It closed at the end of January 2024, due to rising costs.
History
The pub was known for its wall-to-wall Minton-Hollins tiles and its snob screens, which allowed middle class drinkers to see working class drinkers in an adjacent bar, but not to be seen by them.[2] The current public bar was originally divided into three.[2] There are function rooms upstairs, originally for billiards and club use.[2]
It was purchased in 2002 by Oakham Ales who restored the building to its former condition before reopening it in 2003, after three years out-of-use.[2] As well as serving Oakham ales it is also served Thai food. On 28 July 2006, the pub was damaged by fire, reportedly caused by an electrical fault.[3] The pub still boasts Dutch gables, Victorian lanterns and central clock tower.[4]
During the 2011 England riots, the pub was looted, windows were smashed, and fires started, albeit quickly doused by the manager, Wichai Thumjaron.[5] Up to eight shots from a 19th Century St Etienne revolver were fired at police who attended the incident.[6][7] Five men and a teenager were jailed following a police investigation.[8]
On 31 January 2024, with no prior notice, the pub closed, with the leaseholder saying that rising costs made it operation unviable.[9]
Location
The Barton's Arms is located in High Street, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UP; at the crossroads of Newtown High Street and Park Lane.[10]
Musician Ozzy Osbourne, who grew up in Aston, is also a former patron of the pub.[14]
In popular culture
The pub features in the 1999 Atom Egoyan Birmingham-set film Felicia's Journey.[15] It also features in the 2006 novel by Ron Dawson, The Last Viking: The Untold Story of the World's Greatest Heist; as the gang of robbers meet in the pub.
Recognition and accolades
In October 1974 the local TV company, ATV Today, did a feature with presenter Bob Warman on the Bartons Arms and the film of that is held for posterity by the BFI.[16]
In July 2015, The Guardian described The Barton Arms as a "Victorian temple in carved wood, gleaming tile work, stained glass and wrought iron" in a list of Birmingham's Top 10 craft beer pubs.[17]
In January 2015, the Birmingham Mail praised the pub's in-house traditional Thai restaurant in a feature highlighting '17 of the best comfort foods in Birmingham'.[18]
In April 2016, in an interview with The Guardian, screenwriter and film director Steven Knight described the venue as a "Peaky Blinders-era pub" and recommended it as a place to visit.[19]
In October 2018, The Barton Arms was named as one of The Guardian newspaper's top 50 pubs in the UK.[20][21] In 2019, it was included in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2019.[22]