Tap & Spile in Birmingham

Seems to have been taken over by people that do not have ale as part of their culture. Not happy with my ale after returning here from a 2 year break. A deliberate demolition of pub culture. However, pubs will become like 1920s prohibition USA.....unstoppable

Great lunch today at The Tap and Spile, Birmingham. Veggie lasagne cooked by chef DC. Thanks DC for a great dining experience. Thanks also to Saj for his superb hosting skills. Will be coming back.

Hope welcomes us into the Tap and Spile bar in a recent visit. Answered any questions we had and was very attentive, visited for the quiz, a must to go to on a Wednesday! Thank you!

As it was a large party we were advised to pre order food appeared haphazardly meals sent back because they were cold 3 members of the party didn't get served after 1and half hours wait appalling service Won't be going there ever again

Pre ordered food, wait for over an hour, when it finally arrived it was stone cold, sent it back and never came back with in half an hour so walked out

Oops, I forgot to review this really nice little pub I stumbled upon. Gas Street Basin in Birmingham is a nice place to just sit and be... to watch the world go by and boats moored up. And to do that with a well presented pint (Timothy Taylor Landlord on draught) served in a really polite and friendly manner by Saj is something I highly recommend. Just moments away from the trams and Hilton hotels of/by Broad Street, Gas Street Basin and the Tap & Spile are firmly on my list of 'go to places' in Birmingham City Centre. Thanks Saj, until next time, cheers.

Came in here because the G&T place next door was empty and the staff member ignored me as his phone call was more important. Glad I came here as its a lovely place with welcoming and friendly member of staff. Great selection as well.

Nice pub. Enjoyed karaoke on a Friday night. Nice friendly crowd

Great little pub with a fantastic location. Saj was amazing, professional, attentive and a great customer service representative.

Cracking pub. Great service and a lovely atmosphere. Good choice of real ales.

The ground floor waterside bar has a good range of beers and the staff are pleasant, but the food side lets it down: the waiting times for it to arrive were unacceptable, and what eventually did appear was not as described on the menu. (Think nachos without the promised soured cream, and a drizzle of flavourless yellow sauce instead of the “tangy cheese”).

Nice city centre location on the canal, but other than that, just an average pub. Went in on a Sunday afternoon, it was very quiet. Saw a huge espresso machine at the bar but was told no hot drinks were available, so I got the Mrs a cold soft drink. My first choice of beer, I was told was off, so I settled for another which was decent enough. Didn't see anyone else come in while we had our drinks, after which we left. I returned to use the toilet a couple of hours after initially leaving. I was walking past to go home, so seemed an easy option. The place was still completely quiet, and the toilet was in a bit of a state, but desperate times.

quiet and rude staff, apparently no spiced rum or dark rum but I could see multiple bottles behind the bar. no 0% beer either

The Tap and Spile- a bit of an anomaly hidden off the main drag of Birmingham nightlife that is Broad St. A busy Saturday night we sat down stairs on a really nice room, cosy even, with a couple of well kept ales and a welcoming member of bar staff. On the middle floor, Karaoke was in full flow in the small and lively bar. Sadly no ale upstairs which is ok...until downstairs closes at midnight. But this is a small gripe. The pub feels safe, is fun and the prices are reasonable. Would I go again? Downstairs yes definitely. Upstairs. Only if they had some ale. Probably still the best option for a mixed group out drinking in this part of the city.

Superb food, super fast service, friendly staff

AVOID at all costs. Myself and my partner went in for a drink as it looked okay from the outside. I walked not even yards to put my name down for karaoke and my drink was pinched. I asked if someone from behind the bar had moved it and the service I received was disgusting. The girl behind the bar started talking to the owner and laughing. The owner came over smirking at me and told me that it was my responsibility to look after my drink. I said I understand that but I walked not even yards for a few seconds to put my name down for karaoke my drink had been moved to another table far away from where I was sitting. The possibility of being spiked was high and the owner then said I’ve found your drink was it pink gin, I said yes. The owner then proceeded to try and continue to smirk at me and was annoyed that he needed to pour me another drink and told us that it was ‘coming out of his pocket.’ STAY AWAY owner would rather you get spiked then get you a new drink.

I went to a private party. The atmosphere was electric, and the DJ played so great music from every genre. I would recommend this place from your party. Bear in mind that if you have a wheelchair or walking disability there are no lifts. But it's still a great place for a night out.

Okey dokey, the staff can only get better

Without a doubt, the worst fish & chips ive ever eaten in a pub/restaurant. At time of writing Cod & Chips (as it was advertised) was £15.95. From the moment it was served i was immediately deflated by the mere size of the ‘fish’. It was tiny. I pulled apart the portion. I don’t think there was 2-3 oz of actual fish. This was cod apparently. However the meagre amount that was there was an odd shade of grey where cod is a white fish. I have no idea what that green stuff was accompanying the fish. It certainly wasn’t mushy peas. A grainy paste like reconstituted portion of garbage with literally no flavour. The chips were as you would expect - catering level. On the positive though: I had a couple of pints of Landlord Ale which was very nice. Had it not been for the disappointing meal, I probably would have stayed for another pint or two.

I love this bar, sitting by the waters edge by night, sipping a drink.

Poor lady seem to be running the bar on her own. She was doing an amazing job serving people. Taking abuse from some customers because the food was taking ages to come and cleaning tables and collecting glasses. She deserves a medal! The food was lovely when it eventually turned up!

Nice atmosphere but poor food, watered down drinks and waiting times that were decidedly too long. I don't recommend it.

Rip Off! Was charged almost £15 for a pint of cider, soda and lime cordial and two packets of crisps!!!

Nasara was a wonderful bartender she was lovely to mely friends and I even 40 mins before closing. Plus the music was incredible.

Excellent friendly canalside pub, good beer and food, well worth a visit. Dog and children friendly 😀 edit: August 2024 - visited there a few days ago, very disappointed, it’s obviously changed hands. Only 1 draught beer available, loud music and not particularly friendly welcome.

A great little pub, with brilliant atmosphere. Drinks are a little pricey, but that's city's for you. There's a lower level on the canal, we stayed on street level.

Staff rude, asked for a coke was given a glass of basically water, when I complained I got rolled eyes and attitude... I'm sorry but I'm not paying 4 quid for a glass of water AVOID

Met up with friends and ordered rosé prosecco..shock horror when I checked my receipt and I realised I'd just paid £35! What makes it even worse is that I went to the toilet and there was no toilet roll! Luckily I had my bag with my phone in and was able to call my friend to bring me some! Won't be returning..would have rated 0 stars if I could have! Moved on to another canal side pub and paid £22 for the same drink!

Loud music, not what it was when we visited two years ago.

Very disappointed been here on several occasions in the past, but went yesterday before a show and was very surprised how it had changed. The menu was down to a choice of only 5 meals! The girl who served us was very miserable and when my husband asked for rose wine she didn't know what that was!! The bill was also £40 for 2 lunches and 2 drinks!!

New independent management. A friendly owner and staff. Real ales on sale. I've not tried the food on menu though looks tasty. Families with children welcome. Dogs can bring their owners too! Due soon Sky Sports and live music. Meanwhile there is a DJ and karaoke Fri and Sat nights. Open late.

Had a good chat with the manager. Nice bloke. Good customer service

lovely little place sit out by the canal on a sunny evening and watch the world go by.... cheery bar staff too

Great pub by the canal. Top beer and excellent staff.

Great little real ale pub just off Broad Street away from all the youngsters and madness. Quaint and old school feel to it. Great selection of cask ales and friendly atmosphere. Would definitely recommend it to those who like a good beer.

Very reasonably priced lunch menu, the service was excellent and the food was lovely

Lovely food, decent prices, started to get busy with food orders but the service was great.

I went to this typical English pub in the center of Birmingham where there are canals. Candy the waitress was very kind, she allowed me to taste several beers before choosing which one to consume and also recommended the food. I ordered a chicken club sub, delicious! Super recommended pub and thanks again to Candy!!!

Booked pre concert drinks and meal. We arrived a few minutes early and the table wasn't ready, which wasn't a problem but the way the barman spoke wasn't particularly friendly abd welcoming. The other staff were great and helpful and the food was great. Think the barman needs some customer service training!!

Chain food, the pub really isn't a tap house now as clearly part of a chain.

Nice location but food menu very limited and poor quality.

Not a craft beer pub as advertised. Unfriendly service. Smelly.

Fast, polite service. The fish & chips were very tasty.

Expensive beer not kept well at all.

Ordered a double vodka with lemonade. Was given in small tumbler glass, when tried drink it was evident there was absolutely no vodka in the drink, was just lemonade. Asked the barman to try drink, he wouldn't and insisted it was double vodka. That drink, plus pint was £15. Lesson is to watch drink being prepared if you go in, or even better avoid place sll together.

Nice pub with well kept real ales and good food. The barman was friendly and efficient. I would have liked to have known more about the building which has obviously got a lot of history. Only 4 stars for atmosphere but you wouldn't expect it to be buzzing on a wet Thursday afternoon.

Love this place friendly staff we ordered food for the 1st time and it was amazing this is now or go to place thanks guys great team you have

Brilliant little pub, great prices 5 stars.

Great pub, lots of drink options, recommend for a few cheeky beers!

Looks great from outside. Barman was pretty rude.

We pop in when we're in the area for a pint or two and the beers are fantastic. A great selection and very well kept. The staff are really friendly and it's lovely to sit and watch the world go by along the canal outside 😊🍻

I was surprised how clean it was. The table nearby was enjoying food. The music was great, and we really enjoyed our drinks.

Great food for a good price. Great customer service in a pub on the canal in Birmingham I would be very happy to go back I had the Gammon stake which was great Good selection of beers as well

Wonderful visit today, had a lovely fish and chips and was looked after very well by Tom and Alan. Will be back 😍

Popped into the Tap and Spile today and had a lovely visit. The fish and chips was spot on, hot and tasty. There was a wide range of drinks availble but I only had hot drinks due to driving. We was well looked after by Tom and Alan, they were attentive and friendly. Will defo be visiting again soon :)

A very interesting bar on Gas Street, very good atmosphere and very friendly waiter, we had some burgers and two pints for 22 pounds... and the truth is that they were very good

A lovely, cosy city pub. Fabulous location, right on the canal. A good selection of beers.

Absolutely friendly staff a great karaoke team regardless of if you can sing or not

Stopped here on a walk for a quick snack. We had a brownie and sticky toffee pudding. I've actually never had a sticky toffee pudding with custard and I actually quite enjoyed it. It wasn't very sweet which I appreciated as well. Service was friendly and attentive. Would come back.

Awful, aggressive, bouncers. Ruined the evening

Great place and a great breakfast

Met up with my mate on such a cold day. We wanted hot drinks unfortunately no hot chocolate glad we had coffee & tea. Followed by large red wine and meals. We both come here on a regular basis for drinks 1st time we had meals. The location is perfect when walking along the canal. I'm not sure why the upstairs is closed off for customers along with the access door to the pub, which was open previously, so we could come down the steps to the downstairs bar. Lovely pub. The food is reasonably priced. Unfortunately, 1 of the meals had to be returned as the vegetarian sausages were cold. However, there were no issues and returned without fuss. We are glad to say service & food is so much better than the Brass House on Broad St. Lovey cosy pub narrow long with the bar and seating the deco is different. Idea for couples or groups of 4 people. For larger groups I suggest you go somewhere else.

Great little pub. Food was great with some nice cask ale. Could have stayed all afternoon

This pub has an excellent location alongside the canal and yet considering its right near all the other pubs bars and clubs it give the feel of a comfy snug country pub. Karaoke on various nights as well as a very historical feel, well worth a visit if your near the broad street area.

Have been here a few times but getting to the stage where we're getting ripped off with increased beer prices. Hardly anybody in when lady visited, hmmm I wonder why?

What a wonderful little hidden away place this is! Right by the canal the views are lovely! Food was quick and delicious! Bar staff very attentive to our needs! Will definitely be returning!

The service, food and atmosphere were amazing. Barman was welcoming and attentive and made the day special as it was my sister’s birthday treat. Best pub restaurant I’ve been in. Old worldly vide with plenty of history. I definitely would recommend…. Thank you for making our first experience memorable ❤️😌👍🏾

I am not a regular review writer but I couldn’t not come on here to write about the service I received tonight. We came in for a quick drink on Sunday 14 Jan and upon entering we let the waitress who was carrying plates past us which we were not thanked for. Annoying but we let it go. We go up to the bar and decide what to have and the bar maid doesn’t say anything and stares at us blankly - not the best customer service. I said please can I have half a Diet Coke or whatever you have on draft (my partner is also having a non alcoholic drink) and we get asked for both our IDs. I say ah apologise if you misheard I asked for a soft drink. She refused to serve us without our IDs for a soft drink due to challenge 25 (clearly not the challenge 25 rules and we are also both above 25). We decided to leave and spend our money elsewhere. Such a shame as it’s a lovely pub but this particular staff member needs to seriously reconsider her attitude. No wonder it was so quiet.

Great place to stop on Gas Street. Good food, drinks, atmosphere, historic place with some evidence still left to see.

Food is alright, staff member behind the bar was very rude though. Explained the emptiness.

Nice pub by the canal, nice fish and chips

Fantastic atmosphere, off the hook Friday night Kareoke and the drink prices aren't eye wateringly high.

Brilliant cisy traditional pub, very busy, which might be why one of the staff was grumpy, but would definitely recommend

Having got off the train .. went here after 2 halves.. apparently l looked too drunk to enter .. what on earth is going on ....

We popped in for a couple of drinks, no complaints or issues to report.

Good setting , a very comfortable pub , service was good and friendly staff.

An oasis. I don't think Broad Street is a great place for a drink, unless you like bright, brash and pretentious. The Tap and Spile is however a little sanctuary from the madness with great beer and friendly service.

Lovely pub by the canal side offering the usual fare of beers, ciders and spirits. Didn't try the food.

Ok ber selection. Much better than my local one!

Always love coming here, lovely barman, nice atmosphere looking at the canal. My only feedback is the ladies toilet downstairs bar needs refurbing it’s not fit for purpose. Overall though one of our favourites x

Really good food in front of the canal. 3 course was just £11.99. Really recommend it.

First time here what a lovely place. Great service reasonably priced didn't eat

Have visited this place a couple of times, during the day, for food and drink. The food has been lovely on both occasions and is reasonably priced. Furthermore, the service provided by staff has been attentive and welcoming. I find it to be a pleasant, relaxing place where you can enjoy time with family and friends. One star deducted as on both occasions the ladies toilets appeared to need a good clean and smartening up a little. I look forward to returning in the summer and sitting by the canal whilst enjoying food, drinks and the company of others.

Be very cautious when you go to this place, there is a certain female customer that frequently starts arguments with the rest of the customers for no reason. She is short, brunette and known to the bouncers for her bad temper, however they keep on allowing her entrance as she is part of a bigger group of people so not to lose the profit from them. Very unprofessional!! 🤬

Small canal side pub with perfectly adequate lunch time food. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Beer well kept and very agreeable. Exceeded expectations

A stout and two pale ales on draught. That's it. "Ohh we always get complaints when there's no bitter ". Customer focused?( I should add, nice location, pleased its dog friendly and accessible and has kept it's character )

Went to the tap last night with some friends, lovely woman singing live music, everyone seemed to enjoy it! Bar staff took care of everyone’s needs and the food was very tasty. The location is just off broad street so it’s almost a hidden gem. Fully enjoyed myself and me and my friends would go back next time we’re up birmingham.

We were charged dynamic prices at 1530 on the afternoon- visiting a friend in Birmingham was charged more than London prices!

Avoid this pub we were charged dynamic prices at 1530 visiting a friend for afternoon on Birmingham charged more than London prices!

Excellent food, good value would definitely recommend

Estuve allí para tomar algo con mi pareja en Marzo (perdón por el retraso en la reseña XD ). Me encantó la localización del pub, las vistas, la música, la decoración... Es un lugar estupendo para para a tomar algo si estás caminando por esa zona. Sólo un consejo... cuidado con la salsa Caroline Reaper, jajaja. El camarero fue muy amable, antes de que fuese a pedirlo, ya traía un vaso de leche. Supongo que vio salir humo de nuestros ojos. Eso sí, la próxima vez tendré cuidado de no rascarme los ojos sin lavarme las manos antes XD Todo estaba delicioso. Dentro de dos semanas voy de nuevo a visitar a mi pareja, esta vez con mi hijo. Y creo que será el sitio donde comamos nada más aterrizar :-)

Fantastic pub with lovely food and great service

So glad this place has been returned to its former glory. For me it is, once again, the best pub in Birmingham. Excellent real ales by the canal but right in the heart of the city!

A wonderful choice of beers in a lovely canalside setting

We were there yesterday and the food smelled delicious, so we decided to go and eat today. The fish and chips where cold, soggy and tasteless. Worst chips I’ve had in the UK. We also ordered the Ultimate Chicken Tikka Masala it was also cold, the small pita bread was old and probably expired. They added these two pieces of nan bread that tasted like salted cod fish. The mango spread was also not good. Maybe the cook was having a bad day.

Annoying rap music no bar staff two casks on and one bar clip fallen off.

Great service from the lad on Bar tonight

Very friendly staff, good prices and great selection of food and beer. Wings and Mac and cheese are especially good. Great spot

Nice pub in a great location, service with a smile

A traditional pub along the canal with some very good value food. The food was very tasty and served relatively quickly. A nice place to eat in a lovely area of Birmingham. The puddings had a few vegan ice cream options.