HOP & SCOTCH

Head down Institute Road and you'll find yourself in a place that takes its spirits seriously without being a snob about it. The vibe is unpretentious—locals propping up the bar alongside curious newcomers, knowledgeable staff who'll talk you through a Islay single malt or a obscure Belgian ale without making you feel small. King's Heath's quietly become one of Birmingham's best neighbourhoods for drinking, and Hop & Scotch sits right at the heart of that shift. The selection is genuinely impressive, prices are fair for what you're getting (around £5-8 for a decent beer, more for the serious whisky), and there's real personality in how they've put it together.