- The Acorn -
I'll start off the new year of archive extractions with the Acorn at Willenhall, a Walsall Road free house with a hint of red Bass triangle. Situated on the junction with Fisher Street, the building was partially demolished and then scruffily rebuilt after closure - the result is a bit of an eyesore if I'm honest. The Old Oak directly opposite is still trading as far as I know.
- The Gun Barrels -
A favourite with students at the University of Birmingham due to its proximity to the main Edgbaston campus, the Gun Barrels could be found on Bristol Road and hosted many a lively party night. The 1970s version of the pub replaced an earlier M&B roadhouse that had its own bowing green; the later incarnation then got demolished circa 2013 to make way for the university's Sports & Fitness Club, a £55 million facility that includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
- Jovial Foresters -
How's about this for a fascinating frontage? Lettering for Ind Coope's Burton Ales was still proudly on show at the Jovial Foresters when this picture was taken in June 2015, and how I'd have loved the chance to set foot inside. Alas this historic Hanley inn escaped my clutches and the last I heard it was still standing disused on Marsh Street awaiting whatever its fate might be.
- The Talbot -
Another pub I'd have relished a proper rummage around was the Talbot in Hartlebury, a Grade II listed landmark on the Old Worcester Road just across from the village post office. Architecturally it boasted a 17th century timber frame structure but had already shut by the time of this May 2014 photo - the building has since been converted for residential use.
More interesting sights - the Gun Barrels was just one of two pubs in Selly Oak that were built and demolished in my lifetime...the other being the Great Oak!
ReplyDeleteI remember coming across the Jovial Foresters in 2016 and being rather sad that such a magnificent looking boozer was (very) closed!
Thanks Pete, sadly the situation at the Jovial Foresters hadn't improved when we had a look last year so I wonder what the future has in store - it might surprise us by getting resurrected as there have been some notable comebacks in the Potteries recently (the Woodman also in Hanley for one).
DeleteYou've got me intrigued about the Great Oak in Selly Oak now, not one I particularly remember. The Bristol Pear and the S'Oak (along with the Gun Barrels) seemed to be the go-to places when I was a student, and even they've gone a bit hipster of late. Cheers, Paul