Listed Birmingham pub The Bartons Arms closes its doors with immediate effect

The owners of the Bartons Arms in Aston have shocked customers after announcing that the venue has closed this week.

The director of the venue said the decision had been made as the pub was no longer "economically viable."

The venue had been leased by Tipton-based Red Pub Company since April last year. A Thai restaurant which aslso operated on the premises has also shut its doors. Red Pub Company Director Paul Jones told the Express and Star: "We have tried to make it a success, but have taken the decision – after looking at a profit and loss analysis _ that it is not economically viable."

Red Pub Company has been negotiating with the landlord who is connected to the Oakham Brewery, whose beers feature at the Bartons Arms, on how to exit the property. The Thai restaurant which operates on the premises is also shut. Red Pub Company operates a string of community real ale pubs across the Black Country and only recently opened The Swan Inn in Sedgley which is trading successfully.

The grand Victorian pub that features a clock tower was built in 1901 for £12,000 and was recently praised in the Good Pub Guide as a “magnificent Edwardian landmark” which stands out on a busy road amid the modern developments in the Aston area. The pub is also well known for its original tilework murals, stained glass and mahogony design.

The Arms was also in the Campaign for Real Ale's National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and Ozzy Osbourne were all notable patrons in the past.