Two Birmingham Pubs Vie for UK's Best Title in National Awards
Two Birmingham pubs have been shortlisted for the 2026 National Pub and Bar Awards, highlighting the city's vibrant and diverse hospitality scene. These prestigious awards celebrate the finest venues across 94 counties in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with the two Brummie contenders offering strikingly different experiences.
The Old Joint Stock: A Historic Gem with Theatrical Flair
First on the list is The Old Joint Stock, located on Temple Row West in the heart of the city centre, just off Pigeon Park. This pub is set within a stunning Grade II listed building, renowned for its magnificent décor and traditional pub grub. However, it offers much more than meets the eye, as it also features an on-site theatre.
Patrons can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including murder mystery theatre shows, stand-up comedy performances, cinema screenings, talks, musicals, and open mic nights. This unique blend of historic charm and cultural activities makes it a standout venue in Birmingham's pub landscape.
BOX in Brindleyplace: A Modern Sports Bar Hub
The second pub to make the cut is BOX in Brindleyplace, a modern sports bar designed for watching and playing while eating and drinking. Known for its extensive coverage of major sporting events, it boasts 35 HD screens throughout the venue. In addition to sports viewing, BOX offers games such as shuffleboards, darts, and karaoke.
Food options include pizzas, burgers, kebabs, and salads, complemented by cocktail sharers and pints. Every Thursday, the pub hosts Bandeoke, where aspiring singers can take the stage with a resident live band providing backing tracks. This lively atmosphere caters to sports enthusiasts and socialisers alike.
National Recognition and Upcoming Finals
These two Birmingham pubs join an additional 250 pubs and bars across the UK that have been shortlisted for the National Pub and Bar Awards. The finals are scheduled to take place on June 10 in London, where the coveted 94 county winners will be announced. The event will also recognise highly commended venues for each area and present the Industry's Choice Award, voted for by a panel of 400 handpicked industry judges in a Top 10 format.
Tristan O'Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which hosts the event, expressed enthusiasm for the awards. "Our bigger and better format that debuted in 2025 was such a success, we can’t wait to roll it out again this year," he said. "The fact that the celebrations last from the long Easter weekend, when we celebrate this year’s County Nominees, right up until the awards night at the beginning of summer is no less than this wonderful industry deserves. We just want to do what we can to spread the word about these brilliant businesses."
This recognition underscores Birmingham's contribution to the UK's pub culture, with venues that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, from historic elegance to contemporary entertainment.
