The Ruin on Floodgate Street is a sign, that Birmingham is bucking the trend with pubs reopening, rather than closing. This cosy little pub has been a back street boozer since at least 1891 and has been known as The White Swan, Floodgate Tavern, Horan’s Tavern and The Eagle, its last incarnation was an ice-cream parlour.
The Ruin is a unique bar for Birmingham, harnessing the character of this listed building and the industrial heritage of Digbeth, whilst adding a modern quirky yet relaxed style. Lending itself easily as a place for a quiet coffee, or day time pint, a pre club bar, or a destination itself with some of the city’s best DJs playing soul, funk, disco and hip-hop at weekends with the now legendary Desert Island Discs parties.
Inside you will find a beautiful old sanded-down bar, which is a main feature, a distressed wood interior with warm bright colours, and an assortment of junk shop style furniture.
There is an array of art with a nod to the cool street graffiti style which Digbeth is now synonymous for. You will also find exposed wires, 1980s computer junk, reel to reel machines, random vintage speakers and a room full full of books – this has a cool unique feel to it and is more Shabby Geek than Shabby Chic.
There are a respectable selection of lagers, ciders and guest ales on tap which are supported by a back wall full of spirits and wines. Food is heartwarming and traditional with some deliciously popular meat free Mondays and full Sunday Roasts.
Outside the quirkiness continues with a medium sized beer garden, which is enclosed by walls covered in rural murals, but it doesn’t end there.. there’s a small covered area which is known as The Space Room, with interstellar graffiti, and another smaller yard with a huge blue sky mural on the rear of the building – ensuring the sun will always be shining on The Ruin.
Happy Hour lasts for two hours, 5pm – 7pm, Tuesday to Friday (ask for details).
Don’t be surprised if you see E.T. in the back room, supping a pint of local ale, with Johnny 5 from Short Circuit.
Grapevine Reviews
The Ruin Sunday Roast Review – January 2020
