Traditional is a great word to describe a delightful pub that’s passed by too often.

The Venue
The Garden House is located on Hagley Road, about half a mile from Five Ways. From the outside, it looks like it’s been plucked right from a rural village and placed in a busy city area, as you enter this image doesn’t fade. Exposed wooden beams, genuine fireplaces and cosy little corners really give the pub a homely feel.

The People
Hagley Road is a very busy commercial area with offices and businesses everywhere so, during lunchtimes and after 5pm, lots of people in suits fill the bar area. The atmosphere is very casual and relaxed for such a formal looking establishment, it’s a pleasure to sit and soak up the surroundings. The staff, who are normally extremely busy, are friendly enough but could do more to keep the illusion of the country pub alive. Many places in the city will give you a smile, but it’s a shame such a welcoming place doesn’t do more.

The Food
Since the pub belongs to the Chef and Brewer group, it has a great menu. Dishes like chicken liver and pancetta pate with red onion chutney are the sort of starters to get the mouth watering. Main courses are chicken breast with mozzarella wrapped in bacon or something a bit more traditional like hand carved British ham with free-range eggs and chips. The pub, like a lot of Chef and Brewer pubs, has a good reputation for food. Its served Monday-Saturday, 11am-10pm. Mains are usually between £8 and £15 with starters at £3-£6. Sunday roasts cost £8.40.

The Drink
The usual line up of draught beers is available like Fosters (£2.60), John Smiths and Guinness (£2.89), to more exotic lagers like Staropramen (£3.30) and Hoegaarden. There are usually up to six guest ales available, this carries on with the country pub feel and really is welcome in an inner city location.

The Last Word
Travel just a bit further from the city centre and you will find cracking pubs like this; a great alternative to modern, trendy bars that fill the city these days.

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