A quick search on Google maps indicated that the pub was 1.7 miles from where I work so I decided to call in on route to a night at The Old Contemptibles with mates Neil and Ken (not Barbie and Ken !!)
The most direct route is via Ladywood, an area that is certainly not one of Birmingham's most salubrious. Even the welcome sign was a bit scary...
I arrived at the pub relatively unscathed and noted that from the outside the pub is fairly non descript...
Mercifully Bathams was being served in the pub however at £3.80 a pint in a back street boozer it was at a price that would not be described as bostin' by Black Country folk !!
The pub is a traditional one with a bar at the front, lounge at the rear and a fabulous heated covered courtyard at the back which was where I headed for..
The Red Lion is an Urban Art Bar and, as is indicated by the name, is a place adorned with modern street art. The walls in the courtyard feature a couple of art works painted by my mate/school friend/fellow Blue nose/former postman Roy. Roy is a great bloke, a real character and a talented artist. He left school with a single qualification (Art), however his talent goes along way in dispelling the myth of the lyric in Rat Race by The Specials 'I've got one art O level, it did nothing for me'. Check these out...
As well as the art the courtyard featured artefacts from a bygone Midlands drinking era. Remember these?
Unfortunately my visit to The Red Lion could only be a brief one but my 1.7 mile walk through the bad lands of Ladywood was well worth it.
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