Even when I try calling it socca it makes no difference.
A grim Christmas results wise for Birmingham was sure to change, so I thought, when I met up with my mate from California for the first time in about 18 years.
A fellow sufferer, he’d not been to the Mecca for the best part of two decades so his arrival along with his better half and kids was sure to stop the rot.
I know Dave will be waving his scarf for Chicago Fire this term and Russ has just bought his replica Vancouver Whitecaps kit so football soccer is definitely appealing to the masses in north America.
My exiled Brummie pal often watches either Galaxy or LAFC but knew it was time to watch turgid relegation fare high class, highly skilled operators at the peak of their powers.
In all fairness hitherto bottom of the league Wigan were in a rich vein of form on the road ahead of the New Year’s Day game, having failed to win on the road since APRIL.
Nonetheless, a plucky effort from Birmingham saw them just fall short and were edged out in a five goal thriller.
I know this isn’t a blog about football but sometimes following a team can really drive you to drink, and with England posting a sub 300 total once again in South Africa then it’s not been a vintage festive period for my sporting viewing.
However, the day wasn’t a total wipeout as there ,was a lot of catching up to do and Mrs BB, who wisely swerved the football, joined us with my kids at the post match debrief.
514 -Brewhouse And Kitchen Sutton Coldfield B72 1QD is in the royal borough of Sutton Coldfield as they like to call themselves and was rolling back the years for my mate as he is a native.
I know B&K don’t always get a great press but I liked the one I’ve been to before in Lichfield and this one was perfect to eat and drink at.
If I was going just for a drink them I’m not sure if it is better then its previous incarnation as The Cup, but the food was good and the beer was excellent.
I had a top notch pint of Marksman (Brewhouse & Kitchen) and the conversation was magnificent. It’s a very modern style and that doesn’t please everyone but I’ve been in plenty of pubs that are far more bland than this one and with a lot worse beer.
I’d even forgotten about the impending relegation battle by the end of the night and it was my Sutton Coldfield debut since this blog began and a reminder that there are plenty of gems in the vicinity.
I may well spend the rest of the season in the Brewhouse and Kitchen!!!
B&K have certainly got the high street chain look I dislike, but I’ve a soft-spot for the Bedford edition as it really does provide very welcome choice in a town dominated by (mostly) bland GK and W&Y pubs. The US style IPA is usually pretty decent too. If there was one on my (mostly terribly pub’d) doorstep I’d use it for beer if not Doms…
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That’s a pretty good assessment mate. The IPA was good and whilst no sign of traditional pub games there were some board games on offer!!!
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Oi mate you’ve hacked into a blog set up by a lovely bloke who used to tell stories of days drinking Bass and Pedigree in proper boozers.
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Ha ha! That made me chuckle. The footy is getting too much!!! I reckon I could have persuaded my mate to a Bass session but I’m not sure I could have convinced the girls!
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They are a little bit chain like venues(probably because they are a chain) but in the four or five Iv’e been to , the the beers always been pretty good.
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I agree. I quite like the fact they have a local spin on the beer names too.. Never had a bad beer in a B&K but there’s always a first of course!
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Minnesota United man here. Dick is the Fire guy although even after coaching football he has reservations about the sport. Hard to believe.
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You’ll be telling me he’s switched to Budweiser next! 😄 Are Minnesota likely to be like Manchester or Birmingham City?
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Birmingham😀 beautiful stadium though.
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I share your pain Dave!
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Your comment “…sometimes following a team can really drive you to drink…” reminded me of the old classic song by Steve Goodman. It’s about a baseball fan, but you could easily substitute your favorite sport…
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Ha! Not heard that before!! So true 👍
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That picture at dusk is great.
B & K are well suited to Sutton, which likes it’s large open pubs with high tables.
I’m not a fan, may as well be TGI Fridays, but like Brunnning and Price I admire the model.
Beer is incredibly variable between branches.
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That’s a great comparison with TGI Friday’s 👍always prefer a trad pub but I guess the cup was deemed “not foody or profitable enough” by GK/ Marston’s/ Ei/ Punch or whoever had it before.
I’ve only been to Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield bk so not had a huge variety!
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Hi! I’ve been following your blog for a long time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Lubbock Texas! Just wanted to say keep up the great job!
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Thanks Juan 👍 belatedly I know as I always reply but keep reading and all comments gratefully received!!
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You have the honour of being my third American commentator!!
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