The Wellington

You'll find this Victorian boozer perfectly positioned between the business district bustle and the Jewellery Quarter's quieter streets. The Wellington takes its ale seriously – we're talking constantly rotating taps of proper cask beer that'll make CAMRA members weep with joy. The interior keeps things authentically pubby without feeling stuck in a time warp, all dark wood and brass fittings that actually belong there rather than being shipped in from a design warehouse. The food goes well beyond standard pub fare, though you can still get a decent pie if that's what you're after. It's the sort of place where city workers decompress after a long day, but equally where you'd bring someone who actually cares about beer. Open from 10am daily, it manages that tricky balance of being serious about what it does without taking itself too seriously.