The August subject for Birmingham {Viewpoint} was Birmingham’s Pubs, somewhat a specialist subject of mine. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances the submissions weren’t uploaded until early October, by which time I was on holiday! So, I can now show you the selections that didn’t make it as my submission.

As I’ve taken pictures of many Birmingham pubs (lots of which can be seen on my other blog – Pubs: Then & Now)

The Bull, Gun Quarter

This is a great little pub with a long history and I’m happy to have finally got a picture that I’m happy with!

The next pub is one that I’ve been meaning to tackle for quite a while, the City Tavern just off Broad Street.

City Tavern

I’m not entirely happy with this picture, so I didn’t submit this one.

Next, it’s a pub that I’ve never been in, but it looks like a great little village pub…except that it is in Bearwood! Who’d've thought that there would be a typical village pub in Birmingham in this day and age (well, apart from The Bell in Harborne!)

Old Chapel, Bearwood

This was one of my short listed pictures, but didn’t quite make it. As I was in the vicinity, I also came across this pub which is close to Smethwick High Street.

Ivy Bush, Smethwick

The Ivy Bush looks like a typical street corner boozer many of which have disappeared over the recent years. It’s another pub I’ve not been in.

Moving a little closer to home is a pub I’ve visited on many occasions, usually before going for a Chinese meal.

The Old Fox, Hurst Street

The Old Fox also made it to my short list, but didn’t quite make the grade.

Just down the road is Missing which was known as the Australian Bar when I was a student. In those days it was one of the few Davenports pubs in Brum, an oasis in a desert of Ansell’s and M&B pubs! I’ve only been in once since it transformed into Missing.

Missing, Hurst Street

I struck lucky and the pub was festooned in a rainbow of banners…and what’s that outside? A Davenports van! Maybe it still is a Davenports pub!

Many of these pictures would have made a worthy submission to Birmingham {Viewpoint}, but I decided to go with a picture of a pub even closer to my home. It isn’t my local, but I’ve visited the Selly Park Tavern on many occasions.

Selly Park Tavern, Pershore Road, Selly Park

This is another pub that I’ve been meaning to get a shot of, especially as I drive past it on so many occasions and it is a lovely building. Whether it is the best of my selections, as usual, I’m not sure…only time will tell!

Hopefully, Birmingham {Viewpoint} will go on for some time to come as I really enjoy the challenge which makes me think and sometimes attempt things I wouldn’t normally try. Pubs are well within my comfort zone, but this month’s will test me a lot more. I don’t do much long exposure photography, but I’m looking forward to seeing what I can manage!