Ember Inns, Birmingham – 49 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

Back
add_circle Add your night out listing

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Ember Inns -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 49 user ratings

2 High St, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9NE, United Kingdom

💬 What Students Say

Ember Inns is a popular student pub located in Harborne, just a short distance from the University of Birmingham. This venue stands out as a go-to spot for students looking to unwind after a long day of classes or to kick off the weekend in a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. With its inviting beer garden, Ember Inns offers a perfect blend of high-quality pub food and a diverse drinks menu, making it a fantastic choice for both casual hangouts and more celebratory nights out. The venue is easily accessible and provides a welcoming environment that students frequently appreciate, contributing to its reputation as a reliable destination for a good time.

The atmosphere at Ember Inns is often described as vibrant and inclusive, with a mix of lively energy and laid-back vibes. Students enjoy the friendly environment, which allows for easy conversations and a sense of community. Many reviews highlight how the place feels lively without being overwhelming, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a drink and chat with friends without the stresses often associated with busier nightlife spots. This balance is something that students particularly value, as it creates a comfortable space for both socializing and unwinding.

When it comes to drinks, Ember Inns is highly regarded for its reasonable pricing. Students often mention that the drinks are well-priced, allowing them to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. The venue offers a variety of options, from classic pub beverages to more unique selections, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The positive feedback about the drink deals and the overall value makes it an attractive choice for students looking to enjoy a good night out without spending too much.

As for the crowd, Ember Inns attracts a diverse mix of students and locals, which adds to its lively atmosphere. Many students appreciate the variety of people who frequent the pub, as it makes for a more interesting experience. The crowd is generally described as friendly and in good spirits, contributing to an enjoyable night out. While it can get busy, especially on weekends, it never feels overcrowded, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

One of the standout features of Ember Inns is its beer garden, which provides a lovely outdoor space for those warm evenings. This area is perfect for students looking to relax and enjoy a drink in the fresh air, making it a popular choice during the warmer months. The combination of good food, affordable drinks, and a pleasant outdoor setting makes it a versatile venue that can cater to various occasions, from casual catch-ups to more celebratory gatherings.

However, like any venue, Ember Inns does have its downsides. Some students have noted that queues can occasionally be long, especially during peak times, which can be a bit frustrating. While the atmosphere is generally lively, there are moments when it can feel a bit too crowded, particularly during busy nights. Additionally, while the music is generally well-received, some students feel it doesn’t always stand out, which may not appeal to those looking for a more dynamic nightlife experience.

In terms of who this venue suits best, Ember Inns is ideal for students who enjoy a relaxed yet sociable environment. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a good drink and a chill atmosphere without the pressures of a more intense nightlife scene. Whether you're looking to catch up with friends after classes or start your weekend on a fun note, this pub offers a reliable option that many students have come to love.

In summary, Ember Inns is a solid choice for students at the University of Birmingham and beyond. With its combination of affordable drinks, a lively atmosphere, and a welcoming crowd, it provides a great setting for a night out. While it’s not without its minor drawbacks, the positives certainly outweigh them, making it a venue worth visiting time and again. If you’re looking for a place to unwind with friends or enjoy a casual night out, Ember Inns is definitely worth checking out.
▼ See more

✅ What Students Love

  • Affordable drinks that students appreciate
  • Lively yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for socializing
  • Diverse crowd that adds to the experience
  • Clean facilities, including well-maintained toilets
  • Inviting beer garden for outdoor enjoyment
  • Friendly staff that contribute to a positive vibe

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Queues can be a bit long during peak times
  • Music may not always stand out for those seeking a more dynamic experience
  • Can feel crowded on busier nights
  • Not a fancy venue, which may not suit everyone

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a chill yet lively pub experience with affordable drinks.

💡 Things to Know

  • The beer garden is a great spot during warmer months.
  • Arrive early on weekends to avoid longer queues.
  • Check out their food menu for high-quality pub food options.
  • The venue is well-maintained and clean, enhancing the overall experience.
  • It's a popular spot, so expect a mix of students and locals.

❓ Common Questions

What is Ember Inns like?

Ember Inns is a lively student pub known for its affordable drinks and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for socializing.

Is it good value?

Yes, students frequently mention that the drinks are well-priced, providing good value for a night out.

When do students go to Ember Inns?

Students often visit Ember Inns during the evenings and on weekends, especially to unwind after classes.

What type of crowd can I expect?

You can expect a diverse mix of students and locals, creating a friendly and lively atmosphere.

Does Ember Inns have outdoor seating?

Yes, Ember Inns features a lovely beer garden that's perfect for enjoying drinks outdoors.

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Reviews
1 of 50
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Didn't expect to find such a laid-back vibe at Ember Inns, especially given its popularity with students. it's a great place to catch up with mates without feeling too crowded or hectic, which was a nice surprise 😊. the staff are chill and it doesn't feel overpriced for what you get.
By user144468 on Apr 23rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Settling in at ember inns took some time, but the relaxed vibe definitely grows on you. wish the service was a bit faster when it's busy, but once you're familiar with the pace, you learn to enjoy it.
By user483433 on Apr 18th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Mate, you should check out Ember Inns in Harborne. drinks are decent and it's always got a nice buzz with students. perfect if you're after a place to relax without much hassle.
By user951213 on Apr 13th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Hitting up ember inns for a casual pint was always decent, especially with uni mates. nothing particularly memorable about the drinks, but they're alright, and the whole place has a consistent low-key buzz. definitely a solid spot if you're just looking to chill without any surprises.
By user410861 on Apr 10th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
A warm, lively spot ideal for student meet-ups, Ember Inns made for a nice break from campus life. it buzzes with conversation, yet there's room to settle into a more relaxed pace if you fancy that instead. sometimes staff seem stretched when it's busy, but they handle it with good humour which makes for a pleasant visit.
By user339308 on Apr 5th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
There's something instantly comforting when you first walk into Ember Inns, that familiar hum of chatter and clattering glasses. felt like i'd stumbled into the local that everybody knew about, yet queues could test your patience if you pick a busy time.
By user790423 on Apr 1st 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Always loved how ember inns had tons of comfy seating options, perfect for lounging around with mates without feeling cramped. drink prices are pretty student-friendly, making it a reliable stop for budget-friendly nights.
By user964001 on Mar 31st 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Definitely would go back to Ember Inns for another night. it's a chill spot to hang out with friends and the staff actually seem to care, which was a nice surprise.
By user466175 on Mar 26th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Had heard a lot about ember inns but was surprised by how genuinely welcoming the atmosphere was. expected a typical student pub, but it definitely exceeded my expectations.
By user234071 on Mar 23rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Wish they'd expand the seating area because it sometimes feels a bit cramped, especially when everyone's trying to get in on a friday. it does kind of kill the atmosphere when you're stuck standing in awkward spots 😬
By user829108 on Mar 18th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Sat in the beer garden during one of those rare sunny afternoons and it was unexpectedly refreshing. chill vibes with everyone just enjoying the weather and their drinks, not overcrowded at all. it surprised me how relaxed it felt despite being so close to all the hustle of the city.
By user669887 on Mar 14th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Had a blast at Ember Inns when they had some unexpected live music 🎵. didn't plan on staying long, but the upbeat tunes and chill crowd kept me there way past my bedtime.
By user760407 on Mar 9th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Ended up being pleasantly surprised by how spacious it feels despite being so popular with students. even on busy nights, there's always enough room to chat without feeling squished. wasn't expecting that from a place everyone raves about, but it made meeting new people a lot easier.
By user613047 on Mar 8th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Chilling at Ember Inns is just what you need when looking to take a break from studies. the casual atmosphere and easygoing crowd make it simple to relax and enjoy. nothing felt forced or rushed, everything just came together without a hitch.
By user239001 on Mar 7th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Stepping into Ember Inns for the first time was a surprise , didn't expect the crowd to be so lively, but it added to the fun vibe 🎉
By user392143 on Mar 6th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Warming up to ember inns took a minute but once i got used to the steady stream of friendly faces and good chat, it kind of became my second home. the mix of energy and comfort was just what i needed between rehearsals and nights out.
By user233830 on Mar 5th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Always appreciate a spot where you can unwind without any drama. compared to other pubs nearby, it feels more laid-back, which is great when you just need to chill and not worry about the usual crowds.
By user266542 on Mar 4th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Met some local students at ember inns who showed me a secret corner of birmingham and it was quite the adventure 😮.
By user568187 on Feb 26th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Walking into Ember Inns felt like finding a familiar nook in an oversized library 📚 , cozy yet full of chatter. great mix of students and locals, and the ambiance was just the right balance between lively and laid-back.
By user512350 on Feb 12th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Ended up at ember inns a couple of times after lectures and it grows on you like a favourite jumper. at first, it felt like just another pub, but now it's practically our little home away from home.
By user796518 on Feb 5th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Other pubs around can get a bit too crowded, but this place has a nice balance and doesn't feel overwhelming at all. even when it's busy, there's still room to breathe and chat comfortably.
By user397819 on Feb 1st 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Some pubs can feel a bit stale, but ember inns has this kind of energy that's just infectious. people actually loosen up and chat 😊
By user883695 on Jan 26th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Thought it would just be another pub near uni, but it's way better. there's something about the atmosphere that makes you feel like you're taking a breather without completely slowing down. gets the balance right between being chill and having a bit of buzz in the air.
By user551975 on Jan 21st 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Grab a pint and enjoy the lively mix of students and locals at ember inns.
By user956408 on Jan 17th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Finding myself at ember inns after lectures is like falling into an easy routine. classmates tend to pop around and it's always laid-back but buzzing enough to feel like you're getting a decent break from uni stuff
By user729953 on Jan 14th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Caught up with some old friends there and it felt like slipping right back into an old pair of comfy shoes. atmosphere was properly chill, with a mix of students and locals chatting about everything and nothing. ended up losing track of the time completely until they flicked the lights, signaling it was time to head home.
By user184577 on Jan 10th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Feels like you're getting the best of both worlds here. it's lively enough for a good laugh with friends, but not so rowdy that it's overwhelming. the balance they've struck makes it different from most nearby pubs, which can be a bit too much when you're just looking for a chill evening.
By user409285 on Jan 6th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Evenings at ember inns are when it truly shines, with students filling the place, laughter bouncing off the walls. the scent of food wafts through the air, and the staff are easygoing as they keep the drinks flowing. it’s the kind of spot that seems to know exactly what you need, without trying too hard.
By user412723 on Jan 2nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Love how laid back this place is, feels like a perfect blend of chill and fun. spent way longer there than intended just chatting and laughing with pals. somehow it's got that effect where you leave feeling lighter.
By user427459 on Dec 29th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Ended up at Ember Inns last night and it was exactly what we needed, super chilled with plenty of space for everyone to just hang out and unwind
By user879485 on Dec 25th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Felt like walking into a mix of chill and buzz, like everyone there was right where they wanted to be. the sense of space made it comfy without feeling like you'd get lost in a sea of people.
By user686831 on Dec 20th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Sometimes it takes ages to get served, especially during peak times when everyone seems to have the same idea to unwind. even though the staff are always working hard, they might need a few extra hands when the place fills up. it's tough when you're just trying to grab a drink and relax before heading home.
By user260578 on Dec 16th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Everyone seems to gather around the fireplace, creating this warm social hub where conversations come alive. it's one of those places where you can just sense that everyone is having a good time, like a shared secret among the regulars. ended up staying longer than planned just because it felt like the best place to be that night.
By user737299 on Dec 12th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Got hooked on the laid-back vibe, and the staff made it feel like a second home.
By user113505 on Dec 5th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Never seen a beer garden so packed with students just chilling and having a laugh.
By user793246 on Dec 2nd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Grabbed a pint at ember inns with some classmates, and it was spot on. it's close enough to uni, so it's easy to pop in between lectures or whenever you've got a spare moment. if you're after a bit of downtime without too much fuss, this place does the trick nicely.
By user105541 on Nov 27th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Getting familiar with ember inns has been a pleasant journey. initially, it feels like just another student pub, but with time you notice how easily it adapts to your needs, whether you want a bustling night or a quiet pint. it's like having a reliable friend who's always there when you need to unwind.
By user130291 on Nov 23rd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Honestly thought it'd just be another run-of-the-mill pub, but Ember Inns surprised me with its buzzing yet laid-back vibe. spent loads of nights here with friends and it's become more of a staple than I expected 🏆
By user444995 on Nov 17th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Sitting outside in the beer garden on a warm evening is seriously the best. people chatting, laughing, and just enjoying their pints together makes it feel like there's always something to be smiled at. it's the kind of lively evening that recharges you for more coursework the next week.
By user344334 on Nov 10th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Pretty much a must-visit spot for some chilled vibes and great laughs.
By user545518 on Nov 3rd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Walking into Ember Inns felt like a breather after a hectic week. the buzz of chatter and laughter made me feel instantly at ease. the mix of students and locals gives it a friendly vibe that makes the place feel welcoming rather than overwhelming.
By user999064 on Oct 28th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Noticed that the beer garden has this perfect little corner where you can escape the crowd and have a quiet chat before things get lively 🎶. it's like finding your own secret nook amidst the buzzing conversations and is surprisingly underrated for a quick breather.
By user937202 on Oct 25th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Arriving at ember inns, i didn’t expect to find such a comfortable spot so quickly. it really caught me off guard with how friendly everyone was, making it feel like a second home right from the start. the mix of chill vibes and liveliness was just perfect for unwinding and having a laugh with new mates.
By user589361 on Oct 22nd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Honestly thought it'd be kind of generic but it was surprisingly nice. the crowd was a good mix of students and locals, which added to the chill vibe. it actually felt like a proper pub where you could just relax and not think about uni for a bit.
By user118946 on Oct 18th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Usually head back to Ember Inns on weekends because the staff consistently create a welcoming vibe that feels like home.
By user102170 on Oct 15th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Heard from my flatmate that Ember Inns is a class place to chill out without feeling cramped. she mentioned the crowd there is always a good mix, and it's easy to strike up a conversation. thinking of checking it out myself soon, sounds like a proper spot to relax after lectures.
By user265927 on Oct 11th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Having beers in their garden after class is just right. it's a straightforward spot that gets the relaxed vibe without trying too hard.
By user300157 on Oct 6th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Noticed loads of students there, all just like me, unwinding and chatting away. people were friendly enough, but everyone mostly stayed in their own groups, which i kind of liked. felt like a place where you could just enjoy yourself without being bothered.
By user689804 on Oct 1st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Walking into ember inns felt like finding a cozy corner of comfort and familiarity instantly.
By user494340 on Sep 26th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Found myself pleasantly surprised by how many students from different courses hang out here. always seemed to end up having chats with people I didn't expect to meet, especially in the beer garden when it's nice out.
By user125040 on Sep 19th 2025