As I walked from a friend’s to Great Hampton Street, I can’t say I was overwhelmed by the location but I stuck with it and I’m glad I did! The Lord Clifden is one of the Jewellery Quarter’s hidden gems. Inside is a cool and quirky bar with walls adorned in urban art and one of the best (if not the best) beer gardens Birmingham has to offer, The Lord Clifden became somewhat of a regular spot for me in my final year at uni!
The Venue
Inside, The Lord Clifden has a warm and cosy lounge bar with exposed brickwork walls featuring framed urban art from the likes of Banksy, Nick Walker and Birmingham’s own Army Lion. Even though the bar is a relatively small area, there is plenty of seating. The intimate and friendly atmosphere is added to by the low tables, stools and fitted cushioned benches.
Move through the lounge and you will discover the beer garden, a big space with plenty of seating, we managed to get an, all be it small, table for four on a sunny Saturday afternoon! Complete with outside bar, the urban art theme is continued with murals on the walls, quirky signage and even a post box; you will constantly be finding new things to look at! The garden also has music, TV screens, table football and a ping-pong table (although there seemed to be a hefty wait!).
Traditional inside, quirk outside, this pub in Birmingham is a happy blend of both.
The Food and Drink
My friends who lived close by had told me great things about the food here, so I was eager to get stuck in! Faced with oodles of choice from their pub food menu we went for three steaks and one burger (adventurous I know). I had also been prior warned that there could be quite a wait for the food, so I was pleasantly surprised when it all arrived in no time at all really (especially for a busy Saturday afternoon!). Big portions and delicious food, at only £10.95 you really can’t go wrong!
Now, I’m no beer drinker so on the occasions I have been I stuck to wine and cider. I did get cider envy at one point whilst supping on my Kopparberg, a guy strolled past with a pint of Thatchers frozen cider, a sort of cider slush puppy that looked super tasty and refreshing. However, it is the lager this pub is famed for. Seven continental lagers and a selection of guest ales (one of which my friend sampled and assured me was delightful!) With the additional pull of being one of only two pubs in Birmingham to sell ‘Budvar Yeast’, The Lord Clifden is a must for beer drinkers!
The Lord Clifden have a whole plethora of bevvies to keep you satisfied.
Atmosphere and Clientele
When you hear about an urban art clad bar you’d be forgiven for assuming it might attract the slightly pretentious. But rest assured there’s no pretension here, The Lord Clifden and its friendly staff attract a young and diverse crowd looking to chill out and have a good time. It is busy day and night throughout the week with different things going on all the time. The place comes to life at the weekend with DJ’s playing an assortment of soul, funk disco and indie its great if you fancy something a bit different!
Yougn and diverse, the crowd at The Lord Clifden are a mixed and happy bunch.
Summary
With an eclectic mix of artsy quirks and traditional pub favourites, The Lord Clifden is a breath of fresh air when it comes to Birmingham pubs. Live music, DJ’s and a weekly pub quiz mean there is always something going on to bring you back time and time again!
