Oct 2025

Best Desi Pubs in Birmingham

Best Desi Pubs in Birmingham

We all enjoy a curry and a pint, and so the evolution of desi pubs in the Midlands has been well-received. 

These venues marry British pub culture with Punjabi and broader South‑Asian cooking. They were born out of immigrant communities who wanted a place to watch football and have a drink and enjoy the flavours of home. 

Today they’re thriving institutions offering everything from crispy chicken tikka to craft lagers brewed on‑site. Below you’ll find our pick of the city’s best desi pubs including old favourites and new names inspired by the pioneers.

1. Indian Brewery Company

The Indian Brewery Company is more than just a pub,  it’s a micro‑brewery and restaurant rolled into one. 

Founded by Jaspal Purewal in 2014, it brews its own lager and pairs it with street‑food‑inspired dishes in a space that mixes Bollywood glam with industrial chic. 

This innovative concept has now expanded into another location with a large warehouse taproom and it can definitely be credited with helping to kick‑start the current desi‑pub boom. Expect crispy pakora, spicy chicken wings and craft pints fresh from the fermenters.

2. Hen & Chickens

Housed in a Victorian building, the Hen & Chickens is a gem for desi‑pub aficionados. Inside you’ll find big screens showing the football, towering mixed grills and homestyle Punjabi curries such as rogan josh and keema mutter.

The atmosphere is relaxed and lively, imagine tables often groan under piles of sizzling meat, naan and chips. It can get busy, so arrive early to snag a spot at the bar.

3. The Covered Wagon Birmingham

The Covered Wagon offers Punjabi dishes prepared in tandoori ovens. Its menu features sizzling meats, butter chicken, chilli naan and vegetarian dishes. Locals praise its relaxed vibe and good value, and here at Cafe Lovelife we think it’s the place to go when you’re craving homely curry and a pint.

4. Soho Tavern

Across the road from the Black Eagle pub you’ll find the renovated New Soho Tavern. What was once a weary boozer has been transformed into a warm, modern space with functional décor and an extensive menu. 

Calling themselves an Indian Gastropub, their mixed grills are massive and the curry list runs from fiery vindaloo to creamy korma. Don’t miss their chilli chips, legendary among locals and Reddit users alike (and let’s be honest, we all love a legit Reddit review.)

5. The Vine In West Bromwich

Known as the institution that sparked Birmingham’s desi‑pub revolution, The Vine looks like a corner boozer from the outside but hides a huge open grill that scents the room with tandoori spices. 

Football fans flock here before and after matches at nearby The Hawthorns for lamb chops, masala fish and kebab skewers. Grab a table in the covered beer garden on sunny days.

6. Sportsman Bar & Restaurant

The Sportsman Club is legendary for its huge mixed grills. A single platter includes boneless chicken tikka with crisp skin and juicy meat, bone‑in tikka, spiced chicken wings and lamb seekh kebabs, all served with salad and chutneys. Other house specials include the desi bakra lamb curry and the tangy chilli fish. Come hungry, portions are generous!

7. The Grove

Set up in 1995 by Piara Singh for British‑Indian foundry workers, The Grove is one of the pioneers of the desi‑pub scene. The venue has expanded over the years with a large beer garden and now attracts a diverse clientele. 

Food bloggers rave about its prawn pakora, mixed platters and welcoming atmosphere, and after all this time it’s still a favourite meeting place for football supporters and families alike.

8. The Maggies

The Maggies occupies a sleek flat‑roofed art‑deco building. New owners Bik and Mac Singh have revitalised this old-school pub with huge mixed grills and a strong community spirit. 

Locals love the chilled vibe and generous portions. Redditors hint that it will soon expand its menu to match the best in the city

9. Club 99

In a Reddit thread about hidden gems, locals rave about Club 99’s curries and mixed grillsreddit.com. This unpretentious spot serves smoky kebabs and creamy butter chicken at wallet‑friendly prices. It’s a bit of a trek from the city centre, but the food makes it worthwhile.

10. Merry Maid

Merry Maid is a south‑Birmingham favourite that even featured on BBC Radio 4’s food programme.

It’s known for its tandoori fish and friendly service. Come here for a family dinner, there’s something for everyone, from fiery curries to milder dishes.

11. Railway Inn

Right by Sandwell & Dudley station, the Railway Inn dishes up mixed grills that many say are better than the curries themselves. 

Expect juicy skewers, sizzling meat platters and plenty of fresh coriander. It’s perfect for a quick bite before catching your train.

Last Thoughts

From Snow Hill’s craft‑brew taproom to Smethwick’s old‑school pubs and suburban hidden gems, Birmingham’s desi‑pub scene is diverse and delicious. 

These venues honour their Punjabi roots while welcoming everyone, whether you’re craving a towering mixed grill, a frothy pint or just a seat in a lively, multicultural space. 

Try one or try them all, your taste buds will thank you.