We didn’t particularly ‘choose’ the Jewellers Arms for lunch – it appeared in front of us and we were weary, hungry, and ready for a drink or two. It’s not the smartest of pubs, and we were somewhat hesitant when we first spotted it. We’d seen nothing else, and it boasted “good food” (not that it would advertise “bad food”). The Jewellers is a traditional pub, ”spit and sawdust” and was clearly frequented by a number of locals who enjoyed a pint and a smoke. Indeed, it was the smell of smoke that almost confirmed that we would not eat here, but then we noticed that the back room was reserved for diners and was virtually smoke free. We committed ourselves and perused the menu.
On initial viewing, the menu resembled that of a fast food establishment, but a closer study revealed that although it catered for the burger lovers, it also accommodated the more discerning pub-grub frequenter. A board listed the “food of the day” and a clean, crisp kitchen was on open view through a serving hatch. Local keg ale is served from the bar – tasty and well kept, but your food must be ordered from the serving hatch next to the kitchen.
I opted for a chicken curry – a speciality of Birmingham – and was offered rice or chips or both. I was starving, so opted for both. I could see preparation in the back, and when the meal arrived, it was certainly sufficient to sate my voracious appetite. The chicken was beautifully cooked and was prime cuts of meat, and the whole dish had a bit of kick. I have to say that there was nothing subtle about the flavours in this dish, they were raw and direct and resulted in an aggressive curry that ensured the beads of perspiration found a place on your forehead. I’m ashamed to say that I enjoyed it thoroughly and left not a single morsel!
My wife opted for the vegetable lasagne with a fresh salad. It came made up in an ovenware dish – obviously heated up in the microwave - and she proceeded to devour it with ease. Neither of us had room for puddings, although I did manage to sink another of their local brews!
Although this pub is nothing special to look at, it’s got a good atmosphere and has retained many of its original features. Imagining the craftsmen piling in here after a long, hard day in the jewellery section is not too difficult, but nowadays I suspect it's mainly frequented by tourists and those kindred spirits who’ve spent an inordinate amount of time hanging around the Indian Embassy for their visas. The Jewellers Arms is unassuming and welcoming and offers reasonable food at competitive prices. It will never be cordon bleu, but it serves good, wholesome food in ample quantities. I reckon it has a lot to commend it.