A new Birmingham bar is pouring some of the cheapest pints in the city, including Guinness for just £5. Stories Tavern, located on the ground floor of 103 Colmore Row, has transformed a former café and cocktail bar into a 17th-century style tavern with a distinct British historical identity.
A Journey Back in Time
General manager Richard Chiswell, a Brummie himself, described the eye-catching venue as "a journey back in time." He told BirminghamLive: "It's offering something different. We can't replicate 24 Stories on the ground because then it would be zero stories, and that doesn't quite work. A journey back in time is what we're going after, that 17th-century style tavern which used to be really popular."
Affordable Pints and Classic Food
The bar features £5 draught pints, currently including Guinness, Chop Chop lager, and Bengal Session IPA. The food menu offers British classics such as a £24 ploughman's board, £6 scotch eggs, and sandwiches. Chiswell emphasized that while customers are welcome to pop in for a quick drink, the aim is to provide an experience.
Historic Decor and Ambiance
The venue is adorned with artwork nodding to Birmingham's history, including old pictures of the city. "We want it to feel like you're back in time while being at home," Chiswell said. "I think my favourite is an old picture of the Bullring which captures a moment in time before the hustle and bustle."
Positive Feedback and Expansion Plans
Since rebranding, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the bar is getting busier. Despite industry closures, the parent company is expanding, with plans to open a New York location next year. The cashless venue is open seven days a week, and while there are bottled ales available, cask ale is not currently offered for CAMRA fans.
