The small Birmingham ‘solar trap’ brewery you didn’t know existed

The chances of Leviathan Brewery attracting passing foot traffic are as close to zero as it is tucked away in a commercial property at the edge of a cul-de-sac. And yet, those in the know, who have learned firsthand how down-to-earth the small brewery is, how “superior” the beers are, and who have soaked in its sun-trap garden, return to the site Sutton Coldfield time and time again.

Leviathan Brewery is closed half the week, but from Thursday to Sunday they serve excellent beers in their small premises on Reddicap Trading Estate, only by Screwfix. A big screen is showing the game at this point, but even when there’s no sports on the box, the food trucks offer good food, though the beer and atmosphere are reason enough to go.

The brewery has attracted a near-perfect 4.9 stars out of five on Google Reviews from customers who rate it. Owner Chris Hodgetts opened the bar in April 2021, although he’s been brewing since 2017.

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CAMRA has since rated the brewery, calling one beer in particular – Elysium – “superb”. It has 15 craft taps and serves between six and eight Leviathan beers according to the Campaign for Real Ale.

Customer Ewan English gave the brewery a five-star rating on Google Reviews, writing: “Great down to earth bar. Great beers. It’s somewhere for real ale drinkers and those who just like a chat.”

Andy Lake did too, writing: “How a faucet should be. Great range of excellent beers, good friendly atmosphere. They even allowed us to bring a takeaway”.

And Neil Sambrook wrote: “No craft beer and tap room. Friendly staff and good surroundings, including a small beer garden at the back.

“You often have street food out front and occasionally live music. Unpretentious, no ego, great beer. Can’t recommend it enough for purveyors of great beer or just a cool place to hang that isn’t a chain pub.

“Elysium is not only the best beer they make, it’s up there with Steady Rolling Man as one of the best craft beers around.”

The brewery is open 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Leviathan Brewery is at Units 4+5, 17 Reddicap Trading Estate, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7BU. There is limited parking and it is approximately 20 minutes’ walk from Sutton Coldfield Station.