The 'Birmy' is a grungy, cosy, well-worn pub that locals call home when they feel thirsty. Sometimes local punk bands perform.
There aren't many pubs 'like they used to be' in Collingwood, but the music hasn't died at the Birmingham - nor will it ever, as long as the area's adoring locals have their way.
Walk in from the chaos of Smith Street and Johnston Street, through a calm cloud of smoke and you'll see a lone pool table coupled with a fitted low lamp in the centre of the room. Thumb a coin down on the green-felt ledge if you want to play, then wait your turn.
Drinking at the Birmingham is straight down the line. There's VB on tap and a Jim Beam mini-fridge stacked full of - you guessed it - pres-mixed cans of bourbon and coke.
Stray stools line the wooden bar where you can relax and talk to the chatty staff. Punters can get in line for the one and only sovereign gold poker machine in the joint, or sit back and watch the sports channel. Alternatively, if you're feeling even more meditative, you can spend your time pondering the semi-vintage tools that are nailed to the wall. You'll notice the floors are rimmed with a stainless steel ashtray that winds its way around the bar - so smokers are very welcome.
Erin O'Brien
