Just a few minutes’ walk from Snow Hill Station, on the edge of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, is The Wolf. It’s a new independent bar, and a Birmingham born and bred family business. I was lucky enough to have been invited to join them for their St Patrick’s Day Irish takeover.
I was welcomed into the modern bar, which is adorned with graffiti-style art work, by brother and sister duo Josh and Sallie. As it was an Irish takeover, they had 8 Irish beers on tap, from 2 distilleries in Ireland. Joined by my boyfriend Stephen, he decided to sample a pale ale from one of taps topped by an eagle. However, there was also the choice of over 40 craft beers in bottles and cans, which are constantly being rotated.
I asked for a gin and tonic, and was delighted to hear they have a selection of 7 gins, including their very own gin developed in house in collaboration with BrewDog.
I asked for a gin and tonic, and was delighted to hear they have a selection of 7 gins, including their very own gin developed in house in collaboration with BrewDog. It’s delicious, with just the right amount of citrus kick, matched by the Double Dutch tonic.
If you prefer wine, you can choose from 12 options by the glass, as well as a selection of cocktails, including Aperol Spritz or a Bloody Mary.
Not long after sitting down, we saw a selection of pies served up to the table next to us. ‘Shall we?’ I asked Stephen. No hesitation, he nodded. On the menu is a choice of 6 different pies with gravy and mash, including a vegan option. During the Irish takeover, they were accompanied by homemade colcannon (a traditional Irish dish of mashed potatoes with cabbage and kale).
The Wolf is definitely something to shout (I mean howl) about!
I went for the steak and ale pie. With my family coming from Lancashire I can’t help but have high pie expectations: I was not disappointed. The pastry was crisp on top, thick on the sides, and came with a generous portion of rich gravy and a beautiful, creamy colcannon. Sallie told me she had made this herself. Josh, meanwhile, had made a large carrot cake which I saw on top of the bar counter.
Other options on the food menu include boards of cheeses and charcuterie, soups and sandwiches, made with handcrafted Peel & Stone bread.
There was a great atmosphere in The Wolf. With live sports shown on a screen and projector, tables of friends started to gather around (in rugby shirts) during the afternoon.
This is the best of Birmingham: good value, homemade food accompanied by a great choice of drinks, and they have tap takeover once a month (offering special brews and one-off ales) – what more could you want?
The Wolf is definitely something to shout (I mean howl) about!
www.thewolfbirmingham.co.uk/food
Article by Ruth Millington: www.ruthmillington.co.uk