Management at The Old Crown, recognised as Birmingham's oldest pub, has addressed criticism stemming from an online review that labelled the establishment as having a "low budget" atmosphere and described the ambience as lacking. Located in Digbeth, The Old Crown is a prominent fixture of the city's historic drinking culture, particularly after the closure of The Lad in the Lane in 2019, which previously held the title of the oldest pub.

The recent review in question asserts that the venue failed to meet expectations, claiming it had the “worst pint” of ale the reviewer had ever tasted. The establishment has garnered a respectable 4.5-star rating on Google from over 2,200 independent reviews, suggesting a generally positive reception among patrons.

Alejandro, a visitor from Valencia, Spain, shared a contrasting experience during a recent trip to Birmingham. "In early March, we traveled from Valencia… we were just wandering around looking for a spot for a beer and ended up staying there the whole night because of the really good vibe and how friendly and down-to-earth the staff were with us," he expressed in his review. He confirmed that he would return to The Old Crown if he found himself back in Birmingham, highlighting the pub's appeal and atmosphere.

Another reviewer, Dave, noted the establishment's offer of "excellent ales, really nice food and a good atmosphere," adding that recent upgrades to the courtyard—with the addition of a roof and space heaters—enhanced the experience. Additionally, Sarah mentioned the busy environment on match days, commending the food and service as excellent despite the crowd.

The management of The Old Crown felt compelled to respond to the critical review, which they found to be unsettling. In their reply, they stated, "Not sure calling the pub 'low budget' is called feedback. It's offensive and also the strangest thing said about this building we've ever heard." They also noted that the reviewer did not engage with the staff during their visit to discuss any issues they may have had.

This exchange highlights the ongoing conversation about public perceptions of historic drinking establishments and the varying experiences guests may encounter. The Old Crown continues to be a significant landmark in Birmingham, drawing visitors for its historical importance and the unique atmosphere it provides, despite the mixed feedback from some individuals.

Source: Noah Wire Services