The Bartons Arms

Discover The Bartons Arms

Built in 1901, The Bartons Arms is a Grade II* listed pub renowned for its distinctive red-brick, Victorian-esque exterior complete with a grand clock tower. Inside the rich mahogany and ceramic details are equally as impressive. Situated in Birmingham’s Newtown area, The Bartons Arms has been attracting locals and visitors for more than a century.

Today, it continues to serve award-winning ales, including brews from Oakham Brewery, and a menu that features both Thai and English cuisine. The function rooms are available for private bookings, hosting everything from corporate events to special celebrations. The Bartons Arms is truly a beloved community hub and must-visit destination for those looking to enjoy a piece of Birmingham’s heritage in a unique setting.

History of The Bartons Arms

The Bartons Arms opened its doors at the turn of the 20th century as a project of Mitchells & Butlers Brewery. Completed in 1901 at a cost of £12,000, on the site of a former public house, it was designed by acclaimed Birmingham architects James & Lister Lea in a neo-Jacobean style.

The pub quickly became a popular hub in Birmingham, especially during Aston Villa home games, providing a welcoming space for fans of all teams. In the early days, it was surrounded by terraced homes and small factories, until urban changes in the 1970s drastically altered its surroundings, leaving The Bartons Arms as one of the few remaining establishments in the area.

The architectural heritage of the pub is underlined by its inclusion on the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. In 2002, Oakham Ales acquired the property and undertook significant renovations, reviving the pub’s historical character before reopening it to the public in 2003 after a three-year hiatus.

Over the years, it has been more than a pub; its function rooms, once used for billiards and clubs, have since hosted numerous events, from live music nights to karaoke, pub quizzes, and themed gatherings. Each December, the Campaign for Real Ale holds its West Midlands regional awards here, further cementing its status in Birmingham’s beer and pub culture.

Despite challenges, including a fire in 2006, sustaining damages from the 2011 England riots, and a brief closure in January 2024 due to operational costs, the pub has consistently found ways to rebound.

Victorian Details in The Bartons Arms Design

The Bartons Arms remains one of the most distinguished examples of Victorian pub architecture in the United Kingdom. The pub’s redbrick design, with distinctive stone detailing, complemented by shaped Dutch gables and an impressive central clock tower, makes The Bartons Arms instantly recognizable.

Inside, the decor is even more magnificent: the vestibules are a mosaic of etched glass panels and rich woodwork leading into a beautiful public bar and lounge. The walls are decorated with ceramic tiles by Minton-Hollins and complete with intricately engraved mirrors. Meanwhile the intricate lobby tiles depict a hunting scene—a nod to English heritage that feels uniquely placed in an industrial city like Birmingham.

As you explore further, arches and tiled panels lead to rooms that once hosted smoking lounges and game gatherings. Each room holds unique treasures, such as an exquisitely crafted fireplace, original seating, bell-pushes for table service, and walls adorned with tile paintings and artistic details.

The Victorian “snob screens” in some of these rooms offer an architectural throwback. These screens were small, semi-private windows intended to provide a level of privacy for the more affluent clientele. These wealthier patrons could observe the ongoings of the pub, without interacting with others. In its earlier years, the pub’s main bar was split into three sections, emphasising the social divides of the Victorian period.

The staircase hall with its painted balustrade and stained glass windows offers another stunning perspective. Upstairs, the grand window dated 1901 displays the Mitchells & Butlers logo, while additional tiled walls and stained-glass panels continue to highlight the artistry that defines this pub. Even the cellars below ground have their own historical intrigue, with spacious barrel storage areas that once serviced the high demand for ale in its heyday.

Celebrities who have Visited The Bartons Arms

The Bartons Arms has a legacy of attracting high-profile patrons. During the golden era of variety shows at the now-demolished Aston Hippodrome, world-famous entertainers such as Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, and Enrico Caruso were known to frequent The Bartons Arms. In fact, Laurel and Hardy were even photographed serving beer from behind the bar during their stay in 1954. Later, in the rock and roll era, local music icon Ozzy Osbourne was a regular patron, as was violinist Nigel Kennedy, who visited during Aston Villa football games.

The Bartons Arms in Popular Culture

The Bartons Arms has made its mark in both literature and film. It features prominently in Atom Egoyan’s 1999 film Felicia’s Journey, starring Bob Hoskins, who perfected a regional Brummie accent for the role. In the 2006 novel The Last Viking: The Untold Story of the World’s Greatest Heist by Ron Dawson, the pub serves as the meeting spot for the fictional gang of robbers.

Closing and Reopening The Bartons Arms

Earlier this year (2024), The Bartons Arms shut its doors, citing mounting operational costs, including heating, lighting, and employment expenses. The closure came as a shock to the local community, with fans sharing memories of the pub and expressing concerns over the future of the venue.

In response to the community’s enthusiasm and love for The Bartons Arms, a consortium of Birmingham-based investors, led by Angela Nelson, took swift action to revive it. Under the consortium’s ownership, the pub underwent extensive cleaning and was reopened in anticipation of a grand relaunch in September. Initially, the owners aimed to open in time for Aston Villa’s home game against Arsenal in August; however, unexpected flooding delayed the plans.

Angela Nelson and her team have ambitious plans to turn The Bartons Arms into a destination pub once again. While the Thai restaurant will continue to be a part of the experience, a new menu is being crafted to bring a fresh culinary perspective.

The pub’s free-house status allows it to offer a vast array of real ales, and the new ownership team has already lined up live music and entertainment events for the autumn season. With Aston Villa's Champions League schedule, the pub is set to be a gathering spot for fans, families, and generations of Villa supporters.

Visiting The Bartons Arms

The Bartons Arms is open for business, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a range of facilities, including a separate bar area, function room, and disabled access. The pub is conveniently located near bus routes and is accessible by train, with Witton Station just 1.6 kilometers away, providing easy access for locals and visitors.