is typically warm and dimmed just enough to be comfortable (no harsh fluorescents here), and in cooler months the place is nicely heated – a refuge from winter weather. There isn’t a fireplace or anything (no chimney underground!), but the warmth often comes from the buzz of conversation and the community feeling.

The clientele at the Vaults is diverse in age and background, but with a common thread: an appreciation for good beer. On any given day you might find a table of middle-aged CAMRA members making notes in their Good Beer Guide, a young couple exploring the bottle list and comparing tasting notes on a Trappist ale, and a few office workers who stumbled in for a post-work pint amazed at the choices on offer. There’s also a steady stream of visitors who’ve come via New Street Station – you can often spot the out-of-towners by the suitcase tucked under the table or a quick check of a train timetable. Thanks to its reputation, the pub attracted beer tourists from around the world; it wasn’t unusual to hear a mix of accents at the bar, from Brummie to American to European beer aficionados passing through. Despite this mix, the vibe remains very laid-back and friendly. Conversations flow easily. It’s the kind of pub where people might nod and smile at each other over a shared appreciation of whatever’s on draught, and it’s not out of the ordinary for a group of strangers to end up chatting after one of them recommends a bottle the others hadn’t tried.

One charming aspect is that, without loud music, the soundtrack of the pub is largely the hum of conversation and the clink of glasses. It never feels library-quiet – there’s a pleasant background murmur at most hours – but you can easily have a conversation without shouting. At busier times (Friday or Saturday nights), the volume does rise and the room can become full to capacity. Given the small size, when it’s full, it’s full – you may find yourself standing in the middle or politely squeezing past folks to get to the bar. This bustling full-house scenario imbues the Vaults with a lively energy, but it’s a convivial kind of bustle, not an aggressive one. People are generally courteous in the tight quarters, aware that everyone’s there to enjoy the atmosphere. On off-peak times, by contrast, the pub can feel like your own private beer cellar. A quiet midday pint there, with maybe one or two other patrons scattered about, is a peaceful experience – almost a meditative break from the city noise above. The staff contribute to the atmosphere too, as mentioned, with their approachable, chatty nature making the pub feel like a home away from home for regulars.

When it comes to accessibility, there are a few considerations. The pub’s main entrances (from New Street and Pinfold Street) both lead you down a flight of stairs into the basement. Unfortunately, this means wheelchair access is not feasible – a downside of the historic, underground location. There is no lift or step-free entrance available, so patrons with mobility issues might struggle to visit. Once downstairs, the floor is all one level, and the seating is fairly standard height, but the initial descent is the barrier. The management has been accommodating in other ways – for instance, if someone had limited mobility but could manage the stairs slowly, staff would certainly lend a hand with carrying items or offering support. But it’s not an ideal setup for those needing full accessibility. As for other aspects: the restrooms are located within the basement as well (down a short corridor), and these are small and not specifically accessible-designed either – they’re clean and functional, but dated as one might expect in an older cellar conversion. On the plus side, the pub’s compact size means once you’re in, everything (bar, seating, toilets) is only a few steps away and on the same floor.

For those without mobility concerns, finding the place is perhaps the bigger challenge – though an amusing one. The New Street entrance, as noted, is a blink-and-you-miss-it red door on a busy shopping street. Many first-timers actually walk past it, then double back with the help of a map or by spotting the small hanging sign that bears the pub’s name. The alternate entrance on Pinfold Street is larger and more obvious, marked by a bold red frontage and signage. Once you know where to go, it’s easy enough: just down the stairs and you’ve arrived. Noise levels inside are generally moderate – the lack of music means no artificial noise, though when crowded it can get a bit echoey with chatter in the small room. Ventilation is decent for a basement; there is an extractor system, but naturally it can get warm on a packed summer evening underground. The pub is non-smoking indoors (as per UK law), and smokers usually pop up to street level for a cigarette. In terms of creature comforts, don’t expect plush sofas or modern decor – seating is wooden and practical, which suits the traditional vibe. Cleanliness is well-maintained; despite the hundreds of bottle options, empties are promptly cleared and tables wiped, keeping the environment pleasant.

A nice touch on atmosphere: the Post Office Vaults has that sense of being a “secret pub”. Because it’s hidden away, when you’re inside it feels like a world of its own. Many patrons relish this aspect – you feel insulated from the outside hustle and wrapped in the convivial bubble of beer talk and clinking glasses. Combined with the friendly crowd it draws, the Vaults’ atmosphere manages to be both relaxing and quietly buzzing at the same time. It’s a balance that many pubs struggle to achieve, but here it seemed to occur naturally, helped by the physical cosiness and the common passion for great beer that unites everyone present.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated in the heart of Birmingham, the Post Office Vaults benefits from an exceptionally convenient location. The pub’s address on New Street places it literally a 2-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station, the city’s main railway hub. For anyone arriving by train (or tram, as the Midland Metro tram stop is also at New Street), the Vaults couldn’t be easier to reach – it’s basically around the corner from the station’s pedestrian exit. This has made it a popular meeting point and a go-to first (or last) stop for beer lovers passing through the city. You can hop off a train, duck into the pub for a pint, and be back on your train within a short time frame – indeed, many travellers have done exactly that when they had a layover or a wait in Birmingham. The phrase “hidden gem” gets thrown around, and in this case it’s quite literal: the pub is hidden in plain sight on one of the city’s busiest streets. Look for a narrow doorway between a Greggs bakery and a small shop on New Street, or alternatively, head to Pinfold Street (which runs perpendicular to New Street) to find the larger red-fronted entrance near the historic Royal Mail building.

Once you’ve found the Vaults and enjoyed your visit, you’ll step out directly into Birmingham’s vibrant city centre, with a host of attractions and amenities within walking distance. New Street itself is part of a major shopping district – just a short stroll east will take you to the Bullring & Grand Central shopping complex, famous for its modern architecture and the iconic bronze bull statue. This area is a shopper’s paradise and also offers many eateries and cafés if you need to grab a bite before your next pub. A few minutes northwest of the pub is Victoria Square, the civic heart of Birmingham. Here you can admire the classical architecture of the Town Hall and the Council House, as well as the statues (the stone Queen Victoria and the whimsical “Floozie in the Jacuzzi” fountain). Adjacent to that is the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, home to a renowned collection of Pre-Raphaelite art and local history exhibits – a worthwhile cultural stop that’s practically around the corner from the Vaults. Also nearby is the Birmingham Library and Centenary Square (about a 10-minute walk), which features the modern Library of Birmingham building and often has events or fountains that kids play in during summer. If you’re more into nightlife and entertainment, the pub is a brief walk from The Alexandra Theatre and the Birmingham Hippodrome in nearby Chinese Quarter (both theatres host major shows and musicals), as well as the O2 Academy which is a venue for concerts.

For those on a pub crawl or looking to explore more of Birmingham’s beer scene, the Post Office Vaults is excellently placed as a starting point. Just up Bennetts Hill (five minutes away) is The Wellington, another legendary Birmingham ale pub with a wide range of cask beers – in fact, the Wellington was something of a sister pub to the Vaults, sharing management lineage. Around that area you’ll also find the Victorian grandeur of The Old Joint Stock, a beautiful pub in a former bank, and Purecraft Bar & Kitchen on Waterloo Street, which offers craft beers and modern pub dining. All of these are within a stone’s throw, making this part of the city centre a real hotspot for beer enthusiasts. If you venture a bit further north, the Jewellery Quarter and Digbeth areas offer more pubs and breweries (like Burning Soul or Dig Brew Co.), but those are a longer walk or short taxi ride away. Closer to base, the immediate vicinity of New Street and Colmore Row is filled with restaurants, from quick grab-and-go spots to upscale dining, so you won’t go hungry (especially useful since the Vaults itself doesn’t serve food).

In terms of transport connectivity, it hardly gets better: New Street Station connects you to all major UK cities, Moor Street and Snow Hill stations (for local and regional trains) are 10 minutes walk, and numerous bus routes pass through or near the city centre. If you’re driving, central Birmingham has several car parks (the Bullring parking or Grand Central parking are options), but traffic can be heavy and parking isn’t cheap – generally, it’s easiest to take the train or park on the outskirts and use public transport in. Cyclists will find bike racks around New Street Station and on side streets. And for visitors staying in the city, many hotels cluster in the centre, so you may even have one within walking distance.

The neighbourhood around the Post Office Vaults is safe and busy, especially in daytime with shoppers and commuters. By evening, New Street quiets down a bit as shops close, but there’s still plenty of foot traffic and the area is well-lit. The central police station is not far, and given the nearby nightlife zones on John Bright Street and Broad Street, police presence in the city core is quite solid. So whether you’re popping in mid-day as a break from shopping, or heading over in the evening for a pre-theatre pint, you should feel at ease. In summary, the Vaults’ location is one of its great advantages: easy to reach, surrounded by things to do, and perfectly positioned as a hub on any exploration of Birmingham’s city centre. It’s hard to imagine a more convenient spot for a pub – and yet, because it’s hidden below street level, it manages to be central without feeling chaotic. You come up the stairs and you’re right back in the bustling city, refreshed and perhaps a bit more cheerful after your underground beer adventure.

Overall Impression

The Post Office Vaults delivered a pub experience that was truly special and increasingly rare: a no-frills, beer-focused haven that managed to feel both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. On the one hand, it had all the makings of a classic friendly local – a cosy single-room bar, genial staff who often knew patrons by name, and an atmosphere that invited easy conversation. On the other hand, its astonishing range of beers elevated it into a destination that beer enthusiasts would cross cities (or countries) to visit. It’s not often you find a place where you can sample a traditional mild ale one moment and a niche Belgian Lambic the next, all in a setting as unpretentious as a town pub. Yet the Vaults balanced those elements beautifully, becoming something of a legend in the Birmingham pub scene. It exemplified the idea that you don’t need elaborate furnishings, big TVs, or a gourmet kitchen to create a memorable pub – you just need to excel at what matters to your crowd. In this case, what mattered was an excellent pint (or bottle) and a comfortable place to enjoy it. By steadfastly focusing on quality beer and good hospitality, the Post Office Vaults carved out a niche that few others could fill.

Of course, there are a few quirks and minor drawbacks to acknowledge. The small size and underground location, while key to its charm, also meant that at peak times it could feel quite crowded and somewhat stuffy – not ideal if you’re someone who likes plenty of personal space or natural light with your drink. The absence of any food service might be a downside for those who prefer a one-stop pub where they can have a full meal; at the Vaults, if hunger strikes, you have to arrange your own grub (though as discussed, many saw that as a feature rather than a bug). Accessibility was another shortcoming, with no wheelchair access to the basement – an unfortunate limitation of the building’s structure. And if you’re not particularly a beer or cider fan, the offerings might seem limited (there’s wine and spirits available in basic measure, but frankly this isn’t the place to order a fancy cocktail or expect an extensive wine list). In short, the Vaults unapologetically catered to a certain type of pub-goer. If you came looking for a sports bar atmosphere or a dance floor, you’d be in the wrong place.

However, these caveats hardly dim the shine of what the Post Office Vaults achieved. For those of us who love pubs and beer, it was near perfection. The limitations were simply the flip side of its focused character. And judging by the loyal following it built up and the glowing reviews it amassed, the formula worked exceedingly well. Patrons often described a visit to the Vaults as a highlight of their Birmingham trip, or a weekly ritual that never got old. It’s the kind of pub that leaves you with stories – whether it’s about the amazing stout you tried that you’d never heard of before, or the friendly stranger who ended up recommending their favourite beer from the menu, or that time you finally found the hidden entrance without Google Maps. There was a sense of discovery and community intertwined in the experience.

It’s worth noting, in a bittersweet turn, that the Post Office Vaults closed its doors in 2025, a victim of challenging times for hospitality venues. Its departure was met with an outpouring of nostalgia and sadness from Birmingham locals and the wider beer community – a testament to how much it meant to so many. The closure marked the end of an era, and the city lost an iconic establishment that will be hard to replace. Yet, the legacy of the Vaults lives on in the stories and the raised glasses of those who remember it. In its roughly 13-year run, it set a high bar for what a specialist beer pub can be.

The Post Office Vaults was a gem of a pub – a place that combined the simple pleasures of a traditional British pub with the excitement of a world-spanning beer selection. It reminded us that sometimes the best nights out are in tucked-away spots with great drinks and even better company. For anyone who experienced it, the Vaults likely remains a fond memory. And for beer lovers visiting Birmingham in years to come, its tale will surely be told as part of the city’s pub lore: the little underground pub, hard to find but impossible to forget, where you could journey around the beer world one bottle at a time.