Bishop Vesey

Named after the benefactor of Sutton Coldfield, The Bishop Vesey is one of Boldmere’s top local pub hangouts throughout the week.
Built in the 1930’s as a carpentry shop, the two story building opens for breakfast at 8AM and stays open each night until 11PM or midnight. Being part of the J D Wetherspoon empire, you might think you know what to expect going in the door. However, there is something special about this particular branch that effects everything from the décor to the drinks and onto the food.
The floor plan of The Bishop Vesey follows the openness of a Wetherspoon with tables and chairs strewn throughout the two floors. Fortunately, the architecture of the building has saved the pub from being generic, as the angles of the building allow for areas of retreat during your meal. The back of the main floor features a faux library that is typically more quiet than the rest of the pub. Near the front door is an alcove booth seating 2 – 4 that allows for privacy. During the warmer months, the sidewalk on Gate Lane is bustling with patrons eating and drinking al fresco. Hanging flower planters sit above the front entrance, adding a touch of class from the road. Throughout the building, photos and infographics tell the rich history of Sutton Coldfield and John Vesey.
The food and drink at the pub are a cut above other Wetherspoon locations, though they all use the same menu and food. I’ve had a veggie burger and chips more times than I count count from Wetherspoons across the UK, but here it’s simply one of the best. Maybe it’s something they put in the fryer, but the chips are always cooked to perfection and come out of the kitchen piping hot with a scrumptious taste. On some nights it feels like the whole Boldmere neighbourhood is at the Bishop Vesey, but it never seems to slow down kitchen service. The staff are quick and friendly, and it’s easy to get their attention at the bar when it’s most crowded.
The beer selection here has garnered The Bishop Vesey notice in the past, and they have an impressive eight taps dedicated to rotating guests. Most of these are local craft breweries, like Backyard Brewhouse next door in Walsall. The bar is always running specials on tap beers, bottled beers, and ciders. During the first week of January, they sold pints of Backyard Brewhouse’s December seasonal ale for a jaw dropping £2.50. The Bishop Vesey is doing things right in other areas as well. Their hygiene rating has stayed steady at a 5. For the past decade, they have been featured by CAMRA, receiving many accolades including branch pub of the year in the West Midlands.
The Bishop Vesey is a solid four, pushing five star territory pub that is doing wonders despite being tied to the Wetherspoon brand.

This is a weather spoons yes. So maybe you might be thinking 5 stars is too much, but this wetherspoons just ticks all the boxes! A friendly community feel, you’re bound to bump into many a face from yesteryear and your regular drinking buddies too! The pub is set out in typical wetherspoons attire and offers cheap food to keep the hungry satisfied. The bar offers a wide range of drinks with some craft beers on offer. There is plenty staff do service is rapid and there is ample space to sit or stand. Sky sports and a dart board entertains the crowd and there really is just a lovely chilled out vibe in here. Open til 12.30 on a Fri/​sat, it’s the perfect place for a drink at the local. It even has a cute little outside area for relaxing.

Cross section of clientele meeting for chat and great beer, other drinks and food in a friendly atmosphere. Good staff, good prices and plenty of curry houses close by if required.

A great pub with a good atmosphere. The Clientele is a mixed age group. The beer is very reasonable with lots of guest ales, however the food is a bit hit and miss, but then again it’s also very cheap.

Named after Bishop Vesey, who also had a school in Sutton Coldfield, the Bishop Vesey bar in Boldmere is a world away from it.
Much more of a trendy wine bar image and drinks prices to match, very pleasant and relaxing, nice to enjoy you’re lunch hour in!