Popular Birmingham city centre pub given listed status

A popular pub in Birmingham city centre has been granted listed status.

The Craven Arms, on the corner of Upper Gough Street and Blucher Street, with its striking tiled exterior has been recognised as a building of exceptional national interest by Historic England.

Designed between 1906-1910 and attributed to local architect Arthur Edwards, the ground floor of the building is faced with moulded and glazed ceramic tiles while the upper floors are of red brick.

The windows are timber framed. Edwards is also thought to have been responsible for the building occupied by O’Neill’s on Broad Street.

A pub has existed on the corner of Upper Gough Street and Blucher Street near Holloway Head since at least the 1840s, when the first licensee of the Craven Arms was recorded.

‘Historic pub will now receive greater legal protection’

Louise Brennan, Historic England Regional Director (Midlands) said: “It’s wonderful that the Craven Arms has been recognised on our advice. Its distinctive exterior is breathtaking and I know that many people will be pleased to hear that another of Birmingham’s historic pubs now has a level of protection.”

CAMRA West Midlands Regional Director, Shelly Bentley, said: “CAMRA welcomes the terrific news that the Craven Arms, Birmingham has been granted a Grade II listing.

“The historic pub will now receive greater legal protection, hopefully safeguarding the community hub from unnecessary change or damage – preserving this beautiful, historic asset for generations to come.

“It is heartening to know that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport took onboard the advice given by Historic England, leading to the pub being bestowed its new status.”