Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham

METTTTTAAAALLLLL!!

((throws horns))

((headbangs))

((drinks shot, slams down glass, does death metal growl))

If the above behavior sounds stupid, immature and the kind of thing idiots do, Scruffy's is not for you. Because this kind of thing happens on a regular basis. Scruffy's caters to the rock and roll element, and does so in fine style.

Like many rock bars it looks a bit like an Irish bar that went all metal about 10 years ago and never grew out of it. It's got a fairly standard selection of drinks, everything your average rocker would need, lager to Jaigermeister and very little in between.

The staff are fantastically friendly, offering great advice to those unfamiliar to the city and are generally great fun. Service is damn quick, even at really busy times.

It's not the cleanest place in the world, but it is a metal bar, so being clean could kind of ruin that - if you wanna rock the hell out you don't really want to worry about damaging the expensive wallpaper.

There is a stage in the corner, and all the posters around the place suggest it puts on a great selection of local bands. Didn't see any while I was there so can't say anything about how it is as a venue, but judging by the number of shows coming up it can't be bad.

The locals are lovely (the ones we met anyway) and we ended up drinking into the night and partying hard with people we'd only just met - great fun.

So, if you like your music loud, fast and kickass - drink here!

Scruffies, as it is more commonly known, is a perfect little getaway from the stress of modern city life for those who enjoy music of a heavier persuasion. The staff are straight-talking, no-nonsense types who, together with the fiercely loyal yet friendly customer base, ensure that there is rarely any kind of trouble at the venue.

The drink selection is pretty typical for a rock pub: lagers and ciders, a few alcopops and some more exotic spirits as well as cheap deals on mixers. They have been known to provide food in the form of simple rolls, but don't go there expecting a spot of hot pub grub, you won't find it!

Scruffies regularly plays host to live music, and I personally have seen bands play there who have gone on to be some of my favourite local acts. The basement that houses the PA is fairly compact, meaning you're going to be up close and personal with both the band and the audience if more than 30 people show up.

Not cheap, but for rockers this is easily one of the best places to drink in town.

I used to visit 'Scruffy’s’ a lot in my younger days, but as I’ve grown older my need for a dirty rock pub has pretty much diminished. That’s effectively what this is! Situated right near to the Birmingham Academy, it’s a regular haunt for people going to rock gigs or Subculture rock club night at the Academy.

It’s quite a small venue, and this usually results in people hanging about outside. This is made all the worse because of the smoking ban - yu find yourself faced with a cloud of smoke before you even get in there. Surely the point of the ban was to prevent all this??

Drinks prices aren’t terrible, and the live bands room downstairs is a bonus and not many rock clubs are blessed with this addition!

Ok ok, so if you asked me I’d say Dirty little rock pub, but there is something about the place… I do like the obligatory photo on the door (makes me feel fit!) and the atmosphere is one of fun and open mindedness…

"Scruffy's" as we are comonly called started 8 years ago with local dj's no darker colour playing rock and metal. this took of so we started putting on bands since this happened the whole place has been a hive and escape for those who like and enjoy rock and metal music with the added bonus that their are live bands on playing a variety of rock metal and punk. we usuallyu have bands on 3-4 times aweek and everyother wednesday we have rockiokie(karaoke with a rock/metal theem) all this and god beer at a reasonable price (1 of the cheapest pubs in the city center). We are located not far from aston uni so is handy for the students.

I adore Scruffys, and have been going there for years. It is by far the best value for money pub in Birmingham City Centre, and is ideal for either a daytime drink, or a ‘get-dressed-up’ big night out, pre-club or to stay there all the night. The staff are fantastic and remember faces, so before long you will feel very comfortable and at home. The rock music (mostly metal and classic rock…although the DJ does accept requests in related genres) is loud enough to dance drunk to, but quiet enough to talk over. You have to pick your way through the smokers to get inside, but that’s part of the fun.