HOLT PUBLIC HOUSES STILL OPEN (2026)
The pubs that remain have indeed ‘withstood the test of time’.
ALMA INN, UNION STREET, WALSALL
ANCHOR INN, KEMPSEY, NR WORCESTER
BARREL INN, 322 SUMMER LANE
BEAR HOTEL, BEARWOOD RD, SMETHWICK
BEEHIVE INN, CURDWORTH
BOURNBROOK HOTEL, 561 BRISTOL RD, SELLY OAK
BULLS HEAD ST MARY’S ROW, MOSELEY
CAT AND FIDDLE, BEACON RD, ALDRIDGE
CHEQUERS INN, ETNAM STREET, LEOMINSTER
CHURCH INN, 22 GREAT HAMPTON STREET, HOCKLEY
DARTMOUTH ARMS, BURNHILL GREEN,
DIGBY HOTEL, WATER ORTON, WARWICKSHIRE
DOG INN, WATER ORTON, WARWICKSHIRE
DOG & PARTRIDGE, PRIORY RD, HALL GREEN
DOG & PARTRIDGE, MOSELEY STREET CLOSED (need to amend on the website) also add new info
DOGPOOL HOTEL, 1065 PERSHORE RD, SELLY PARK
DOVERDALE ARMS, OLD COACH ROAD/STALLS FARM RD, DROITWICH
DUKE INN, DUKE STREET, SUTTON COLDFIELD
DUKE OF WELLINGTON, BRISTOL STREET
FARCROFT HOTEL, ROOKERY RD, HANDSWORTH
FIGHTING COCKS, ST MARYS ROW, MOSELEY
FOUNTAIN INN, WRENTHAM STREET
FOX INN, HURST STREET
GATE INN, STUDLEY STREET, SPARKBROOK
GUNMAKERS ARMS, LONDON STREET, SMETHWICK
HARE AND HOUNDS, 106 HIGH STREET, KINGS HEATH
HOLTE HOTEL, WITTON LANE/ TRINITY RD ASTON
KETCH HOTEL, BATH RD, WORCESTERSHIRE
kINGS ARMS, BROMYARD
KINGS HEAD, HAGLEY RD, SMETHWICK
KINGS HEAD INN, WARWICK (OWNED 1913)
NAGS HEAD, HIGH ST, HENLEY IN ARDEN
NEW BILLESLEY HOTEL, WHEELER’S LANE, KINGS HEATH
OLD CHEQUERS, CROWLE, WORCESTERSHIRE
OLD CROWN, HIGH STREET, DERITEND
OLD PRIORY, NEW STREET, DUDLEY
OLD RED LION, SHEEP STREET, RUGBY
PARSON & CLARK, STREETLY, NR ALDRIDGE
PHEASANT INN, 273 ABBEY RD, WARLEY, OLDBURY PRINCE OF WALES, ALCESTER RD, MOSELEY, BIRMINGHAM (OWNED 1915)
PRINCE OF WALES, CAMBRIDGE STREET
QUEENS HEAD, ST JOHN’S ROAD, DUDLEY
ROBIN HOOD INN, DRAYTON, NEAR CHADDESLEY CORBETT, WORCESTERSHIRE
ROYAL OAK, BARN STREET BIRMINGHAM
SEVERN VIEW HOTEL, NEWPORT ST, WORCESTER
SHERWOOD, 327 HIGHFIELD ROAD, YARDLEY WOOD. STATION HOTEL, HIGH ST, KING’S HEATH
VILLA CROSS INN, LOZELLS HANDSWORTH
VINE, RUSTON ST
WAGGON AND HORSES, CHURCH STREET, OLDBURY
ALMA INN, UNION STREET, WALSALL (EX- FRANK MYATT LTD., WOLVERHAMPTON), CO HOUSE
A friendly traditional pub offering a trendy and casual dining experience” at Chalos the restaurant within the Alma Inn.
ANCHOR INN, KEMPSEY, NR WORCESTER
Recently refurbished and offering new cask ales.
BARREL INN, 322 SUMMER LANE AND CORNER OF TOWER STREET Reopened 2016
BEFORE
Barrel, Summer Lane, Birmingham (1935) Holt advertising !
A Holt advertisement on the building next door.
THE BARRELL
MORE RECENT ARTISTS IMPRESSION
Courtesy: Birminghamhistoryforum (BHF). Picture painted by Cookie273uk master brummie ‘Eric’ from original black and white
BEARWOOD HOTEL, BEARWOOD RD, SMETHWICK
PREVIOUSLY ‘THE BEAR AND RAGGED STAFF’
Many locals call the pub ‘The Bear’ or the ‘Bear Hotel’. Even on an old 18th century map mentions ‘The Bear of Smethwick’ (Wikipedia).
The clock tower of the Bear pub ‘Tempus Fugit’ Time Flies.
The pub was a regular music venue with Thin Lizzy playing New Years Eve in 1970 and Judas Priest in April 1971. Christine McVie Fleetwood Mac originally Christine ‘Perfect’ was ‘born and bred’ in Bearwood and later joined Fleetwood Mac marrying John McVie in 1970.
Comedy nights were also popular in the 1980s, with local comedian Frank Skinner (Chris Collins) and many other television comedians including Sean Hughes, Ed Byrne and some of TV’s ‘The Fast Show’. (Wikipedia).
BEEHIVE INN, CURDWORTH
“The Beehive in Curdworth stands out as a charming village pub renowned for its warm atmosphere and exceptional service”. Weeblyte
BOURNBROOK HOTEL, 561 BRISTOL RD, SELLY OAK
RENAMED ‘GOOSE AT THE OVT’
Photograph above and below courtesy Brewery History.com
There have been several name changes for this pub. Originally the Bell and Shovel (c.1839), The Malt Shovel from 1859 and later renamed The Bournebrook Hotel by the Holt Brewery (c.1876). For a short time it was the Firkin pub and is now ‘The Goose at the OVT’ (Old Varsity Tavern).
The pub hosted ‘Rock against Racism’ together with bands such as Dangerous Girls, Suburban Studs, Here And Now, The Scent Organs, The Cravats and the Nightingales and Rudy & Rationals.
There was even a Boxing club at the back run by Albert Higgins, a boxer in 1950.
THE NOW ‘GOOSE AT THE OVT’
BRITANNIA INN, corner of PROCTOR ST & BULLOCK ST
The building is now used commercially.
BULLS HEAD INN, ST MARY’S ROW, BALSALL HEATH, MOSELEY
The Bulls head in Moseley 1973 courtesy Birmingham live
Now a Cuban Restaurant The Cuban Embassy
BULLS HEAD, SUMMER LANE
The building is now used commercially.
CAT AND FIDDLE, BEACON RD, ALDRIDGE
Courtesy: whatpub.com
CHEQUERS INN, ETNAM STREET, LEOMINSTER
c.16th Century.
BEFORE
Courtesy: HistoricEngland.org.uk
NOW
CHURCH INN, 22 GREAT HAMPTON STREET, HOCKLEY
Ref pubwiki.co.Uk
THE OLDE CROWN INN Moat Lane, Digbeth c.1368
The Crown is the “Sole surviving secular building of medieval Birmingham“ (Wikipedia).
It is rumored that Queen Elizabeth 1st stayed overnight at The Crown in 1575 and that there used to be a secret passage running to and from the cellars beneath The Crown to Aston Hall.
Below the image taken from a mosaic of tile pictures from the nearby Aston Hall, Birmingham,
Above from the frieze of tiles in nearby Aston Hall showing Cavaliers walking in front of the Olde Crown.
Cavaliers’ was the term used for the people who fought for King Charles I of England during the English Civil War.
There are even rumors that the Crown is haunted by a woman searching for her lost child who fell down a well.
The Crown was recently restored and,
“will be the last stop on the West Midlands Metro’s forthcoming £227 million, mile-long Eastside extension from Bull Street when it opens in 2025.
From the article, “Birmingham’s vanishing pubs – and the traditional boozers fighting back” By Graham Young
DARTMOUTH ARMS, BURNHILL GREEN, NR WOLVERHAMPTON
DIGBY HOTEL, WATER ORTON, WARWICKSHIRE
THEN
NOW
DOG INN, WATER ORTON, MARSH LANE, WARWICKSHIRE
Still remnants of the Ansell’s ghost signature on the roof and a Holt squirrel in the stained glass window below.
DOG & PARTRIDGE, PRIORY RD, HALL GREEN
Now used as the Haven Church
DOG & PARTRIDGE, 210-212 MOSELEY STREET,
1829-1984 Alt c.1899-1900 Grade ll Listed James and Lister Lea for the Holt Brewery Company.
LATER THE MARKET TAVERN
Courtesy: Paul Hayes Midland Memories
This iconic building is Grade ll Listed and yet another James and Lister Lea red terracotta pub creation rebuilt in 1899. It is now closed and in 1894 it was subject to an arson attack by the publican landlord who was convicted and sent to jail. Ansell’s insurance policy enabled a complete rebuild but it is no longer a public house and instead the ornate interior has been used for several film sets including Lenny Henry’s film ‘Danny the Human Zoo’ about his early days as a comedian and the T.V. drama ‘Silent Witness’. Closedpubs.co.uk
DOGPOOL INN, 1065 PERSHORE RD, SELLY PARK
c.1870
The original Dogpool Inn (see later for more photographs of the later pub on the same site and name).
There are wonderful old photographs of the original Dogpool Inn/Hotel with clear reference to ownership by the Holt Brewery.
Dog Pool Inn Ten Acres Stirchley c. 1905 Courtesy: Lynn Sunday and saved to Old Birmingham, UK
LATER
THE NEW DOGPOOL HOTEL
Later, The New Dogpool Hotel and restaurant, previously popular as ‘The Hibernian’. It is a wedged shaped building built by the Holt brewery.
Photograph December 2010 Courtesy: breweryhistory.com
The Holt squirrel emblem.
Just recently ‘I Choose Birmingham’ have celebrated,
“The long-silent Dogpool Hotel that stands proudly on the Stirchley/Selly Park border is stirring once more, reborn as Empress — a statement-making Nigerian restaurant bringing regal West African warmth to the indy heart of South Brum….this is a proper phoenix moment: an empty landmark filled again with voices, colour, and life.“
‘All is not Lost’ unlike The Selly Oak below
DOVERDALE ARMS, OLD COACH ROAD/STALLS FARM RD, DROITWICH SPA, DROITWICH (PROVISIONALLY LICENSED 1950) CO OWNED BY HOLT BREWERY
DUKE INN, DUKE STREET, SUTTON COLDFIELD
“The “Old Duke” beer house, built by George Smith in 1853 …
John Harrison was the publican in 1894, and the inn flourished under his management; when ownership passed to the Holt Brewery in 1897 the new owners immediately set about building an extension to provide a taproom and increased cellarage. The pub was clearly popular with the local people with its links to the cricket and football clubs”
Courtesy: Sutton Coldfield local history group sclhrg.org.uk
DUKE OF WELLINGTON, BRISTOL ST
Grade ll Listed Building.
Yet another Holt pub built by James & Lister Lea, this pub dates back to around 1890 but a public house was situated on this site around 1792. The Duke of Wellington was recently renovated and reopened. Situated on the corner of Bromsgrove Street and Bristol Street,
“Today, it has been transformed into a vibrant new sports and food bar, with 14 tastefully redecorated rooms”
Reference “Birmingham’s vanishing pubs – and the traditional boozers fighting back” By Graham Young
FARCROFT HOTEL, ROOKERY RD, HANDSWORTH
THEN
”A large 1930’s pub built by Holt Brewery Co Ltd. A leaded brewery window survived until about 2014”
Breweryhistory.com
NOW
Courtesy: Birminghammail.uk
A sale to new owners with unbeknown clandestine prayer meetings taking place, who later broke their promises to return the pub to its former glory. The hotel was apparently put up for sale again at a high price.
FIGHTING COCKS, ST MARYS ROW, MOSELEY
c.1898-1899
“A wonderful building built by Newton & Cheatle for the Holt Brewery Company”. Breweryhistory.com
Two fighting cocks above the pubs door frame, the pub name and even the Holt squirrel atop.
FOUNTAIN INN, 102 WRENTHAM STREET
Considered primarily as a ‘Gay’ bar.
THE OLD FOX, 54-56 HURST STREET
c.1892
The Old Fox stands on the site of an older inn with a near same name the ‘Fox Inn’ c.1808.
GATE INN, STUDLEY STREET, SPARKBROOK
BEFORE
NOW
The pub reopened in January 2015
GOUGH ARMS, UPPER GOUGH ST (OWNED 1915)
GUNMAKERS ARMS
Situated in the old Gun Quarter and is now the ‘tap’ of the Two Towers Brewery.
HARE AND HOUNDS, 106 HIGH STREET, KINGS HEATH
1906-1907 Grade II Listed
BEFORE
c. 1820 Courtesy: Kings Heath Local History Society
The Hare and Hounds
The pub was rebuilt in 1907 by Samuel Owen for Holts Brewery and has art nouveau tiles, Holt Brewery mirrors and a Holt Squirrel clock.
The Hare and Hounds is a celebrated and well known music venue, featuring a range of artists and differing musical genres over many years. UB40 performed a secret gig a few years ago to honour their very first gig in 1979 at the pub as written on the PRS Music Heritage award commemorative plaque.
The Hare and Hounds also won the award for the best live entertainment pub for the whole country in the Great British Pub Awards, September, 2016.
“Birmingham’s vanishing pubs – and the traditional boozers fighting back” By Graham Young
UB40’s hit and official music video Red Red Wine was filmed within the redbrick Eagle and Tun, Digbeth (not a Holt pub) which was one of Birmingham’s most recent losses being demolished by HS2 in October 2020. https://youtu.be/dsKbSzs-3oQ
HOLTE HOTEL c.1897
The Holte at Villa Park from Trinity Road in Aston (January 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown Courtesy: Flickr Elliot Brown
A Victorian building located adjacent to the historic Villa Park football ground. The building had been derelict for 28 years until Villa’s new billionaire owner Randy Lerner & Co sanctioned its restoration.
KETCH HOTEL, BATH RD, WORCESTERSHIRE
THEN
Courtesy: Caroline Pearson Worcestershire Past
“Known to many as the Toby Inn which sits above the banks of the River Severn on the road to Kempsey.
The Inn takes its name from a type of vessel that was commonly used on the River Severn and the Inn has its origins as an ancient watermans Inn and ferry. The Inn was very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and people would call from miles around and it was also a stop off for the local river boat cruises. In the victorian era Worcester folks would often stop here for refreshments and to enjoy over 5 acres of pleasure gardens. The gardens were impressive and included a bowling and dancing green. Fishing and swimming competitions were also popular with events being held regularly
…an article from 1859 – a canon ball weighing 20bs was found buried in the grounds of The Ketch.”
NOW
kINGS ARMS, BROMYARD
Reopening 10th August 2026 after complete refurbishment !
KINGS HEAD, HAGLEY RD, HARBORNE
BEFORE
MORE RECENTLY
This building was designed by architects Owen and Ward in 1906. After a permanent closure in 2025, Wetherspoons recently stepped in with a plan to rename the pub, ‘The Good Head’, a reference to the ‘Cuddles’ massage parlor previously opposite. A computer generated image shows the plan to raise the height of the corner building and incorporate toilets within. This almost feels like an April Fools prank but will certainly be a talking point with ‘A Good Head’ also referring to a beer poured with a big white frothy ‘head’ !
FUTURE
Only time will tell. In the 1980’s two ‘Bobbies on the Beat’ walked past the ‘meeting place clock’ at High Street and the junction of Union Street. Birmingham. The clock has now been returned to its original location outside the Kings Head pub.
KINGS HEAD INN, WARWICK (HOLT OWNED IN 1913)
DAY
Courtesy: KingsheadWarwick.co.uk
“Our 400 year old inn has been fully refurbished to give a stylish contemporary feel which enhance the many original Seventeen Century features. Located less than a 2 minute walk from the town square we are ideal for both business and pleasure. The main tourist attraction is the world famous Warwick Castle which is just a 10 minute walk away”.
NIGHT
NAGS HEAD, HIGH ST, HENLEY IN ARDEN
“Nestled in the charming town of Henley-In-Arden, The Nags Head is a delightful pub that offers an inviting atmosphere for both dining and relaxation. With its stunning beer garden, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal on sunny days. Guests can indulge in a variety of drink options, from refreshing lagers like Moretti to intriguing wines and cask ales such as St Austell Brewery Tribute and London Pride”.
Courtesy: Wanderlog
THE NEW BILLESLEY, WHEELER’S LANE, KINGS HEATH
PREVIOUSLY
BILLESLEY ARMS
BEFORE
NOW
The New Billesley
OLD CHEQUERS, CROWLE, WORCESTERSHIRE
A popular refurbished pub with outstanding meals.
OLD PRIORY, NEW STREET, DUDLEY CO-OWNED HOUSE
“A cosy one-roomed town centre independent pub. Thought to be oldest surviving pub in town. Originally an early 19th Century home brew house called the Nags Head, records as early as 1881 refer to the premises as the Old Priory Inn. Soon to re-introduce real ale” Courtesy: Dudley camra.org.uk
OLD RED LION, SHEEP STREET, RUGBY
Repurposed as Orchid Thai restaurant now Rama Thai restaurant.
PARSON & CLARK, STREETLY, NR ALDRIDGE
Now Toby Carvery Streetly restaurant.
PHEASANT INN, 273 ABBEY RD, WARLEY, OLDBURY
BEFORE
NOW
PRINCE OF WALES, 118 ALCESTER RD, MOSELEY, BIRMINGHAM (HOLT OWNED IN 1915)
The pub was built in the 1840’s and rebuilt in 1887. J.R.Tolkien used to visit frequently and the pub now has a designated ‘Tolkien Lounge’. Recently reopened and refurbished in 2022 by Sheldon Inns Ltd and Greene King.
PRINCE OF WALES, CAMBRIDGE STREET
Photograph courtesy : TripAdvisor.com
The Prince of Wales Cambridge Street closed in 2018 but recently reopened. Situated close to The Repertory Theatre it is under new management and renowned for its vibrant music scene.
‘OLDE’ QUEENS HEAD, ST JOHN’S ROAD, DUDLEY CO HOUSE
The pub is under new management and refurbished.
ROBIN HOOD INN, DRAYTON RD, NEAR CHADDESLEY CORBETT, WORCESTERSHIRE
“Set in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside in the quaint village of Belbroughton, our family ran pub offers all our guests a place to relax, unwind and create memories which last a lifetime.” TripAdvisor
ROYAL OAK, BARN STREET BIRMINGHAM
Now repurposed as a cafe
SEVERN VIEW HOTEL, NEWPORT ST, WORCESTER
“The Severn View Hotel is situated on the banks of the River Severn, in the heart of Worcester. The hotel is a short walk from the city’s main attractions”. Reserving.com
SHERWOOD, 327 HIGHFIELD ROAD, YARDLEY WOOD.
HOLT CO OWNED
The Holt squirrel is retained in the gable.
Sherwoods was an Irish pub and now DJ Quinn’s below.
STATION HOTEL, HIGH ST, KING’S HEATH
The pub boasts the best live music scene.
“Your friendly high street pub! Great pints, warm vibes, and good company. Weekly events, quizzes, live music & more Delicious food”. Facebook
VILLA CROSS INN, LOZELLS RD HANDSWORTH
BEFORE
The Villa Cross Inn was at the junction between Heathfield Road and Villa Road. Although the pub closed in 1985, the building has since been rebuilt and more recently been used as a community center.
NOW
THE VINE, RUSTON ST
BEFORE
NOW
WAGGON AND HORSES, CHURCH STREET, OLDBURY
The ‘ghost’ sign still visible.
‘WAGON & HORSES
HOLT BREWERY
CO
ALES WINES
AND SPIRITS
“The Wagon and Horses is a great spot whether you’re after a relaxed meal, a casual pint, or just a comfortable place to unwind. Highly recommended if you’re in the Oldbury area”. Rich_and _Alex review.
Jane Fulford 2026