Birmingham loves its bulls and you can find one in different corners of the city - even though it’s not a farm!
Brummies love their bulls so much that the Commonwealth Games 2022 mascot was Perry the BULL and now, the raging bull from the mega sporting event will have a home in the city - at New Street Station - and its been named after our heavy metal Rock God Ozzy!
We already have the Bull at the Bullring - with whom tourists, visitors and residents love getting a snap. The bronze mascot sits there patiently even with children trying to climb his strong back. Perhaps, that’s why Birmingham loves the bull so much. It’s a strong and reliable animal that is hard working!
And, not suprisingly there are several places in the city named after bulls - whether it’s the bullring, a pub or some tavern. Birmingham has some great pop up trails honouring so many fanstastic animals. There was the Penguin trail during CWG 2022, an owl trail popped up before that in 2015 and there was a Big Sleuth trail featuring 230 beautifully decorated sun bear sculptures in 2017.
But you don’t need to wait for a pop up event to visit the Bulls of Birmingham. Here are the eight places in Birmingham named after bulls that you can visit:
1. Bullring, Birmingham city centre
The Birmingham Bull stands tall at the Bullring. According to Brummie historian Carl Chinn, in the 16th century a man called John Cooper was given the right to bait bulls at the site opposite St Martin’s Church - and it became known as the Bull Ring. (Photo - chrisdorney - stock.adobe.com)
2. Bull Burgers, Hockley
Located on 10 Buckingham St in Hockley, Bull Burgers is not directly connected to the iconic Bullring but follows Brummie tradition in its name. (Photo - amirali-mirhashemian-sc5sTPMrVfk-unsplash)
3. The Bull, Jewellery Quarter
The Bull, a pub in Jewellery Quarter, is one of the oldest pubs in the city having been around since the 1800s.
4. Bulls Head, Hall Green
Bulls Head on Stratford Road is run by Ember Inns. While this has the word “bull” in it it’s actually named after the most important part of the animal. (Photo - Google Maps)