The Bartons Arms in Birmingham

This used to be my favourite place to eat out and I was devastated when it closed but the vibe of the place has completely gone now. It's a shell of what it used to be. 20 minutes spent stressing trying to pay for parking to pay more than on the board to come in and be told tough you didn't have to pay and the manager basically saying tough. Sorry can't help you. Having worked as a manager at a pub I would never have treated a guest like that. His attitude was poor. The previous owners made the place feel warm, inviting and were attentive to customers. This place feels like they would rather not have customers there at all.

Mid-January visit for a birthday meal, very quiet in the restaurant side but food was excellent. Only 5 stars for atmosphere because we were the only customers, but that's not their fault! We will be back.

We went here for the villa game Floyd in the pub was great 👍

Lovely warm welcome into an absolutely beautiful historical building. We came for an afternoon tea, portions were very generous with plans in place to expand the offer and make more of it in house in the future. The fire was alight and cosy. The table next to us was eating the main food on offer which also looked delicious and they also asked for takeaway boxes because of the generous portion sizes. Lisa was so welcoming and friendly and let us have a look upstairs at the amazing original tiles and stained glass window, events space and room where Laurel and Hardy stayed. The playlist was also great. So much history in a pub like this - so good to see it back open!

Stunning pub, incredibly friendly and helpful staff, great place to stop on a matchday, would love to visit here on a non matchday to appreciate the beauty of the building more

The most beautiful pub in Birmingham with its stunning tile work and original features. It is well worth a visit particularly when Aston Villa is playing at home as the atmosphere is buzzing. Remember to tap in on the pad on the bar when parking or it could get expensive when parking!

I recently booked the Laurel & Hardy suite for my birthday and everything about the evening was fantastic: The pub itself is beautiful; the food was delicious and catered to my specific requests; and the staff were so helpful and accommodating. If you have any special events coming up then I highly recommend celebrating at The Bartons Arms.

1st time going back today after the Barton Arms reopened. Definitely worth a visit. Staff were lovely the food did not disappoint. Will be going back.

Great food and service and well worth the journey. The food is really as good as others have said and we will visit again

Great old Victorian pub. Had a decent Thai snack meal in bar area. Didn't use the restaurant, so unable to comment. Large selection of real ales. Request that you get some bottles of gluten free beer, for those who have a problem with gluten.

We were semi-regulars at the Barton Arms and always enjoyed the pub’s food and atmosphere. Sadly, it closed at the start of 2024. Excited by news of a reopening under new management with apparent refurbishments, we booked a table for five on Friday evening. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. The place was nearly empty—aside from us, there was only one other group, which is never a good sign. The menu options are now more limited, which could work well if done right. However, the menu design was rushed and done on the cheap, with errors like "Strawberries and Processor" and "Hog Dogs" listed. Vegetarian and vegan options were scarce, frustrating our vegan friend. Some of the menu’s descriptions were confusing—certain dish descriptors looked like they belonged to other items, making the menu unclear - some basic design errors here. I ordered a piña colada, but it arrived 10 minutes after everyone else's drinks. The waitress mentioned no one knew how to make it. My vegan partner struggled to order and ended up ordering a vegetarian burger without cheese or mayo, plus vegetarian spring rolls. Oddly, the spring rolls came with oyster sauce, which wasn’t listed, inappropriate for a vegetarian meal, and a concern for those with allergies. The biggest issue came when my partner bit into their burger only to find there was no patty—just a bun with salad. We raised this with the waitress, but she didn’t understand, potentially due to a language barrier, which could be dangerous for allergy-prone customers. Another staff member came over and explained the vegetarian burger should come with a patty but they had run out, and the food should not have reached our table in this state. He removed the item from our bill, offered 25% off our food, and offered to prepare a tofu-based dish, which we accepted, meaning my partner had to wait for their meal whilst we were halfway through our food. When the dish was brought out, the waitress rolled her eyes, blaming the kitchen staff. Frankly, we didn’t come to witness staff disagreements. If tofu was available, why wasn't it listed on the menu, especially for vegetarians? There were no other clear vegetarian options. In short, this was a poor experience and we won’t be returning. The menu and communication need serious improvement, and it’s clear why business hasn’t picked up on a Friday night. Improving the menu seems simple: make sure every dish is clearly explained. Check that no information can be misunderstood or misplaced. Look at other menus for inspiration, and consider how allergies and dietary needs are addressed. Ask yourself: if you were the customer, would this menu work for you?

Great ambience and delicious food! Lovely bar & restaurant staff and service with a smile! Amazing Chefs to top it off! Well recommended.

I hosted an event here with a great reception from staff and clients alike. Great atmosphere, character and nostalgia. Also a great spot for match days. #UTV Legendary

I havn't been here since it reopened, It had not changed thank god but it is a grade 2 listed building. I ordered a pint of Silhill gold and ordered a meal from the menu. I was told that the Thai curry and half the menu list was unavalible on the evening ?. So I ordered a pie and chips. I went to my seat to try the silhill beer it was in average condition I was a little bit disappointed . After a short wait my pie and chips came they were ok and couldn't moan about the price £ 7.50 I will return and try the Thai curry.

Best pub in Birmingham and with the new proprietors, only getting better.

Really good pub, friendly staff and a great selection of beers and food. Accommodates locals and both sets of fans on match day so everybody welcome. Not always easy to run a pub these days but you can tell the owners and the managers are really trying hard to make it work.

When we went there for food not the best and not into pub playing bingo as were eating food !

We were greeted by a very friendly lady and after serving our drinks she showed us round to the eating area. The large stained glass window was very beautiful and it was a comfortable and relaxed environment, especially when they kindly changed the lighting. The satay chicken skewers and massaman curry (beef) were very nice dishes and the waiter checked our dietary requirements with the kitchen before we placed our order - thank you so much for the attentiveness. I also used the toilet which was lovely and clean.

Good to see pub back up and running, now with football on tv, food served and rear restaurant fitted out in fitting with this treasure of victorian splendour.

A beautiful old building with many original features and a long history with visitors including Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin. The function room was set up with great care, the buffet food was amazing and the staff most attentive. Great care was taken to make sure that our event went without a hitch. Thanks to Nathan and his amazing colleagues.

This is a review as a beer drinker who loves to visit after Villa games, sometimes I get the Mrs to join us for a Thai meal too. So I do wish the new owners all the best, but getting rid of Oakham beers is so sad, and replacing it with the new company might give you greater margins but it’s awful.I’m so sorry but I can’t drink it, I hope it works out for you.

We held a private function in the upstairs room on Friday 4th October and were impressed by the friendly service and quality of the buffet food. The organisation and presentation by Nathan, Floyd and the staff were first class as they get back into gear after the period of closure. I can recommend it. Oh, and the Wainwright ale was good.

Lovley food. It's back open now!

I went here with family for a celebratory meal and had such a great time. Food was 10/10 very delicious. The atmosphere was chilled and fun at the same time. Can’t wait to go back!

The food here was amazing, lovely starters and mains, shame the mains don't come with rice anymore, you have to pay extra. Great food though, been a few times for lunch & evening meal, as a couple, we wanted to return with family with children & grandparents, & also with friends,, SIMPLY LOVELY THAI FOOD & good service > gutted to hear its since closed/needs new owners. Hope it is back open soon

Visited on the 26 January 2024,food very poor quality

Very welcoming to a solo traveller which is in this day and age is a rarity. Pint was extremely tasty (Stowford Press) and spent a nice hour here.

Loved the English pub atmosphere and the Thai food they serve was made and tasted the way I know from living in Thailand myself. The girl serving us came from my home town Udon Thani. Fantastic to meet

The crispy Beef was amazing!!!!! Great food.

O dear. Been going to this pub for 20 years BUT NO MORE Friday eve 8 pm My birthday! No Oakham Beer Five pumps out of use Service.... terrible This place has just gone to the dogs ,big style Thai food was still good but restaurant empty,cold and no atmosphere It breaks my heart to say it but the Barton's has had it

Went there on a dinner time food was good pub was quiet due to the time of day the pub was good in particular the historical architecture

The place could do with a good cleaning and refurbishment, the restrooms could do with a good going over, mould on the windows, the whole thing needs replacing, chipped window frame, heavy draught coming through, totally unacceptable, The carpet on the stairway is absolutely filthy, sticky with heavy dirt, stained, and debris from top to bottom. I can not say much about the restaurant that is open in there, but just to see the state of the place put me off from ever eating in there.

Sadly the service has gone down hill with change of ownership Service skills dreadful Food definitely a drop in standards Been coming here for well over 7 years Time to move on Sadly not the same atmosphere dead on a Saturday night as with being cold 🥶 Poor heating Sorry will not be coming here again Waste of £60.00 Don't even know who the manager was for a complaint They all spoke good English waiter & waitresses But on complaint They could barely speak a word between them both and they wanted £1.50 for peanut sauce The dish if u want to call it a dish was the most ridiculous size ever and to insulte a long term customer Barton arms really need to look at good speaking staff who can communicate between all people So long and good bye 16/12/2023

Great pub, Thai food is fab. Very busy on match day. Within walking distance of Villa Park.

I do love this pub, the beer is good but suggest somebody needs to sort out customer service. There’s no website (seems permanently down) and when I rang up for food at 14:18 today I was told that they had just closed at 14:15 (who knew?). Hey ho, I rocked up, ordered a beer and bar snacks and 20 mins later watched staff come out to eat. Genuine question : does anyone know the lunchtime restaurant hours ? Staff there said “it varies” but not sure they knew either. Maybe we should always ring ahead.

Just saw an old pic of Laurel and Hardy outside the Barton’s Arms. You can see exactly where this photo was taken.

The food is still amazing but if they don't sort out the service this place won't exist in a year's time.

Very old Victorian pub most of the original tiles and decorations still there good service,serves food which you have to book in advance,nice ambience.

Another great trip to the Barton arms food fab friendly warm atmosphere lots of dog treats and friendly pats staff amazing really helpful also lovely and clean love it Sharon and paul and George of course x

Fantastic Thai food. Well cooked and served by a smiling waitress.

First visit back to the Bartons Arms since 2019. The menu is slightly reduced and the fabled platter starter is 2 items less than previously. Beer offering still Oakham and in great form.

Steeped in good old brum traditions. Beautiful pub decor not seen anymore. Lots of characters drinking. Thai food not tried.

I highly recommend red curry 🍛 its is beautiful the food is soooo tasty 😋 the service is quick and very.

Lovely food to only downer is people used the upstairs male toilets yesterday and it would be lovely if could have some hand towels up there to dry people hands or a dryer because drying our hands on my clothes is unacceptable

Good Thai food in a classic pub serving various ales. The grilled pork neck is delicious, and a treat you don’t get in many spots. The PadThai is a little sweet for my taste, but if you like classic Thai food typically served in the UK (red green and Penang curry etc) along with a quiet pub atmosphere then you should find something to enjoy here.

It's been a long time since I've been here, and the food is amazing. If you love Thai food, you won't be disappointed.

Great place for a prematch pint.

Very quiet this evening. Three main Oakham Ales on: JHB, Citra & Inferno blonde. All kept very well. Citra was on eventually as the barrel was being changed as we arrived. Service was ok, although there were few people in on this Wednesday night. Samples weren't offered, however if you ask the bar staff, they will oblige. Still got bags of character.

Great pub with easy access by bus. Lovely authentic historical decor including snob screens. Great choice of well kept beers and proper Thai food!

The best Thai food in Birmingham! Fantastic place! Super fresh, really tasty.

Excellent historic pub with good beer and great Thai food.

Love the Bartons, been going match day for years now.

The best Thai food, with generous portions

Love this place, just in the wrong area. Lovely building, food and staff

Love this place. Function suite is lovely. Just what you need for gathering. Lovely atmosphere.

First time here. Had a choice of two menus the a la carte and the St menu. Both very reasonably priced. Food was very tasty. Was quiet in the restaurant all the old fixtures of the pub as its a listed building. Would go again.

Beautiful Edwardian pub, a cathedral to the art of ale.

THE place to go for Thai food in Birmingham

One of my favourite places to eat.

4 of us had a delicious meal. It was a Wed so very quiet and lacking atmosphere. It still highly recommended

Foods amazing, unbelievably rarely anyone there.

Good Thai good never Bern disappointed...

Lovely pub with a beautiful interior.

Good and friendly vibe ahead of Bruce Springsteen at Villa Park. Great service and friendly staff.

Excellent food. Outstanding building. Free car park at the rear. Three cask ales available on a Saturday afternoon out of probably 10 hand pulls, one of which not in great condition, otherwise five stars.

Amazing thai food! excellent selection of beers, definitely coming back

Great food and good service. Could do with an external paint but inside has so much character.

This should be a zero star, the male waiter is quite rude and it wasn't welcoming, the food was also bland.

One of my best places to eat, lovely food always

So, disappointed with The Batons Arm Thai restaurant. The vegetarian platter for starter was good but main course was something else, flavouless Pad Thai! 'More like left over mush on plate' The service was even worse as male waiter set us in corner, away from other customers. Ignored us most night, young girl tried her best. Drinks were late & had to remind few times! Differently not coming here. Truly terrible experience of bais service & vegetarian meal was over cooked mess & highly priced! I miss Thai Edge!

Amazing flavours, good portions and beautifully presented dishes. Friendly, smiley and helpful staff. Good range of beers and ales at the bar and in the restaurant. Interesting decor, the owners have kept the building and character very well maintained. If I had a point out any negatives my only one would be the bright lighting. I had previously dined here years ago and it has definitely kept up the high standard of great food, highly recommended for a works night out.

Great as always! Food is the best Thai food outside of Thailand for sure!

Superb ales, awesome food, great people!

Great Thai food. Approved by Thai 😅

Its everything it was to look at when I came here from a youngster. The decor is amazing. I miss the coal fires as they made a nice setting on cold days and they dont appear that often now. The beer is not just good its great. The food is one of the best unsung little gems in Brum. You have to try this to believe it. Whoever thought of putting Thai food in a pub needs a pat on the back. The chef is very very talented,the staff are a delight. Its delectable. However,as a plus to take it to even greater heights it would be the icing on the cake to have a crusty cob with thick sliced ham and mustard or a wedge of sharp cheese and onion . That and the beer,I doubt I'd go home until closing time. Its a gem.

Friendly service and great food.

Great traditional old city pub, excellent selection of drinks, l didn't eat but the aromas from the dinning area was amazing, will definitely go again and try the food.

Best Thai food in Brum anywhere near me. Service not quite what it used to be. Sticky finger food in the starter platter is not followed or accompanied by a finger bowl. Want to clean your fingers? Go to the toilet, I was told. Ordered a little too much & want a doggy bag? They'll bring containers and a carrier bag, but you fill it yourself. House wine is Gallo, £6.50 at the local off licence. So, a little disappointing but Still the best Thai green curry in Birmingham.

Bosting pint of Citra . The really look after the beer here. Tai food also highly recommended.

As always a great dining experience, good food and varied drinks menu

Thai food & Real ale 🍺 👍Historic Building fantastic bar & Vic glazed tiles.

Great Thai food. Lovely pub loads of history to it

Warm welcome, great service, excellent thai food, historic building. We always come back when in town. Can't praise this place enough. 25 years under the same management. 👍

Great food, really quick friendly efficient service highly recommend

Absolutely love this place! It's now me & my partners new favourite restaurant to eat out. The food is flavoursome & the quality is what you expect for the price. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Would highly recommend 👌.

Great beer, great surroundings and fabulous food.

Very sorry to say but its gon down hill

Beautiful old pub. Beer was excellent, I didn't have food but a lot of others did, chatting to someone at the bar they highly recommended the Thai food restaurant which is in the building.

Lovely restaurant, food was beautiful staff friendly. Visited again and enjoyed the food.

Beautiful pub with really good food and big portions. Car park too and near bus routes. Would highly recommend and will definitely be back

Seriously the best Thai food I’ve ever tasted. 6 of us went for food and all of us were so impressed. Not one complaint on food or service. We’ll definitely be back again.

Regularly visit for special and place to go gor occasions. Excellent food

Great old heritage pub with a Grade 2 listing. Super real ales so a Camra guide regular.

Superb beer and Thai food. Must go again soon

The most wonderful pub in Birmingham. Good food, amazing beers.

Great pub with wonderful decor and stained glass windows. Beer was top notch.

A wonderful pub with great food and atmosphere, from the outside it looks like a modest looking pub, but inside you have a beautiful Victorian wonder. Superb if travelling up from London again, it will definitely be on my list of places to go.

I like the English/Thailand atmosphere inside 👍🏻

Beautiful pub and GORGEOUS food! Ideal lunch sized portion and really reasonably priced. Wonderful presentation.

It's a pub with some of it given over to a restaurant. Really lovely Thai food. Good range and some of it really nice and spicy. With good beer (is Oakham Ales, Citra the best beer or only one of the best ? There is a good debate to have over many pints) it is all good here. All in a fantastic old pub.