The Old Contemptibles
The Old Contemptibles things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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We visited this pub while visiting Birmingham from Canada in late May. It is a proper pub with a fantastic history, decor and atmosphere. We visited twice, first during a very busy Thursday evening and again, on a quiet evening the following week. Both visits provided us with differing but equally enjoyable experiences. In total, we ordered the very generous fish and chips, sausages with mash potatoes and a mouth watering onion sauce, steak and ale pie with vegetables. We washed it down with pints of Peroni and Carling beer. On both occasions, we were served by absolutely wonderful staff members. Even on the very busy first visit, our server was aware that our orders were a bit late (we hadn't even noticed). She apologized and offered us a free desert (a pleasant surprise indeed) Many Kudos to her!. On our second visit, we were well taken care of by a friendly male server. We felt like very valued customers.....this is a very proper pub indeed! Thank you for such memorable experiences at your establishment! We highly recommend The Old Contemptibles when visiting Birmingham City Centre.
David LopekeDavid Lopeke
30
First time visiting a Nicholson's Pub and so glad it was this one. We booked in advanced and asked to be away from the TV (as Rugby was going to be on) and we were put in the back room and it was so lovely and peaceful and away from the crowd. It was just me and my Mum and it was so nice to have a sit down meal and a catch up. We are both Vegetarians and we didn't think much of the option for the mains so we made up our own main meal with starters and sides and it was sooooo gorgeous!! We had the Tomato and Shallot tartlet, halloumi fries and triple cooked chips along with cocktails and drinks and honestly it was the nicest meal we have had in ages. We will 100% be coming back to The Old Contemptibles. The app was easy to us to order or you can order at the desk or staff also come over so there is lots of options. The toilets were clean as well and the whole experience was great!
Pepper OnigiriPepper Onigiri
00
Called in here with my wife for the first time before going to the Hippodrome. I’d read the reviews and all was good. We’ll it lived up to its reputation. The service was A1 as was the food. Had a great pint of Guinness too. We sat close to the entrance /bar on high tables which was cosy but there were regular tables throughout. Same outside and partially under cover, nice to see folk stood outside too. The menu was varied & good, I tried one of their pies and loved it. We ordered via the app that we found with the menu, all easy and the food came out in very good time. The lady serving us was very friendly and polite and cleared our tables in good time after we’d finished which is always a good sign. A very nice pub, well run so will definitely recommend to family & friends and call in again. We’ll done The Old Contemptibles 👍
Ian MIan M
00
Paid a visit to this very well kept, neat and characterful Edwardian era pub, after reading reviews on it. Really enjoyed the period architecture, fittings and historical theme remembering veterans of the First World War ( hence its name ); all tastefully and sympathetically done, with a relaxed, cosy atmosphere. While there, enjoyed a really well prepared and tasty serving of their Norton's ale battered haddock and chips, along with a signature Norton's gin and tonic. All well presented by friendly staff and good value for money, as a pub dinner. The rest of their menu looks equally interesting and I'd definitely visit again when passing. Can definitely recommend. Well done 👍to the team on duty there and hope to revisit soon 😀.
David KileyDavid Kiley
30
Overall a fantastic, atmospheric and cozy pub. The thing that stands out is the amazing decor - everything is in a WWI style with hints of WWII - which contributes to an unique and incredible experience. Indeed, the pub has a lot of history, as the 'Old Contemptibles' was the name given to the British Expeditionary Force in WW1 by Kaiser Wilhelm - so naturally some of the soldiers came back and opened a pub! Great food too; the steak and ale pie was fantastic and warming, and the desserts were all indulgent and provided a great finish. Fine selection of alcohol to choose from too. Also, I can't forget the brilliant service we received! All in all, a very fine pub with fine furnishing and delicious food.
Rundong YuRundong Yu
00
Edit review: came back here after a while and had to go back to 5 stars. Service excellent. Beer excellent and the pie was outstanding. So much great flavour. Edit review: had to go back to 4 stars as the food wasn't great. Ordered boneless chicken and it was basically all batter and no chicken. Pints are always great and the Guinness is still top notch. Nice place with decent beer, not that pricey would recommend a visit. Updated to 5 stars on recent visit. Excellent beer, great service and good food. The guinness is brilliant one of the best poured in Birmingham from here.
Gurpz MGurpz M
00
Nearby Attractions Of The Old Contemptibles
Primark
Birmingham Hippodrome
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Mailbox Birmingham
Symphony Hall
Selfridges Birmingham
easyHotel Birmingham City Centre
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
The Arcadian
The Alexandra

Primark
4.2
(5K)Click for details

Birmingham Hippodrome
4.7
(4.1K)Click for details

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
4.4
(3.8K)Click for details

Mailbox Birmingham
4.4
(3.5K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of The Old Contemptibles
Turtle Bay Birmingham
Dishoom Birmingham
The Square Peg - JD Wetherspoon
Pitcher & Piano Birmingham
Ming Moon Buffet & Karaoke
Haidilao Hotpot Birmingham (next to St. Martin's)
The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre, Birmingham
The Botanist Gas Street Basin
The Lost & Found Birmingham
Sushi Passion

Turtle Bay Birmingham
4.7
(6.1K)Click for details

Dishoom Birmingham
4.8
(3.4K)$$
Click for details

The Square Peg - JD Wetherspoon
3.9
(3.3K)Click for details

Pitcher & Piano Birmingham
4.6
(2.8K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
176 Edmund St, Birmingham B3 2HB, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 121 200 3310
Call
Website
nicholsonspubs.co.uk
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(1.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Real ales on tap in grand Victorian street-corner boozer with high-ceilinged bar and oak panelling.
attractions: Primark, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Mailbox Birmingham, Symphony Hall, Selfridges Birmingham, easyHotel Birmingham City Centre, Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, The Arcadian, The Alexandra, restaurants: Turtle Bay Birmingham, Dishoom Birmingham, The Square Peg - JD Wetherspoon, Pitcher & Piano Birmingham, Ming Moon Buffet & Karaoke, Haidilao Hotpot Birmingham (next to St. Martin's), The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre, Birmingham, The Botanist Gas Street Basin, The Lost & Found Birmingham, Sushi Passion
