Global Visitors Flock to Birmingham's JQ Beer Weekend Pub Crawl
Birmingham's acclaimed pub crawl, the JQ Beer Weekend, is set to welcome thousands of visitors from across the globe this week. From Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 18, the event will showcase 20 independent venues in the Jewellery Quarter, drawing enthusiasts from as far as Canada and the Netherlands.
Now in its fourth year, the JQ Beer Weekend has become a significant highlight on Birmingham's social calendar. Last year, over 10,000 attendees participated, setting a record for venues like the independent pub The Church. This year, organisers anticipate similar crowds, with the event designed to support local hospitality businesses and celebrate community spirit.
Community and Hospitality at the Heart of the Event
Luke Crane, CEO of JQ BID, shared insights into the event's origins and its growing popularity. "When we first started, we had no idea how big it was going to be," he said. "Coming out of the pandemic, we wanted to support hospitality and have so many wonderful independents here."
Crane highlighted the event's appeal, noting that it attracts visitors from Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and even overseas. "I bumped into a group last year who had moved away from Birmingham but agreed they would return every Beer Weekend to reunite," he added. "Pubs are all about community, it's about having discussions over a pint and enjoying company."
He emphasised the economic impact, calling it "Birmingham's best pub crawl by a long shot and one of the most profitable weekends for our venues." The goal, he explained, is to help these businesses "survive and thrive" in a competitive industry.
Independent Pubs Showcase Unique Offerings
Roifield Brown, owner of Temper & Brown, shared his experience participating in the event. "The JQ Beer Weekend helps tell the rest of Birmingham that this gem is here," he said. "No pun intended, people are going to discover hidden gems."
Brown noted that the event has successfully introduced new customers to his bar, with the previous owner, Mark Rafferty, having predicted its benefits. "We did it last year for the first time and it brought in new customers who got to sample our beer," he explained.
He praised the collaborative nature of the Jewellery Quarter's venues, stating, "You have to be a multi-functional business and there's a lot of them in the Jewellery Quarter, it draws people. Even if you go to Temper & Brown, you can still walk around the corner to 1000 Trades, we feed off each other."
Brown also highlighted the diversity of experiences available, from live music at the Button Factory to political debates at 1000 Trades. "We're very proud of the fact we're Brummies and a black-owned bar which is inclusive," he said. "It comes out obviously that we're independently owned and a little bit quirky."
Full List of Participating Venues
For those planning to attend, visiting six venues earns participants a commemorative Gary the Gull t-shirt. The following 20 independent pubs and bars are part of this year's JQ Beer Weekend:
- Actress & Bishop
- Arch 13 at Connolly's
- The Barrel Store
- The Bug and Barrel
- Burning Soul Brewery
- The Clifden
- The Church
- Hen & Chickens
- Indian Brewery Snowhill
- Indian Brewery Taproom
- The Jam House
- JQ Bar & Grill
- The Rectory
- Rock & Roll Brewhouse
- Saint Paul's House
- Saint Paul's Market
- The Rolling Mill
- Temper & Brown
- The Wolf
- 1000 Trades
This event not only boosts local businesses but also reinforces Birmingham's reputation as a vibrant destination for cultural and social experiences. With its focus on community, inclusivity, and unique offerings, the JQ Beer Weekend continues to draw global attention to the city's thriving hospitality scene.
