Historic Inns, Hidden Gems and Micropubs: My Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield Adventure
I’ve always enjoyed exploring places with plenty of history, character and, of course, a few interesting pubs along the way. My latest adventure took me to the beautiful cathedral city of Lichfield before heading over to Sutton Coldfield, discovering everything from centuries-old coaching inns to modern micropubs and independent craft beer bars.
Exploring Lichfield’s Pubs
I began at the Bridge Tavern on Upper St John Street, a pub with quite a history. After closing in 1986, the building spent years being used for offices and storage before reopening as the BitterSuite micropub in 2017. Following another closure, Black Country Ales brought it back to life in October 2025, restoring its original name.
I loved its traditional appearance, with several rooms to explore, fireplaces, historic photographs and plenty of wooden furnishings. It feels like a proper old-fashioned pub, and the cheese and onion cobs are well worth trying too!
Just opposite stands the former Lichfield Brewery offices, dating from the 1870s. Outside is a memorial commemorating 13 brewery employees who lost their lives during the First World War, a fascinating reminder of the city’s brewing heritage.
My next stop was Brewhouse & Kitchen on Bird Street, which opened in 2016 inside the former Gatehouse pub. This is quite different from the traditional inns nearby, with its own brewing equipment proudly displayed inside.
The copper-coloured vessels make an impressive feature, and visitors can even take part in brewing experiences. There was one taking place during my visit, which was interesting to watch.
The Horse & Jockey on Sandford Street was another highlight. Tracey and James took over in 2009, restoring the pub’s original name and developing an excellent reputation. In 2023, they secured the freehold, ensuring its future as an independent establishment.
I particularly liked the stained-glass bar, wooden furnishings and traditional rooms, while the spacious outdoor terrace provides somewhere lovely to sit when the weather allows. It’s easy to understand why this pub has received numerous CAMRA accolades.
From there, I headed to the Angel Inn on Market Street, a former coaching inn dating back to around 1750.
Joule’s Brewery restored the building in 2014, bringing back its historic name and retaining much of its traditional character. I enjoyed wandering between the little parlour-style rooms, admiring the wooden partitions and old fireplaces.
One particularly interesting feature is its opening roof, something you certainly don’t come across in many pubs!
Between visits, I took time to admire some of Lichfield’s magnificent architecture. The cathedral, with its famous three spires, is an incredible sight, while St Mary’s Church and the historic Guildhall offer further glimpses into the city’s past.
Back on Tamworth Street, Beerbohm provided something completely different. Opened in December 2015, this Belgian-inspired bar has a wonderful mixture of colourful walls, chandeliers, shelves of books and fascinating beer memorabilia.
There’s so much to look at inside that I found myself constantly spotting something new. It’s an interesting place with its own distinctive personality.
Just along the street, I called into the Whippet Inn, which opened in April 2014 inside a former dress shop, becoming Lichfield’s first micropub.
The pub went on to win Staffordshire CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2015, and it remains a favourite of mine. It was lovely returning for another visit.
Inside, there’s plenty of interesting artwork, traditional furniture and a distinctive glass-fronted cellar. It’s a brilliant example of how a former shop can be transformed into a welcoming little pub.
My next stop was the Beacon, which Titanic Brewery took over in August 2024. Previously known by several names, including the Pig and Truffle, it now takes its name from nearby Beacon Park.
The former Lichfield Brewery
I enjoyed exploring the various rooms, each with its own character, along with the fireplaces, wooden furnishings and Titanic memorabilia. There’s also a lovely traditional bar area, making this another worthwhile stop.
WIP, standing for Work in Progress, was next on my list. Opened in 2019, this independent craft beer and pizza bar occupies an interesting old building on Tamworth Street.
The exposed timber beams, vintage decorations, unusual furniture and artwork give it a completely different appearance from the city’s older traditional pubs. I particularly enjoyed looking around the interior and its many quirky details.
The Duke of York on Greenhill was somewhere I particularly wanted to revisit because of its history. Dating back to 1644, it’s regarded as Lichfield’s oldest surviving inn.
Joule’s Brewery rescued and restored the building following a period of closure, preserving its exposed beams, fireplaces and traditional rooms.
Walking through the pub, I couldn’t help imagining the countless conversations and stories that must have taken place within those walls over the centuries. There’s also a large beer garden tucked away at the rear.
My final Lichfield stop was bod at Streethay, close to Trent Valley railway station. Opened in July 2023, this was Titanic Brewery’s first purpose-built bod café-bar.
It’s a much more modern establishment, with a bright interior, striking serving counter and upstairs mezzanine. After visiting so many historic buildings, it provided an interesting contrast to finish this part of my adventure.
Onwards to Sutton Coldfield
I then travelled to Sutton Coldfield, beginning at Roll the Bones on the High Street.
Having only opened in October 2026, this was a new discovery for me. The bar occupies Grade II-listed Vesey House, previously home to Simpson’s gin bar.
Inside, the exposed brickwork, old wooden beams and deep red walls create a striking appearance. There’s plenty of interesting detail throughout, while the enormous fridge filled with international craft beers is quite a sight.
My final stop was Leviathan Brewing on the Reddicap Trading Estate, a brewery founded by Chris Hodgetts in 2018, with its taproom opening in 2021.
This was another completely different experience, with an industrial-style interior, comfortable leather sofas and plenty of rock and metal music memorabilia.
I enjoyed looking around at the decorations, and it was a fitting place to round off the adventure.
A Fantastic Day Exploring
I had a brilliant time discovering the variety of pubs across Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield.
What I particularly enjoyed was how different each establishment was. One minute I was sitting inside a centuries-old inn surrounded by wooden beams and fireplaces, and the next I was exploring a modern independent bar filled with unusual decorations.
With its beautiful cathedral, fascinating history and wonderful collection of pubs, Lichfield is somewhere I’d happily recommend exploring. Add a visit to Sutton Coldfield, and you’ve got the makings of a thoroughly enjoyable day out.
Another fantastic Micropub Adventure, and certainly not my last visit to this part of the Midlands!