The Baldwin

I used to have a lot of friends that lived in this area and I have frequented the pub ever since. It is not the happiest of places. People like to go here for their first drink of the day and a nice cigarette outside on the pavement.
Other cultures would look down upon our habits in Britain, but pubs are an institution and if people want to drink, they will in the comfort of their local.
They have a couple of nice ales and a full bar and the pub has been here for generations. I always see that as a positive sign, standing the test of time. It is not the type of place you would see on Geordie Shores, but that doesn’t make it bad. It is what it is.
I’d come here to relax on a Sunday and read the papers if I was an old man. I’m not, but if I’m still living in Birmingham when I am an old man, I will come and drink here.

The Baldwin has recently undergone something of a renovation, however there is only so much that a facelift can do for a business. I’m not saying that the Baldwin is a bad pub but it’s just that the atmosphere inside always feels very local and if you are not from around the local area things can feel a tad awkward. Other than that it is just your bog standard pub really with decent food and drinks prices which are competitive for its location. I wouldn’t go out of my way to pay a visit to the Baldwin but if I was parched I wouldn’t turn down a pint here either.

I decided to give this pub another try after it underwent a well needed extensive refurbishment. It’s a bit confusing that this pub has two names ‘The Baldwin’ and the ‘Hungry horse’ I know they had an extensive refurbishment and want to improve (food) sales but why have two names?
The pub is spacious, looks lovely and has nice outdoor seating, which is nice in the Summer, but having nice décor is just a bonus to any business. It all comes down to what a business offers that gets them the business and the food and drinks here aren’t too bad. I only had chips so can’t comment much on the food but they were nice. The drinks are nice toobut nothing more than what you’d expect from the average pub. This Baldwin isn’t expensive in fact it’s worth what you pay.
The customer service was OK because the staff were quick with the drinks, but the service wouldn’t been better if they actually seemed interested and not make you walk to them when you want service because they don’t walk over to you!
I wouldn’t recommend going here unless you’re a local or regular because it can get a bit rough and people tend to stick within their groups. I didn’t come across as a family friendly place either. However, it’s nice during the day when it’s not too busy.