Some of the most significant spots for ale lovers in Birmingham are disappearing
Post Office Vaults owner Mike Perkins before the pub shut for good(Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
Of the 10 hospitality venues that announced their closures in Birmingham over the last six weeks, half of them were stalwarts in Birmingham’s beer scene.
Five venues that built their foundations on serving great beers in comfortable, friendly social spaces announced closure since the start of June.
It ranges from historic, centuries-old pubs to bars that were ‘pioneers’ in neighbourhoods that are now nationally renowned thanks to what they helped create.
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Fans of craft beer, real ale and affordable, locally-brewed pints have been sharing their sadness following the announcements.
So too have other bars and pubs on the scene, many of who were only able to open thanks to the groundwork laid by businesses that are now shutting for good.
Among those to close so far this month is Tilt, a cafe bar and pinball destination that championed little breweries with drinks on tap and a fridge full of cans for a decade.
The city centre venue, in City Arcade, said goodbye to punters on July 6.
When it announced it’d be shutting, another fan favourite spot known for its great beer, shared their sadness.
Cherry Reds wrote: “You built a legendary place here Kirk, it’ll be sorely missed, thank you for what you invested in the city.
“It’s been a tough slog for too long now and we’re bleeding hubs that under different economic circumstances would be thriving.
“You know what needs to be done. Support your independents, your community, show up, write to your MP.
“We can’t keep lining the pockets of the rich or dumbing down a political education.”
On the same weekend that Tilt called time, Wildcat shut down in Stirchley.
The Pershore Road bar didn’t make it to its ten year anniversary but it wasn’t far off.
Cask and craft beer lovers found a home at Wildcat, given its expert bar staff and comfortable space to sit with friends.
When it revealed it would be shutting, other Stirchley businesses on the now-popular street, said they owed a debt of gratitude to Wildcat for the work it did putting the neighbourhood on the map.
Stirchley Wines wrote: “Sad, sad, news. Liam took a chance on Stirchley when nobody was, bringing something special to the beer scene in Birmingham!
“We will miss Wildcat. Bon Chance Liam and your future endeavours!”
Artefact, a bar and gallery that is now closed until its new home is built at the forthcoming Stirchley Co-operative Development, added: “This is unbelievable. Wildcat was a pioneer in making Stirchley a destination for craft beers and paved the way for Stirchley’s whole hospitality scene whilst always remaining affordable.
“It’s so sad to see it go.”
Another beer venue that said a sad goodbye in recent weeks is the Post Office Vaults, just off Victoria Square in the city centre.
The award-winning free house specialised in foreign bottled beer and at one point had more than 400 drinks on offer alongside 13 real ciders and eight real ales.
It said that since Covid, it suffered a significant drop in footfall with people working from home, halving its trade.
As well as this, it says the cost of bottles since Brexit made them 30% more expensive.
Staffordshire-based Titanic Brewery said: “All of us here at Titanic are very sorry to hear this news. As others have said, The Post Office Vaults has been a staple of the Birmingham beer scene for so long, and you’ll be sorely missed by many.
“Thank you for your support and being incredible champions of our beers over the years! Wishing the whole team all the very best.”
Somerset brewery On The Level added: “We are so sorry to hear this – such a fantastic pub that always did superb ales along with the fantastic range of Belgian and world beers.
“We know how difficult things are now and it’s a real shame as you were such a promoter of the beers we all love! Best wishes going forward.”
Two heritage pubs announced they would be closing this past few weeks too.
Brewery-run Gun Quarter pub The Gunmakers Arms closed up at the end of June.
Two Towers Brewery shut the historic boozer suddenly, sharing no details yet on why or the future plans for the heritage venue.
Meanwhile, The Anchor pub in Digbeth, which has had a licence to sell beers since the 1700s, said it’d be closing mid-June.
Julian Rose-Gibbs, who ran it, told BirminghamLive: “Costs of everything rise and independents suffer. Nothing lasts forever.
“This age of the Anchor is over. Its been emotional.”
Fortunately for those that loved it, new management has been brought it to restore the boozer and bring it back to life.
Peter Connolly, who runs Nortons in Digbeth, is taking it on and plans to relaunch it mid- to late-August.