The Shakespeare

You'll find this Victorian boozer tucked away on Lower Temple Street, and it's exactly what a proper Birmingham pub should be. The dark wood panelling and traditional fittings haven't been messed about with by some design committee, which means you get the real deal rather than a sanitised version of pub culture. The menu does what it says on the tin - hearty pub grub that doesn't try to be clever. Think proper fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a Sunday roast that actually fills you up. The beer selection is decent enough, with a good mix of cask ales and standard lagers. It's the sort of place where you can settle in for a proper session or grab a quick bite before heading into town, and the staff know how to pour a pint without making a song and dance about it.