Copyright birminghammail
Until Alison Hammond launches a microbar, I have to venture out of Birmingham to try a celebrity pub as there really aren't any in the city at all (to the best of my knowledge). The success of Jeremy Clarkson's boozer in Burford proves people will travel hours in hope of spotting a famous face. So when, earlier this month, a pub in the Midlands acquired a new celebrity owner, I knew I needed to see what it was like. After previously running the Plume of Feathers, Neil Morrisey was back in the pub game and had taken on The Brickmakers Arms in Newton Solney - less than an hour from Brum. Read More: The Streets' Mike Skinner 'will not ignore' Birmingham in UK tour The voice of Bob the Builder and a Waterloo Road star, I wondered whether Neil could build The Brickmakers Arms to be a pub worth the trip. Could he fix it? After a 38 minute train from Birmingham New Street to Burton on Trent (and a 10 minute Uber to Newton Solney), I was finally at The Brickmaker's Arms and deserved a drink. I walked straight in and looked directly at Neil Morrissey... technically. A logo with Neil Morrisey’s face drew me to his blonde ale (£4.20) which was recommended to me by landlord Bruce Mackie, the ex-chef at Morrisey's last pub. As I waited for my drink, Bruce explained to regulars what people can expect in the future. They don't currently serve hot food - just cobs and sweets - but there are plans for fish and chip Fridays and Yorkshire pudding wraps on a Sunday. As I waited, a lady sensed impatience, and pointed out that I had to wait for my drink to settle. Little did she know, I was only waiting for her to look away so I could snapshot Neil’s gigantic golden face. “If you want to test yourself in the bitter world, go for the Stairway in Heaven.” another patron said. It's worth noting, if you don’t like engaging with friendly strangers, don’t go to this pub. With everyone around the bar chatting to Bruce, it reminded me of Burning Soul Brewery , where you will find locals doing the same with Chris Small because they simply want to spend time with him. I get the same vibe here - and if it wasn't the case - they wouldn't be at the bar. Taking Neil's beer with me into the seating area, it felt like I walked into his living room. Pictures of Neil at his Morrissey Fox brewery greeted me whilst curtains and a fireplace made me feel at home. If he's open to suggestions, we just need a TV, armchair and Waterloo Road box set to complete the collection. There’s a lot of doom and gloom around at the minute. It was nice to be somewhere that every sentence nearby finished with a chorus of laughter. In terms of Neil's beer, the ale is perfect for lager drinkers looking to broaden their horizons. Easy to drink, and light on the tongue, no taste of bitterness was anywhere to be found. Within half an hour of settling in, my verdict was out. Like any perfect village pub, The Brickmakers Arms has good beer and good company. Transport yourself to a home from home with a barman that remembers your name and service that makes you smile. Before leaving, I noticed the pub sells a pick and mix bag of nostalgic treats for £2.50. “We sell a phenomenal amount of those each week.” Bruce added, noticing my gaze at the deal. I settled for a simple ham and cheese cob whilst two grandmothers discussed wills. Despite the morbid conversation within my hearing range, it's the friendliest pub I’ve been to this year. I went looking for Neil, but found Bruce might have fixed any concerns with his service. No wonder everyone was standing up. With the hospitality here, I’m sure after an hour, you’ll feel part of the furniture too. The Brickmakers Arms is located on 9-11 Main St, Newton Solney, Burton-on-Trent DE15 0SJ.
