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Introduction
One of the finest examples of Victorian pub architecture and one of the most beautiful pub interiors in the country. Built in 1901 at a cost of some £12,000 on the site of a former pub purchased for £10,000 and demolished. Designed by a Mr Brassington of James and Lister Lea, the area's primary pub building firm at the time to be the flagship of the Mitchells and Butlers brewery estate. While the exterior, sporting a foursquare clock tower is in an imposing brick and stone neo-Jacobean style, said to be inspired by the nearby Aston Hall, the interior is the epitome of Victorian decorative grandeur. You will find a riot of original features, rich mahogany woodworkings, stained and engraved windows and mirrors, snob-screens, sweeping wrought-iron staircase and what the pub is best known for, its wall to wall Minton-Hollins tiles, from shiny-glazed decorative patterns to huge painted scenes.
The Glory Days
In its hey-day the Bartons was surrounded by Victorian terraces and the huge cellars and barrel stillaging areas are testament to the vast quantities of ale consumed by those flooding through its busy doors. It is famed for its long association with the Aston Hippodrome, once the Midland's premier Variety theatre, whose visitors and stars such as Laurel and Hardy, Enrico Caruso, Marie Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin drank and lodged at the Bartons Arms. A simple local worker from the area could have felt like lord of the manor for the price of a pint in such surroundings and company.
However, since then much has changed. The Hippodrome is long gone and Aston underwent large-scale redevelopment in the 1960's, leaving the Bartons something of a lone testament to the past as all embraced the new wave architecture. It being granted a grade 2* listed heritage building status in 1976, one of the few pubs in the country to be so highly rated, did at least preserve it for the nation. Its vicissitudes of fortune included threats of demolition, poor maintenance, dwindling trade and finally closures. Like a sleeping beauty behind a forest of thorns, the Bartons faded from view and memory.
Resurrection
Purchased in 2002 by Oakham Ales, revelling in the challenge of its uniqueness and spotting the opportunity and timing to resurrect one of the greatest pubs in the country. A team of tradesmen, craftsmen and cleaners, owners, management and staff have returned the Bartons to its former greatness.
Oakham lead the field in contemporary tastes of real ales, and the Bartons now boasts at last a package of their award winning beers, guest ales from across the country, probably the best range of imported bottled beers in Birmingham, and of course, one of the fastest growing cuisine styles, Thai food from an extensive menu prepared by real Thai chefs. Now, as Birmingham promotes itself as one of Europe's finest Cities, it is a 'must go' for the diner, drinker, pub-lover and 20 million plus business and tourist visitors to Birmingham. Sample for yourselves why this historic, venue features in Camra’s Good Beer Guide 2012.
Opening Times
Pub
Monday to Friday: 12 noon until Late
Saturday: 12 noon until Late
Sunday: 12 noon until Late
Bar Promotions
Pop in to see our specials board
Food Service
Monday-Saturday
Lunchtimes: 12 noon until 2.30pm and Dinner: 5.30pm until 10.30pm
Sunday
Lunch 12-3.30 p.m. and Dinner 5.30 p.m.-9.30 p.m.
Takeaway food is also available at the above times collection only.
Chefs Special Lunch
Why not sample our Chefs Complete Lunch Menu enjoy a complete meal for ONLY £6.95. This offer is available daily between 12 noon and 2.30pm.
£10 Tuesday Returns
Enjoy two courses for £10 great value for top quality food. This offer is available every Tuesday.
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