Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: vaughan_ellis on April 02, 2012, 08:31:08 PM
-
After Saturday's game I was in King Eddies drowning my sorrows with a mate and got talking to Paul the owner. I was told that due to a Council redevelopment plan King Eddies, Aston Social and The Adventurers are all subject to compulsory purchase orders and will be disappearing sometime next season. Sad news indeed....
Only slight positive news was that the Aston Tavern will be getting renovated and will reopen before any of them disappear.
I don't live in Birmingham so not sure whether this is common knowledge or not but thought I'd share it.
-
Thats sad to hear about those three boozers closing but I have very happy memories of the Aston Tavern and look forward to frequenting it again on matchdays.
-
What the hell are they building there? That's a big area.
-
I was told it is part of a larger redevelopment of what they are calling outer birmingham and is housing, office space, shops and possibly a hotel too. I presume there must be some plans available on the council website but haven't looked.....
-
this is news to me. i would expect that king eddies is listed
-
We had a drink in the Aston leisure centre before the fulham game (£2 a pint so a bargain these days) and they were taking a petition around. It was in opposition to the council closing it down and build a swimming complex or something.
-
The only one I drink in out of those is the Aston Social and that's only for midweek games. Bit of a shame though.
-
The Aston hotel and Ruskin hall will be quids in if this happens.
-
A shame! A fuckin disaster more like. Possible relegation and closing The Ads.. Season just got shitter.
-
Never fear, you can pay £4 into The Holte.
-
Watching a Mcleish team sober doesn't bear thinking about.
-
There were grown men in King Eddies who were telling me they were close to tears when the news was broke last week.....Where else can you go to admire lovely barmaids not wearing very much :) I was assured that the bar maids would be moving to the Aston Tavern though!
-
Is this some kind of sick April fools joke?
-
sadly I am not joking.....it's all true.
-
I've looked into this. its the aston regional investment site which will be developed as offices and industrial. sound like a science park. it will be a disgrace if the city council sir buying up and flattening pubs to build employment land which is likely to lie vacant with no demand
-
It is happening regeneration of Aston into town. Its also why a takeover is on the horizon were classed as more of an investment.
-
Council plans are here:
http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/astonaap
-
I bloody renewed my membership at the Social on Saturday too!
-
The Kaiser getting a new contract will just put the seal on this season. Utter shit from start to finish.
I'm far from happy.
-
I bloody renewed my membership at the Social on Saturday too!
d'oh....
-
It is happening regeneration of Aston into town. Its also why a takeover is on the horizon were classed as more of an investment.
its nothing to do with town. its miles away. not sure how this affects villa as an investment.
Looks like edies could make way for road improvements. makes me sick.
Oh and the tavern lies within the boundary ad well.
-
Shame if the adventures and king Edwards goes, never been in the aston social but also a shame. I'll be happy if the Aston tavern opens up though, my dad used to take me there years ago when I first started going to the villa and I loved it in there. Hope its got nothing to do with the club though, don't want another pub like the holte.
-
The Aston Tavern will take some refurbishment it's in a much worse state than the Holte was.
-
Is the Aston Tavern big enough to house all the folk who use the Ads, Social and Eddies on matchdays? I don't think so?
-
I've looked into this. its the aston regional investment site which will be developed as offices and industrial. sound like a science park. it will be a disgrace if the city council sir buying up and flattening pubs to build employment land which is likely to lie vacant with no demand
Aren't jobs more important in the wider scheme of things than pubs?
-
Does this mean we lose the serpentine car park for match day parking? Nice one, Doug.
I thought the King Edward's had recently fought off demolition, proposed as part of widening the Lichfield Road.
Vandalism.
-
The aston tavern has been derelict for a long old time now, walked past it a couple of weeks agoand it looked like it could do with knocking down and rebuilding.
If it does not re open then won't the swan and mitre be the last pub on that side that's close to the ground?
-
Paulie - only if jobs are actually created but can't see where they are coming from. the council and awm done a great job flattening eastside and we're left with a derelict wasteland with no soul or heritage.
I don't see why pubs and jobs are mutually exclusive - why can't they accommodate the pubs as part of the scheme?
-
it will be a disgrace if the city council sir buying up and flattening pubs to build employment land which is likely to lie vacant with no demand
Aren't jobs more important in the wider scheme of things than pubs?
Yes they are. Specially pubs that are commercially not viable. Having a full house for a few hours once a fortnight doesn't make any business sense.
-
Paulie - only if jobs are actually created but can't see where they are coming from. the council and awm done a great job flattening eastside and we're left with a derelict wasteland with no soul or heritage.
I don't see why pubs and jobs are mutually exclusive - why can't they accommodate the pubs as part of the scheme?
I'm sure the council aren't going to be flattening any land without an idea of what's going to go there. Any development will provide more jobs than three pubs that only really get busy about 20 times a year.
Maybe the pubs would be accomodated if they had some architectural merit - but where's the merit of the Ads or the Social?
-
Is the Aston Tavern big enough to house all the folk who use the Ads, Social and Eddies on matchdays? I don't think so?
I rember playing pool in the Aston tavern in the 80's.A lovely pub. What I don't understand is how it that can be a viable business when the Holte pub (with all the marketing and promotion of a huge organisation) has now been all but mothballed except for matchdays.
-
Is the Aston Tavern big enough to house all the folk who use the Ads, Social and Eddies on matchdays? I don't think so?
I rember playing pool in the Aston tavern in the 80's.A lovely pub. What I don't understand is how it that can be a viable business when the Holte pub (with all the marketing and promotion of a huge organisation) has now been all but mothballed except for matchdays.
It isn't a viable business. Look at it.
Are you thinking of somewhere else?
-
The aston tavern has been derelict for a long old time now, walked past it a couple of weeks agoand it looked like it could do with knocking down and rebuilding.
If it does not re open then won't the swan and mitre be the last pub on that side that's close to the ground?
Here is the Aston Tavern (pictures of the inside) in 2008...
http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=35267
-
And for other interesting Birmingham things that are falling down go here...
http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/tags.php?tag=birmingham
-
Is the Aston Tavern big enough to house all the folk who use the Ads, Social and Eddies on matchdays? I don't think so?
I rember playing pool in the Aston tavern in the 80's.A lovely pub. What I don't understand is how it that can be a viable business when the Holte pub (with all the marketing and promotion of a huge organisation) has now been all but mothballed except for matchdays.
It isn't a viable business. Look at it.
Are you thinking of somewhere else?
The pub under the Aston express way.If it is refurbed they wont be selling Sausage and Chips for £1.50 like the Social.The Yew Tree has just recently been refurbed, everytime I go past non matchdays it is either shut or empty-it probably makes a mint matchdays, but can't survive just on that.
-
Paulie - only if jobs are actually created but can't see where they are coming from. the council and awm done a great job flattening eastside and we're left with a derelict wasteland with no soul or heritage.
I don't see why pubs and jobs are mutually exclusive - why can't they accommodate the pubs as part of the scheme?
I'm sure the council aren't going to be flattening any land without an idea of what's going to go there. Any development will provide more jobs than three pubs that only really get busy about 20 times a year.
Maybe the pubs would be accomodated if they had some architectural merit - but where's the merit of the Ads or the Social?
There's merit in the KE. besides if the jobs are created, which is a longshot, why couldn't they become viable businesses with more employees and residents? The council has form with eastside in clearing land for redevelopment when there's no market for it
-
Shame but understandable I suppose. I used to love visiting the 150 club as a kid on match days. My dad loved a drink so we'll be in there really early playing football by the toilets. Then it filled up and the game was stopped
-
Is the Aston Tavern big enough to house all the folk who use the Ads, Social and Eddies on matchdays? I don't think so?
I rember playing pool in the Aston tavern in the 80's.A lovely pub. What I don't understand is how it that can be a viable business when the Holte pub (with all the marketing and promotion of a huge organisation) has now been all but mothballed except for matchdays.
It isn't a viable business. Look at it.
Are you thinking of somewhere else?
The pub under the Aston express way.If it is refurbed they wont be selling Sausage and Chips for £1.50 like the Social.The Yew Tree has just recently been refurbed, everytime I go past non matchdays it is either shut or empty-it probably makes a mint matchdays, but can't survive just on that.
The Yew Tree was shut on Saturday.
-
After Saturday's game I was in King Eddies drowning my sorrows with a mate and got talking to Paul the owner. I was told that due to a Council redevelopment plan King Eddies, Aston Social and The Adventurers are all subject to compulsory purchase orders and will be disappearing sometime next season. Sad news indeed....
I smell a developer !
Only slight positive news was that the Aston Tavern will be getting renovated and will reopen before any of them disappear.
I don't live in Birmingham so not sure whether this is common knowledge or not but thought I'd share it.
-
It's a shame if it does happen.
-
Aston Tavern used to be my pre-match drinking hole of choice, way back.
Also attracted alot of away fans.
-
Is the Aston Tavern big enough to house all the folk who use the Ads, Social and Eddies on matchdays? I don't think so?
I rember playing pool in the Aston tavern in the 80's.A lovely pub. What I don't understand is how it that can be a viable business when the Holte pub (with all the marketing and promotion of a huge organisation) has now been all but mothballed except for matchdays.
I played pool in that back room. The Aston Tavern was the first pub I went in when we got back from Arsenal when we won the league. It would be great to see it open again. The question is, what is happening with the Upper Grounds / Ratpan? It has been totally gutted and extended with claret and blue roller shutters on it. Probably another greengrocers.
-
And there's me opening up this thread expecting an announcement that Panda Cola and Happy Shopper were to be our new drinks sponsors next season.
Good news the tavern will be open, it's a lovely pub. The King Eddie is a lovely building too so it's a shame it will fall foul to the bulldozers. It's a good job match day attendances will be down next year as surely there no way all the drinkers from the social, Eddie, adventurers will all fit in the tavern.
-
There's merit in the KE. besides if the jobs are created, which is a longshot, why couldn't they become viable businesses with more employees and residents? The council has form with eastside in clearing land for redevelopment when there's no market for it
Eastside has become a victim of the recession, several planned schemes were abandoned by developers, not sure if any are now back on the cards if the recovery steps up, and if the High Speed Rail link does get built then it will benefit as the Brum terminus will be around Curzon Street.
The KE is the only one of the three that has any merit to be kept, and then only for the architecture rather than it's viability as a pub. Office workers aren't generally the type to drink enough at lunchtime to keep a pub open, maybe if it became a bit 'foodie' but then you'd all complain that it wasn't the pub you loved to have a few pints in pre-match!
-
What the Social should be doing is starting a petition and making representations to be allowed to open a new club in the new development, thereby catering not only for us lot, but for new residents and workers.
-
Used the Social and the Ads and the Tavern regularly in the past. Sad to see everything changing. Hopefully the tavern will get a re-vamp incorporating some of Its past.
Seem to remember a lot of Victorian style tiling and a bit of land out the back for drinking and a car park
There wont be many pubs left on that side of the ground.
-
What the Social should be doing is starting a petition and making representations to be allowed to open a new club in the new development, thereby catering not only for us lot, but for new residents and workers.
I didn't think you could have new houses built there because of pollution from the Expressway.
-
There's merit in the KE. besides if the jobs are created, which is a longshot, why couldn't they become viable businesses with more employees and residents? The council has form with eastside in clearing land for redevelopment when there's no market for it
Eastside has become a victim of the recession, several planned schemes were abandoned by developers, not sure if any are now back on the cards if the recovery steps up, and if the High Speed Rail link does get built then it will benefit as the Brum terminus will be around Curzon Street.
The KE is the only one of the three that has any merit to be kept, and then only for the architecture rather than it's viability as a pub. Office workers aren't generally the type to drink enough at lunchtime to keep a pub open, maybe if it became a bit 'foodie' but then you'd all complain that it wasn't the pub you loved to have a few pints in pre-match!
I'm sure Eastside will come back on track soon but only really because it is proximate to HS2. The fact is there is tonnes of vacant employment land throughout the West Mids due to a lack of demand. If BCC/AWM want to spend public funds on bringinjg sites forward ready for the market recovery (if there is one) fair enough but I think its sad that it comes at the expense of these pubs.
The Social and Ads may be nothing to look at but that shouldn't be the sole reason for knocking them down. They are important community facilities (admittedly not for the locals in this case) but certainly for us fans on match day, and potentially for future offices/industrial employees.
It concerns me that they could be demolished to make way for road improvements and infrastructure just to service parcels of land which won't be developed for employment use for another decade.
-
as long as they leave Hotel Splendido Marvelouso also known as The Manor Tavern alone..
UTV
The Doc
-
The (original) Holte
The Reservoir
The Church
The Britannia
The Grovesnor
The Tavern
Now The Edward and Social and The Ads.
If the Villa keep doing this shit and attendances keep dropping then the Swan, Aston Hotel, the vine and the Yew Tree will probabaly all go the same way, and usually when they're gone, they're gone.
Sad Times indeed.
-
If those pubs are surviving purely on Villa home games then they haven't exactly got a very viable business model! It is sad to see pubs close, but if they can't attract punters beyond those who will drink anywhere they can get a few pre-match lagers down their necks then their time is numbered anyway.
-
But Dave, they are viable, otherwise they would have shut under other circumstances than a compulsory purchase order.
-
Percy, I was replying to Trinitymiddle who thinks that if our crowds go down then other pubs will also close. And I'm saying that if they are relying so heavily on being full for two hours 20 times a year then they are always going to be on the brink!
-
The pub most local to me (I can't call it my local as i hate the place) has just closed. It based it's whole trade on showing live Wolves games and since they stopped being shown the pub has shut down.
It does prove Daves idea that to base trade all around one basis is asking for trouble.
-
There's merit in the KE. besides if the jobs are created, which is a longshot, why couldn't they become viable businesses with more employees and residents? The council has form with eastside in clearing land for redevelopment when there's no market for it
Eastside has become a victim of the recession, several planned schemes were abandoned by developers, not sure if any are now back on the cards if the recovery steps up, and if the High Speed Rail link does get built then it will benefit as the Brum terminus will be around Curzon Street.
The KE is the only one of the three that has any merit to be kept, and then only for the architecture rather than it's viability as a pub. Office workers aren't generally the type to drink enough at lunchtime to keep a pub open, maybe if it became a bit 'foodie' but then you'd all complain that it wasn't the pub you loved to have a few pints in pre-match!
I'm sure Eastside will come back on track soon but only really because it is proximate to HS2. The fact is there is tonnes of vacant employment land throughout the West Mids due to a lack of demand. If BCC/AWM want to spend public funds on bringinjg sites forward ready for the market recovery (if there is one) fair enough but I think its sad that it comes at the expense of these pubs.
The Social and Ads may be nothing to look at but that shouldn't be the sole reason for knocking them down. They are important community facilities (admittedly not for the locals in this case) but certainly for us fans on match day, and potentially for future offices/industrial employees.
It concerns me that they could be demolished to make way for road improvements and infrastructure just to service parcels of land which won't be developed for employment use for another decade.
Yes, but nobody is saying the fact they're ugly is why they'd be knocked down.
What about the fact that Aston is one of (it not the) the most deprived areas in the city, and bringing businesses into this area would provide jobs for the local economy?
You say yourself that they're important facilities for people other than the local communities - why should the needs of people who roll up 20 odd times a year for a couple of hours even be on the same sheet as those who live there, 365 days a year?
Some things are way more important than having somewhere to drink prior to a match.
-
The (original) Holte
The Reservoir
The Church
The Britannia
The Grovesnor
The Tavern
Now The Edward and Social and The Ads.
If the Villa keep doing this shit and attendances keep dropping then the Swan, Aston Hotel, the vine and the Yew Tree will probabaly all go the same way, and usually when they're gone, they're gone.
Sad Times indeed.
I was thinking of a similar list of pubs that have closed down too. You can also add The Harriers.
-
Some things are way more important than having somewhere to drink prior to a match.
If the breweries wont do it the Samaritans should open a pub near the ground.
-
Some things are way more important than having somewhere to drink prior to a match.
Isn't what you meant to say "somethings are way more important to me than having somewhere to drink prior to a game" even allowing for the fact that by your own admission you no longer go to pubs?
If it wasn't for these pubs I wouldn't know a fraction of the good people who frequent this site and with the season we've had and most of last the pub social experience has been the main enjoyment for most of our matches.
-
All the pubs on Summer Lane too... All used to be pre-match haunts, with much lower gates than we are getting now. It's more to do with changing drinking habits.
-
Some things are way more important than having somewhere to drink prior to a match.
Isn't what you meant to say "somethings are way more important to me than having somewhere to drink prior to a game" even allowing for the fact that by your own admission you no longer go to pubs?
If it wasn't for these pubs I wouldn't know a fraction of the good people who frequent this site and with the season we've had and most of last the pub social experience has been the main enjoyment for most of our matches.
Jumping out of bed and going straight to the ground would'nt be the same somehow. Besides like Bren'd, a lot of the lads i go home and away with were met whilst chatting over a pre-match beer.
-
Some things are way more important than having somewhere to drink prior to a match.
Isn't what you meant to say "somethings are way more important to me than having somewhere to drink prior to a game" even allowing for the fact that by your own admission you no longer go to pubs?
If it wasn't for these pubs I wouldn't know a fraction of the good people who frequent this site and with the season we've had and most of last the pub social experience has been the main enjoyment for most of our matches.
No, quite the opposite. I was talking entirely with regard to the local economy.
As you hinted at yourself, having recalled something I said on another thread recently, it doesn't really make any difference to me personally if there are pubs there or offices.
The pubs mentioned obviously provide lots of people with what they want prior to the matches, as their rammed-ness will show, but beyond that they're not really doing much for the local economy.
The fact you or whoever likes a pint there before the match is obviously something that makes you appreciate the pubs, and that's entirely understandably, but if there's a chance of using that land to locate companies who will provide jobs in an area with horrendous unemployment figures, it's hard to argue their case.
-
Is this actually happening?, a quick google seems to suggest that the area is marked for redevelopment and any businesses therein could be subject to a CPO but none are yet.
Anyone got any more info?
-
The (original) Holte
The Reservoir
The Church
The Britannia
The Grovesnor
The Tavern
Now The Edward and Social and The Ads.
If the Villa keep doing this shit and attendances keep dropping then the Swan, Aston Hotel, the vine and the Yew Tree will probabaly all go the same way, and usually when they're gone, they're gone.
Sad Times indeed.
They managed to survive when we were getting lower crowds than now. The world's changed, Aston more than most, and that's the reason why these pubs have gone.
-
The (original) Holte
The Reservoir
The Church
The Britannia
The Grovesnor
The Tavern
Now The Edward and Social and The Ads.
If the Villa keep doing this shit and attendances keep dropping then the Swan, Aston Hotel, the vine and the Yew Tree will probabaly all go the same way, and usually when they're gone, they're gone.
Sad Times indeed.
They managed to survive when we were getting lower crowds than now. The world's changed, Aston more than most, and that's the reason why these pubs have gone.
Since we last had low crowds, more pubs are closing as its harder to compete with supermarkets who are a lot more competitive than they were, even in the last 5-10 years. A huge Tesco's has opened up in Witton in the last year or so. Also the smoking ban came into effect relatively recently. That is why more than ever, these pubs are surviving on football trade as the majority of their turnover.
-
The (original) Holte
The Reservoir
The Church
The Britannia
The Grovesnor
The Tavern
Now The Edward and Social and The Ads.
If the Villa keep doing this shit and attendances keep dropping then the Swan, Aston Hotel, the vine and the Yew Tree will probabaly all go the same way, and usually when they're gone, they're gone.
Sad Times indeed.
They managed to survive when we were getting lower crowds than now. The world's changed, Aston more than most, and that's the reason why these pubs have gone.
Since we last had low crowds, more pubs are closing as its harder to compete with supermarkets who are a lot more competitive than they were, even in the last 5-10 years. A huge Tesco's has opened up in Witton in the last year or so. Also the smoking ban came into effect relatively recently. That is why more than ever, these pubs are surviving on football trade as the majority of their turnover.
I doubt very much if the difference between a 25,000 and 35,000 gate at a nearby football ground 20 times a year will affect the survival of any of them, and if it does then bigger fool their owners for relying on it.
-
A lot of these pubs would not survive if it wasnt for matchdays, match day takings are likely to be worth several weeks of income.
-
The Midland, opposite Cheltenham railway station, does 50% of its yearly takings when the races are on as an example.
-
Not Villa-related, I know, but the gaffer of my real-ale pub struggles in the recession(real, not technical?) and the £1,000-plus he makes per Chesterfield home game are what makes the pub's running feasible.
-
There's merit in the KE. besides if the jobs are created, which is a longshot, why couldn't they become viable businesses with more employees and residents? The council has form with eastside in clearing land for redevelopment when there's no market for it
Eastside has become a victim of the recession, several planned schemes were abandoned by developers, not sure if any are now back on the cards if the recovery steps up, and if the High Speed Rail link does get built then it will benefit as the Brum terminus will be around Curzon Street.
The KE is the only one of the three that has any merit to be kept, and then only for the architecture rather than it's viability as a pub. Office workers aren't generally the type to drink enough at lunchtime to keep a pub open, maybe if it became a bit 'foodie' but then you'd all complain that it wasn't the pub you loved to have a few pints in pre-match!
I'm sure Eastside will come back on track soon but only really because it is proximate to HS2. The fact is there is tonnes of vacant employment land throughout the West Mids due to a lack of demand. If BCC/AWM want to spend public funds on bringinjg sites forward ready for the market recovery (if there is one) fair enough but I think its sad that it comes at the expense of these pubs.
The Social and Ads may be nothing to look at but that shouldn't be the sole reason for knocking them down. They are important community facilities (admittedly not for the locals in this case) but certainly for us fans on match day, and potentially for future offices/industrial employees.
It concerns me that they could be demolished to make way for road improvements and infrastructure just to service parcels of land which won't be developed for employment use for another decade.
Yes, but nobody is saying the fact they're ugly is why they'd be knocked down.
What about the fact that Aston is one of (it not the) the most deprived areas in the city, and bringing businesses into this area would provide jobs for the local economy?
You say yourself that they're important facilities for people other than the local communities - why should the needs of people who roll up 20 odd times a year for a couple of hours even be on the same sheet as those who live there, 365 days a year?
Some things are way more important than having somewhere to drink prior to a match.
Of course jobs are more important than a pre match drink Paulie, and I'm all for economic growth. The point I am making is where are these jobs going to come from? Employment development in the West Mids over the past 5 yrs has been as rare as rocking horse shit and I can't see where the demand for this land is going to come from in the next 5 yrs, particularly with the land at Eastside, Aston Science Park, Pebble Mill and Longbridge.
If the pubs were lieing vacant then fair enough but they are all operating and I fear that they will be lost to make way for new roads to service sites which are likely to lie vacant for a number of years.
I also doubt very much that many jobs created here - offices / high tech / light industrial - will be taken by the local community.
-
Of course jobs are more important than a pre match drink Paulie, and I'm all for economic growth. The point I am making is where are these jobs going to come from? Employment development in the West Mids over the past 5 yrs has been as rare as rocking horse shit and I can't see where the demand for this land is going to come from in the next 5 yrs, particularly with the land at Eastside, Aston Science Park, Pebble Mill and Longbridge.
If the pubs were lieing vacant then fair enough but they are all operating and I fear that they will be lost to make way for new roads to service sites which are likely to lie vacant for a number of years.
I also doubt very much that many jobs created here - offices / high tech / light industrial - will be taken by the local community.
Why wouldnt light industrial jobs be taken by the locals? Aston has been about light industry for decades. It won't be used for high tech or high grade office space.
In this economy, nobody is going to build an infrastructure for premises then to lie empty.
re the other places you mentioned - Pebble Mill is slated to be the new location for the Dental Hospital and Dental School, Eastside is never going to be light industrial and is already being developed by Bham City University plus will have HS2, Aston Science Park is constrained by size and already doing well (and again not light industrial), and Longbridge is already being developed as housing and hotels.
The jobs are never going to come to Aston if the infrastructure is not there, and nobody is going to plough cash into it without prior indications of tenants.
-
The Midland, opposite Cheltenham railway station, does 50% of its yearly takings when the races are on as an example.
I bet it does, but that covers way, way more drinking time than Villa home matches do.
-
Well its designated for b1 which includes offices, r&d and light industrial. all those sites are part of the A38 hightech corridor and apart from the science park have failed to attract these uses. remains to be seen if this is any different.
The council has ploughed cash into infrastructure at eastside only for that to lie derelict. i can see that happening here.
-
The council has ploughed cash into infrastructure at eastside only for that to lie derelict. i can see that happening here.
As I said before, Eastside became a victim of the recession, mainly due to the type of development that was scheduled down there. It was going to be a leisure type development, remember that huge tower with the theme park on top of it that was mooted? Upmarket hotels and bars and high-tech office developments were all on the cards but all went on hold went the economy collapsed. I can see it slowly being built now, Hotel LeTour is nearly finished on the way down there from Town and I can see a slow creep towards Millenium Point as the economy picks up, especially if HS2 definitely gets the nod.
-
I know the Etihad/Eastlands was a purpose built ground but the have outside bars etc around the perimeter of the stadium, i know it's not the same as sitting the pub putting the Villa and world in general to rights but firstly it would give all the displaced drinkers somewhere to go and secondly add a new revenue stream for the club.
-
I've looked into this. its the aston regional investment site which will be developed as offices and industrial. sound like a science park. it will be a disgrace if the city council sir buying up and flattening pubs to build employment land which is likely to lie vacant with no demand
a bit like villa park then next season :'(
-
Surprised at the disappointment on here, I thought most of you drink in the Sportman.
-
Everywhere became a victim of the recession Dave. i agree that eastside is likely to be saved by hs2. All that's been developed since 2007 are education facilities and a hotel. the place would be derelict for years without hs2 with no demand for offices there, nor resi, nor leisure, nor industrial.
-
Surprised at the disappointment on here, I thought most of you drink in the Sportman.
A rabbit stew....a pint of cider...and you're sound as a pound
-
Everywhere became a victim of the recession Dave. i agree that eastside is likely to be saved by hs2. All that's been developed since 2007 are education facilities and a hotel. the place would be derelict for years without hs2 with no demand for offices there, nor resi, nor leisure, nor industrial.
And the flats at Masshouse.
Why does the slowness of Eastside mean all other development wont work?
Look at Snow Hill. Why are they bothering there if that is the case?
-
Maybe the Holte Pub will get extra trade and will open up again midweek. It can't carry on as it is on match days only. We need somewhere to have a bite to eat when we are drawn to Villa Park between games.
-
Masshouse pre recession.
Snow hill an extension to the financial quarter and adjoins a train station butj even then the third phase was unviable.
Anyway i digress - galls me that the pubs are bring lost to road improvement when there's loads of employment land available in the city.
-
The King Eddie has been dodging the axe for years with the Church Tavern being demolished close by. I used to drink in there not realising what the collections were for.
-
Where was the Church Tavern and when did it go?
-
Maybe the Holte Pub will get extra trade and will open up again midweek. It can't carry on as it is on match days only. We need somewhere to have a bite to eat when we are drawn to Villa Park between games.
Ultimately, I think the problem is that not enough of us are there between games.
It's a shame, but at least it makes the approach to the ground from that end magnificent.
-
Maybe the Holte Pub will get extra trade and will open up again midweek. It can't carry on as it is on match days only. We need somewhere to have a bite to eat when we are drawn to Villa Park between games.
Ultimately, I think the problem is that not enough of us are there between games.
It's a shame, but at least it makes the approach to the ground from that end magnificent.
Very true it is fantastic to look at, a world away from the opposite end approach.
-
Where was the Church Tavern and when did it go?
On the Lichfield Road a couple of hundred yards from the King Edward. Went in the early 90s I think when the road was widened.
-
Are they closing because are incoming Qatari owners want to invest in the surrounding area?
:P
-
Birmingham has some great Victorian pub architecture; drive down any of the arterial roads and you'll see it. Unfortunately, most of them are in the wrong areas to thrive.
-
Where was the Church Tavern and when did it go?
On the Lichfield Road a couple of hundred yards from the King Edward. Went in the early 90s I think when the road was widened.
Where the five a side pitches are now? I've no recollection of it at all.
-
Where was the Church Tavern and when did it go?
On the Lichfield Road a couple of hundred yards from the King Edward. Went in the early 90s I think when the road was widened.
Where the five a side pitches are now? I've no recollection of it at all.
No not there, In between where the Edward is now and Aston Station. The 5 a side pitches are what used to be Salford Park. I remember school athletic events being held there.
It's a shame about the Britania. Almost as good as the Bartons interior for ornate wall tiling.
-
The closure of the three most popular pre- and post-match haunts should certainly provide a boost to all the other pubs in the area.
Maybe the Brit will open as a pub again.
-
The closure of the three most popular pre- and post-match haunts should certainly provide a boost to all the other pubs in the area.
Maybe the Brit will open as a pub again.
You never know, The Yew Tree might finally serve a pint worth drinking.
-
Is the Aston Tavern big enough to house all the folk who use the Ads, Social and Eddies on matchdays? I don't think so?
I rember playing pool in the Aston tavern in the 80's.A lovely pub. What I don't understand is how it that can be a viable business when the Holte pub (with all the marketing and promotion of a huge organisation) has now been all but mothballed except for matchdays.
I played pool in that back room. The Aston Tavern was the first pub I went in when we got back from Arsenal when we won the league. It would be great to see it open again. The question is, what is happening with the Upper Grounds / Ratpan? It has been totally gutted and extended with claret and blue roller shutters on it. Probably another greengrocers.
Here is the refurbished Ratpan. Now a venue for Indian weddings and birthdays.
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s532/villajk/893813997098baa64b8a3e8151ca5d47_zps0e7088fb.jpg)
-
I notice that work has started on the Aston Tavern refurb. Some good news in a miserable period
-
Spent many happy hours in the Ratpan :(
-
The closure of the three most popular pre- and post-match haunts should certainly provide a boost to all the other pubs in the area.
Maybe the Brit will open as a pub again.
You never know, The Yew Tree might finally serve a pint worth drinking.
I doubt it.
-
I notice that work has started on the Aston Tavern refurb. Some good news in a miserable period
The M**l were reporting that the Edward will be demolished and the gaffer moving to the Tavern as part of the deal. Something that was mooted last year.
-
That is what I read too. The gaffer's idea apparently. What is happening with The Aston Social? And does anyone know more about the slow, drawn out apparent refurb of The Vine?
-
http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2013/03/07/conservation-group-in-battle-to-save-historic-aston-pub-65233-32936614/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
-
Dont hold your breath
-
As the King Edward occupies a corner space between two roads, we're talking about demolishing an interesting and attractive Victorian structure for the sake of a few square feet and a few quid. This kind of idiotic civic vandalism has been Birmingham City Council's forte for over 50 years. I hope the money-grabbing morons are proud of themselves.
-
As the King Edward occupies a corner space between two roads, we're talking about demolishing an interesting and attractive Victorian structure for the sake of a few square feet and a few quid. This kind of idiotic civic vandalism has been Birmingham City Council's forte for over 50 years. I hope the money-grabbing morons are proud of themselves.
Plus you will still get stopped at those traffic lights every fucking time then again at Cuckoo Road.
-
As the King Edward occupies a corner space between two roads, we're talking about demolishing an interesting and attractive Victorian structure for the sake of a few square feet and a few quid. This kind of idiotic civic vandalism has been Birmingham City Council's forte for over 50 years. I hope the money-grabbing morons are proud of themselves.
Plus you will still get stopped at those traffic lights every fucking time then again at Cuckoo Road.
Indeed, but in the future you'll be staring at a corrugated iron shed instead of an attractive Victorian building while you wait.
-
That is what I read too. The gaffer's idea apparently. What is happening with The Aston Social? And does anyone know more about the slow, drawn out apparent refurb of The Vine?
The vine should be the one to be knocked down. It needs a fortune spending on it. Possibly the worst bogs in the history of worst bogs in the world.
-
That is what I read too. The gaffer's idea apparently. What is happening with The Aston Social? And does anyone know more about the slow, drawn out apparent refurb of The Vine?
The vine should be the one to be knocked down. It needs a fortune spending on it. Possibly the worst bogs in the history of worst bogs in the world.
You're right there, Dan. I nearly choked on my sandwiches last time I went in there.
-
That is what I read too. The gaffer's idea apparently. What is happening with The Aston Social? And does anyone know more about the slow, drawn out apparent refurb of The Vine?
The vine should be the one to be knocked down. It needs a fortune spending on it. Possibly the worst bogs in the history of worst bogs in the world.
I take it you've never been to Fratton Park?
-
As the King Edward occupies a corner space between two roads, we're talking about demolishing an interesting and attractive Victorian structure for the sake of a few square feet and a few quid. This kind of idiotic civic vandalism has been Birmingham City Council's forte for over 50 years. I hope the money-grabbing morons are proud of themselves.
Plus you will still get stopped at those traffic lights every fucking time then again at Cuckoo Road.
Indeed, but in the future you'll be staring at a corrugated iron shed instead of an attractive Victorian building while you wait.
Yes, the big Sky Sports banner and the sign for cheap all-day breakfasts make the time fly by. Let's get a sense of proportion here - we're talking a rundown pub in a rundown area. It's hardly Glasgow University.
-
As the King Edward occupies a corner space between two roads, we're talking about demolishing an interesting and attractive Victorian structure for the sake of a few square feet and a few quid. This kind of idiotic civic vandalism has been Birmingham City Council's forte for over 50 years. I hope the money-grabbing morons are proud of themselves.
Plus you will still get stopped at those traffic lights every fucking time then again at Cuckoo Road.
Indeed, but in the future you'll be staring at a corrugated iron shed instead of an attractive Victorian building while you wait.
Yes, the big Sky Sports banner and the sign for cheap all-day breakfasts make the time fly by. Let's get a sense of proportion here - we're talking a rundown pub in a rundown area. It's hardly Glasgow University.
The continual demolition of our Victorian heritage means sooner or later we'll have none left.
Aston is an area of great history and character, but if you were a stranger and you just landed on the Lichfield Road side of Aston, you might think you were in a run down sixties new town.
We've already lost the Reservoir, The Church, The Brit, The Vine on The Lichfield Road alone, but yeah, lets knock another one down.
-
One thing inner-city Birmingham is not short of is late Victorian pub buildings; they're on every arterial road. There's three within a couple of hundred yards in the area you're talking about. They may not be pubs anymore but there's a reason for that. You can't insist that a failing business stays open just because you might use it occasionally.
-
One thing inner-city Birmingham is not short of is late Victorian pub buildings; they're on every arterial road. There's three within a couple of hundred yards in the area you're talking about. They may not be pubs anymore but there's a reason for that. You can't insist that a failing business stays open just because you might use it occasionally.
I dont think the Edward is a failing business, its a compulsory purchase order.
-
One thing inner-city Birmingham is not short of is late Victorian pub buildings; they're on every arterial road. There's three within a couple of hundred yards in the area you're talking about. They may not be pubs anymore but there's a reason for that. You can't insist that a failing business stays open just because you might use it occasionally.
I dont think the Edward is a failing business, its a compulsory purchase order.
And as a result another building of greater architectural merit will be renovated. My initial point stands though - the Edward is not a particularly valuable building.
-
One thing inner-city Birmingham is not short of is late Victorian pub buildings; they're on every arterial road. There's three within a couple of hundred yards in the area you're talking about. They may not be pubs anymore but there's a reason for that. You can't insist that a failing business stays open just because you might use it occasionally.
I dont think the Edward is a failing business, its a compulsory purchase order.
And as a result another building of greater architectural merit will be renovated. My initial point stands though - the Edward is not a particularly valuable building.
I dont think the Tavern is any more architecturally valuable than the Edward, but that's a matter of opinion.
We have lost enough of our architectural heritage in this city, especially in the city centre, and it would be nice to not keep knocking this stuff down. Generally what it gets replaced with is of no aesthetic merit at all (look at what is on the site of the old Reservoir pub), and every time we do it, it makes the city a slightly less pleasant place to live
-
We have lost enough of our architectural heritage in this city, especially in the city centre, and it would be nice to not keep knocking this stuff down. Generally what it gets replaced with is of no aesthetic merit at all (look at what is on the site of the old Reservoir pub), and every time we do it, it makes the city a slightly less pleasant place to live
What about when what is built in the place creates jobs for the area?
-
One thing inner-city Birmingham is not short of is late Victorian pub buildings; they're on every arterial road. There's three within a couple of hundred yards in the area you're talking about. They may not be pubs anymore but there's a reason for that. You can't insist that a failing business stays open just because you might use it occasionally.
I dont think the Edward is a failing business, its a compulsory purchase order.
And as a result another building of greater architectural merit will be renovated. My initial point stands though - the Edward is not a particularly valuable building.
I dont think the Tavern is any more architecturally valuable than the Edward, but that's a matter of opinion.
We have lost enough of our architectural heritage in this city, especially in the city centre, and it would be nice to not keep knocking this stuff down. Generally what it gets replaced with is of no aesthetic merit at all (look at what is on the site of the old Reservoir pub), and every time we do it, it makes the city a slightly less pleasant place to live
Couldn't agree more, Trinitymiddle. Enough is enough.
-
We have lost enough of our architectural heritage in this city, especially in the city centre, and it would be nice to not keep knocking this stuff down. Generally what it gets replaced with is of no aesthetic merit at all (look at what is on the site of the old Reservoir pub), and every time we do it, it makes the city a slightly less pleasant place to live
What about when what is built in the place creates jobs for the area?
Have you seen the amount of space the building takes up? It's not going to affect the commercial viability of the new development much if it stays. Standing as it does, on a fork in the road, it could be a gateway to the development. There's a lot of shit in that area that should be demolished before the King Edward.
-
We have lost enough of our architectural heritage in this city, especially in the city centre, and it would be nice to not keep knocking this stuff down. Generally what it gets replaced with is of no aesthetic merit at all (look at what is on the site of the old Reservoir pub), and every time we do it, it makes the city a slightly less pleasant place to live
What about when what is built in the place creates jobs for the area?
Loads of brownfield sites in Aston to build on. Why build on the site of one of the last remaining decent buildings left?
-
We have lost enough of our architectural heritage in this city, especially in the city centre, and it would be nice to not keep knocking this stuff down. Generally what it gets replaced with is of no aesthetic merit at all (look at what is on the site of the old Reservoir pub), and every time we do it, it makes the city a slightly less pleasant place to live
What about when what is built in the place creates jobs for the area?
Have you seen the amount of space the building takes up? It's not going to affect the commercial viability of the new development much if it stays. Standing as it does, on a fork in the road, it could be a gateway to the development. There's a lot of shit in that area that should be demolished before the King Edward.
Do you know that, though? You're passing it on as fact, so you must, I imagine?
I have to say, it has never struct me as particularly special. It's not even one of the nicer pubs in Aston, in my opinion.
-
We have lost enough of our architectural heritage in this city, especially in the city centre, and it would be nice to not keep knocking this stuff down. Generally what it gets replaced with is of no aesthetic merit at all (look at what is on the site of the old Reservoir pub), and every time we do it, it makes the city a slightly less pleasant place to live
What about when what is built in the place creates jobs for the area?
Loads of brownfield sites in Aston to build on. Why build on the site of one of the last remaining decent buildings left?
Maybe that land suits what they need best - it's not just going to be a warehouse on the plot of that pub, it's a big development, apparently.
-
We have lost enough of our architectural heritage in this city, especially in the city centre, and it would be nice to not keep knocking this stuff down. Generally what it gets replaced with is of no aesthetic merit at all (look at what is on the site of the old Reservoir pub), and every time we do it, it makes the city a slightly less pleasant place to live
What about when what is built in the place creates jobs for the area?
Have you seen the amount of space the building takes up? It's not going to affect the commercial viability of the new development much if it stays. Standing as it does, on a fork in the road, it could be a gateway to the development. There's a lot of shit in that area that should be demolished before the King Edward.
Do you know that, though? You're passing it on as fact, so you must, I imagine?
I have to say, it has never struct me as particularly special. It's not even one of the nicer pubs in Aston, in my opinion.
No, Paulie, I haven't been on site with my hard hat and measuring wheel, but then you knew that, didn't you? I'm basing it on the fact that the pub occupies a small piece of land on a corner in a fork in the road. Unless the plan is to build over those roads, it's surely a small part of the overall development. What really surprises me is the amount of people who are happy to see more and more of Birmingham's old buildings get bulldozed. It's as if they no longer live there or something ;)
-
We have lost enough of our architectural heritage in this city, especially in the city centre, and it would be nice to not keep knocking this stuff down. Generally what it gets replaced with is of no aesthetic merit at all (look at what is on the site of the old Reservoir pub), and every time we do it, it makes the city a slightly less pleasant place to live
What about when what is built in the place creates jobs for the area?
Have you seen the amount of space the building takes up? It's not going to affect the commercial viability of the new development much if it stays. Standing as it does, on a fork in the road, it could be a gateway to the development. There's a lot of shit in that area that should be demolished before the King Edward.
Do you know that, though? You're passing it on as fact, so you must, I imagine?
I have to say, it has never struct me as particularly special. It's not even one of the nicer pubs in Aston, in my opinion.
No, Paulie, I haven't been on site with my hard hat and measuring wheel, but then you knew that, didn't you? I'm basing it on the fact that the pub occupies a small piece of land on a corner in a fork in the road. Unless the plan is to build over those roads, it's surely a small part of the overall development. What really surprises me is the amount of people who are happy to see more and more of Birmingham's old buildings get bulldozed. It's as if they no longer live there or something ;)
I am not happy to see old buildings get bulldozed if it can be avoided, but then again I am willing to see them go if there is an ecomonic case for it which stacks up.
I asked about whether you knew it would not affect the commercial viability not because I thought you would, or because I do - I don't - but to make the point that whilst it's easy to say "this or that wouldn't affect it" we don't actually know if that is true. If you're going to put that as a main reason for your argument, shouldn't you actually know whether that is the case or not?
I am also not saying it should get bulldozed, I am just making the point that maybe it is going for a reason.
I agree with you on the destroying our history thing, I just disagree that means never demolishing anything, ever. I also think it devalues the argument to protect our heritage when buildings of really questionable value - and I appreciate the pub is at a fork in the road and what not - get talked up to something they're really not.
EDIT - apparently, that junction is to be the main entrance to the business park, which is why they want to demolish the pub.
-
Stick the entrance at the back, with access from either side of the pub into both roads. If they could build Stonehenge all those thousands of years ago, I'm sure that would be possible.
Nobody is saying the King Edward is Petra, but the area is so devoid of character these days it might as well be. We need to learn from the mistakes of our shameful past when it comes to bulldozing our heritage. Some towns forbid building over a certain height to preserve the character of the place, no matter how many jobs that might cost. It's about coming up with creative solutions, retaining the heritage and stimulating the economy. It's possible.
-
Is it possible to do it financially, though? And is it worth it in the first place? It doesn't strike me as a particularly nice building, and as someone said earlier, it is mostly daubed in big letters offering bread and breakfast and enormous Sky banners.
I entirely understand your point about demolishing our heritage, I am just not sure how much there is in that building.
-
Dont hold your breath
That would make a lovely site for a drive through Big John's.
Runs for cover.
-
I don't know, Paulie, how much does it cost to demolish a building? As you rightly say, money will play a big part in its future, but some people only see value in money. Others see value in art, architecture and aesthetics. But even if the building doesn't score very highly in that department, there's still value to be found in memory. Buildings hold memories and can give a place its identity. No wonder people are questioning Birmingham's civic identity when all it wants to do is destroy and reinvent itself every 40 years.
Frankly the fact that it has banners placed on it is not a good argument for demolishing it. The building may only have 100 years of history, but if it stays for another 100 years it'll be 200 years, and so on. And one thing is certain: even though it's not St Pancras station, it would still look ten times better than what will replace it. No, I haven't seen the plans, but I'm willing to make a wild prediction on that score.
-
That building would prob cost about £50k to knock down, possibly less unless it's full of asbestos then it will be a lot more.
-
Balls! I saw the title of this thread and thought we may have a chance of some decent beer in the official bars next year. That's false advertising in my book.
I can understand that the nature of demand means I'm never going to get a great real ale selection but even a bottle of Newcastle Brown would be a massive improvement.
Sorry, carry on...
-
Living in a not very old and rapidly changing city, I can see some of the merits of knocking down and starting again. We don't have a lot of sentiment out here, but there are a few preserved old buildings. Unfortunately if you want investment and a lot of people to come, then you most likely have to knock down and start again.
-
A blend of old and new is always nice, like Eastside Park.
-
its being knocked down for junction improvements. id wager the industrial land will lie vacant for years. all for job creation but none is guaranteed here, and the council has track record of over engineering its roads. sad IMO
-
its being knocked down for junction improvements. id wager the industrial land will lie vacant for years. all for job creation but none is guaranteed here, and the council has track record of over engineering its roads. sad IMO
It won't.
it is being done for a specific development
-
Balls! I saw the title of this thread and thought we may have a chance of some decent beer in the official bars next year. That's false advertising in my book.
They used to do a cask ale in the Holte Pub, may do still for all I know, but you are only ever going to get racecourse beer in bars that only open occasionally. I would be very grateful for a pump serving Mad Goose, for example, but you could guarantee it would be vinegar.
-
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/aston-villa-pub-king-edward-1727576?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Good news indeed, there may be plenty of Victorian buildings in the area but there is an awful lot more other buildings far more worthy of demolition to make space for a road.
Villa pub The King Edward VII given reprieve from demolition after planning error
7 Mar 2013 18:26
Councillors were wrongly told that popular Aston pub was derelict - and have called for scheme to be abandoned.
The King Edward VII pub in Aston
Bulldozers set to demolish a historic Birmingham pub have been halted – after mistakes were made in a planning report.
It has emerged that councillors making the decision to allow the King Edward VII pub to be knocked down were also shown pictures taken from the rear – rather than its impressive front which dominates the junction of Lichfield Road and Aston Hall Road.
A report to the city’s planning committee also wrongly claimed the building had been empty for 15 years and conservationists were not consulted before a decision was made.
The pub, which is popular with Aston Villa fans, was to be demolished as part of a scheme to upgrade the junction.
The owner has agreed to move to the derelict Aston Tavern nearby, which also more than 100 years old and in need of major restoration.
But chairman of the council’s conservation panel and planning committee Barry Henley has called for the scheme to be abandoned as the pub has both historic value and is a going concern.
Coun Henley (Lab, Brandwood) said: “We are talking about demolishing an excellent building which is locally listed, ripping out the interior and shipping it to a different derelict building. And I expect we the taxpayer are paying for all that.
“I am sure our transport engineers can design a scheme to improve the junction which does not require demolition.”
He was angry that although on the council’s list of historic buildings, the Conservation and Heritage Panel was not consulted on the King Edward VII demolition.
Other planning committee members were also angry they had been given the impression the pub was derelict.
Coun Peter Douglas Osborn (Cons, Weoley) added: “We have suffered enough from architectural vandalism in this city – this would be architectural terrorism.”
The Victorian Society had sent last minute objections saying the pub, which is in excellent condition for its age, is worthy of preservation.
Committee members could also see little justification for the junction upgrade as Lichfield Road is not one of the city’s most congested – although plans are being drawn up to create a major industrial site off Aston Hall Road over the next decade.
The committee voted to defer the planning application and demanded more consultation.
-
Good news
-
Fuck me - wonder how many more 'errors' have slipped through the net..?
-
Would'nt it have been better for the councillors to have a nose round a building before agreeing to knock it down rather than just look at pictures? Also whoever advised them it had been empty for 15 years should be maybe be asked how they came to that conclusion.
-
Would'nt it have been better for the councillors to have a nose round a building before agreeing to knock it down rather than just look at pictures? Also whoever advised them it had been empty for 15 years should be maybe be asked how they came to that conclusion.
I find it staggering that
1. They didn't know it was a going concern.
2. They didn't go and have a look for themselves.
3. That they've more or less admitted to 1 & 2.
-
It does lead you to wonder exactly what is the process for giving the nod to knock down a building. Has anyone ever seen the minutes of the meeting where the Trinity Road stand demolition was agreed?
-
I'm surprised there are not plans to knock down the Sty. That's hardly been used in the last 15 years.
-
Balls! I saw the title of this thread and thought we may have a chance of some decent beer in the official bars next year. That's false advertising in my book.
They used to do a cask ale in the Holte Pub, may do still for all I know, but you are only ever going to get racecourse beer in bars that only open occasionally. I would be very grateful for a pump serving Mad Goose, for example, but you could guarantee it would be vinegar.
I remember an away game at Ipswich when we stopped outside the town for a couple of early drinks- was a hot day and the old speckled hen was a wonderful pint or 3 -very enjoyable.
Was my first taste of old speckled hen and have regularly bought it since from supermarkets although of course not the same as sitting on a beer garden on matchday.
-
its being knocked down for junction improvements. id wager the industrial land will lie vacant for years. all for job creation but none is guaranteed here, and the council has track record of over engineering its roads. sad IMO
It won't.
it is being done for a specific development
So an occupier has been identified? That's news to me- if they had I'm sure it would be sung from rooftops by now given all the negative press surrounding the City Councils accounts.
The City missed out on the JLR development in Staffs and simply wants an "oven ready" site in case another one comes along. That seems entirely sensible to me, but concerned about the City's track record in terms of infrastructure provision. Question is do they really need to knock Eddie's down or is there an alternative solution to the road layout?
-
Would'nt it have been better for the councillors to have a nose round a building before agreeing to knock it down rather than just look at pictures? Also whoever advised them it had been empty for 15 years should be maybe be asked how they came to that conclusion.
I find it staggering that
1. They didn't know it was a going concern.
2. They didn't go and have a look for themselves.
3. That they've more or less admitted to 1 & 2.
They would have had a site visit but the Planning Officer has to present a report (with pics) at the Committee mtg itself before they discuss and vote.
-
We have lost enough of our architectural heritage in this city, especially in the city centre, and it would be nice to not keep knocking this stuff down. Generally what it gets replaced with is of no aesthetic merit at all (look at what is on the site of the old Reservoir pub), and every time we do it, it makes the city a slightly less pleasant place to live
What about when what is built in the place creates jobs for the area?
Have you seen the amount of space the building takes up? It's not going to affect the commercial viability of the new development much if it stays. Standing as it does, on a fork in the road, it could be a gateway to the development. There's a lot of shit in that area that should be demolished before the King Edward.
Do you know that, though? You're passing it on as fact, so you must, I imagine?
I have to say, it has never struct me as particularly special. It's not even one of the nicer pubs in Aston, in my opinion.
No, Paulie, I haven't been on site with my hard hat and measuring wheel, but then you knew that, didn't you? I'm basing it on the fact that the pub occupies a small piece of land on a corner in a fork in the road. Unless the plan is to build over those roads, it's surely a small part of the overall development. What really surprises me is the amount of people who are happy to see more and more of Birmingham's old buildings get bulldozed. It's as if they no longer live there or something ;)
I am not happy to see old buildings get bulldozed if it can be avoided, but then again I am willing to see them go if there is an ecomonic case for it which stacks up.
I asked about whether you knew it would not affect the commercial viability not because I thought you would, or because I do - I don't - but to make the point that whilst it's easy to say "this or that wouldn't affect it" we don't actually know if that is true. If you're going to put that as a main reason for your argument, shouldn't you actually know whether that is the case or not?
I am also not saying it should get bulldozed, I am just making the point that maybe it is going for a reason.
I agree with you on the destroying our history thing, I just disagree that means never demolishing anything, ever. I also think it devalues the argument to protect our heritage when buildings of really questionable value - and I appreciate the pub is at a fork in the road and what not - get talked up to something they're really not.
EDIT - apparently, that junction is to be the main entrance to the business park, which is why they want to demolish the pub.
So is the area around Villa Park to become a featureless, non historic site with loads of empty units collecting dust and rubbish?
I admit the area needs a lot of renovation but surely it also needs to keep some of it's history and original buildings.
Are we going to be playing our football surrounded by Ikea and the likes ?
-
I wasn't aware that Aston Hall & the church were scheduled for demolition and Aston Park was being built on.
-
Balls! I saw the title of this thread and thought we may have a chance of some decent beer in the official bars next year. That's false advertising in my book.
They used to do a cask ale in the Holte Pub, may do still for all I know, but you are only ever going to get racecourse beer in bars that only open occasionally. I would be very grateful for a pump serving Mad Goose, for example, but you could guarantee it would be vinegar.
My local serves Mad Goose and it's quite popular.
-
I wasn't aware that Aston Hall & the church were scheduled for demolition and Aston Park was being built on.
That will be the only area with any character around the ground by the time the Planners have finished.
I would not hold your breath because the park will be built on before long. Pretty green areas are Planners favourites's.
-
A reprieve? But surely the council must have seen all those ugly Sky banners all over it? Get it demolished this instant!
Good news that someone has finally tipped off our idiot councillors that this pub isn't just a derelict shell. Makes you wonder how many other needless and stupid demolitions they've sanctioned without being bothered to do a site visit. What a farce.
-
I wasn't aware that Aston Hall & the church were scheduled for demolition and Aston Park was being built on.
Should we really be knocking down interesting buildings just because there is something more interesting round the corner? Aston is full of derelict land, if we can start the industrial revolution surely its not beyond our wit to move a planned road a few hundred metres on a plan.
-
When Salford Park was still an athletics and cycling stadium, we trained there with Lozells Harriers two week nights and Saturday and Sunday if there was no events anywhere and we always adjourned to the King Eddie after training to replace the sweat.
Haven't lived in Brum for a long time but remember the track and pub with many happy memories, so it's sad to hear it will soon no longer be there and that the planners once again fail to appreciate the heritage of some of these Victorian buildings. But I imagine it's money talking that is all the council can see.
As a lifelong Villa fan, I get to VP a few times a season, but never had the opportunity to visit the KE. Obviously I missed the scenic bar maids. ;D ;D
-
I wasn't aware that Aston Hall & the church were scheduled for demolition and Aston Park was being built on.
Should we really be knocking down interesting buildings just because there is something more interesting round the corner? Aston is full of derelict land, if we can start the industrial revolution surely its not beyond our wit to move a planned road a few hundred metres on a plan.
Why do we only get upset when pubs are involved? There are plenty of far more interesting buildings in Birmingham that are under threat or have been demolished without any of this fuss.
-
It isn't just local pubs. We're discussing this one because it's a building used by Villa fans. Many also wanted to keep at least the facade of the Trinity Road stand, but apparently it was no more architecturally important than your average late Victorian town hall.
Birmingham has destroyed so many of its old buildings that I'd like to see a 100-year rule - if it's over 100 years old you should need a bloody good reason to knock it down. We need to make it difficult to demolish these buildings - this one nearly went because a bunch of idiotic, lazy councillors couldn't be bothered to find out about the true status of the building until the last minute. Very few buildings built that many years ago are of little or no architectural or historical merit, they should be meticulously researched before any such sanction is made.
-
I cant think of a better place to discuss the farce associated with the potential knocking down of a pub popular with Villa fans but I'll happily follow you to a thread where other unfair demolitions are being talked about.
-
It isn't just local pubs. We're discussing this one because it's a building used by Villa fans. Many also wanted to keep at least the facade of the Trinity Road stand, but apparently it was no more architecturally important than your average late Victorian town hall.
That's what the world's foremost expert in the field says, so if you want to make sarcastic comments I'd suggest you take it up with him.
-
I wasn't aware that Aston Hall & the church were scheduled for demolition and Aston Park was being built on.
Should we really be knocking down interesting buildings just because there is something more interesting round the corner? Aston is full of derelict land, if we can start the industrial revolution surely its not beyond our wit to move a planned road a few hundred metres on a plan.
Why do we only get upset when pubs are involved? There are plenty of far more interesting buildings in Birmingham that are under threat or have been demolished without any of this fuss.
Because pubs are generally a meeting point for so many people on match days. It's just the way it has been for generations.
What are we supposed to do ? Go straight to the ground for over priced shitty lager and our "Match Day Experience?''
Take away the pubs in the area around the ground and you ruin the atmosphere of the whole day.
-
I cant think of a better place to discuss the farce associated with the potential knocking down of a pub popular with Villa fans but I'll happily follow you to a thread where other unfair demolitions are being talked about.
www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=49176.105
-
A reprieve? But surely the council must have seen all those ugly Sky banners all over it? Get it demolished this instant!
It's hard to debate stuff like this if you're going to resort to silly nonsense like that.
Nobody was saying they wanted it demolished, people were raising the question of how architecturally significant it was, and the reasons for its proposed demolition.
We all *know* we've knocked down too many buildings in the past, but there has to be a recognition that not everything over 100 years old is architecturally significant by any stretch of the imagination, and it's not just a question of "build around it" or "keep it or bin it", there are much more complex arguments involved.
-
I wasn't aware that Aston Hall & the church were scheduled for demolition and Aston Park was being built on.
Should we really be knocking down interesting buildings just because there is something more interesting round the corner? Aston is full of derelict land, if we can start the industrial revolution surely its not beyond our wit to move a planned road a few hundred metres on a plan.
Why do we only get upset when pubs are involved? There are plenty of far more interesting buildings in Birmingham that are under threat or have been demolished without any of this fuss.
Because pubs are generally a meeting point for so many people on match days. It's just the way it has been for generations.
What are we supposed to do ? Go straight to the ground for over priced shitty lager and our "Match Day Experience?''
Take away the pubs in the area around the ground and you ruin the atmosphere of the whole day.
Just because you do something doesn't mean everyone does.
-
Because pubs are generally a meeting point for so many people on match days. It's just the way it has been for generations.
What are we supposed to do ? Go straight to the ground for over priced shitty lager and our "Match Day Experience?''
Take away the pubs in the area around the ground and you ruin the atmosphere of the whole day.
That's true, but there is an element of us, people who probably never go to Aston other than a few hours 20 times a season, suggesting that the best thing for the area is what fulfils our needs.
What happens - and this is a hypothetical question, not referring specifically to the KE - when the choice is keep a pub standing (albeit a building that will quite possibly not be economically able to function as a pub) or it goes and in its place comes something that provides jobs to the local population?
What then?
-
I wasn't aware that Aston Hall & the church were scheduled for demolition and Aston Park was being built on.
Should we really be knocking down interesting buildings just because there is something more interesting round the corner? Aston is full of derelict land, if we can start the industrial revolution surely its not beyond our wit to move a planned road a few hundred metres on a plan.
Why do we only get upset when pubs are involved? There are plenty of far more interesting buildings in Birmingham that are under threat or have been demolished without any of this fuss.
Don't think that's true at all. Island House by Moor Street? Natwest Tower? Bham Library?
-
I wasn't aware that Aston Hall & the church were scheduled for demolition and Aston Park was being built on.
Should we really be knocking down interesting buildings just because there is something more interesting round the corner? Aston is full of derelict land, if we can start the industrial revolution surely its not beyond our wit to move a planned road a few hundred metres on a plan.
Why do we only get upset when pubs are involved? There are plenty of far more interesting buildings in Birmingham that are under threat or have been demolished without any of this fuss.
Don't think that's true at all. Island House by Moor Street? Natwest Tower? Bham Library?
I mean on here.
-
Because pubs are generally a meeting point for so many people on match days. It's just the way it has been for generations.
What are we supposed to do ? Go straight to the ground for over priced shitty lager and our "Match Day Experience?''
Take away the pubs in the area around the ground and you ruin the atmosphere of the whole day.
That's true, but there is an element of us, people who probably never go to Aston other than a few hours 20 times a season, suggesting that the best thing for the area is what fulfils our needs.
What happens - and this is a hypothetical question, not referring specifically to the KE - when the choice is keep a pub standing (albeit a building that will quite possibly not be economically able to function as a pub) or it goes and in its place comes something that provides jobs to the local population?
What then?
Jobs come first obviously. If by knocking the Eddy down it creates more employment in the area then great, all for it. It is a shame that the building cannot be saved and used within the new plans.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/villa-fans-pub-king-edward-189711
-
I cant think of a better place to discuss the farce associated with the potential knocking down of a pub popular with Villa fans but I'll happily follow you to a thread where other unfair demolitions are being talked about.
www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=49176.105
As ever its an interesting thread but I'm not sure I'd use it to back up a theory that its only pubs people are interesting in saving.
-
Jobs come first obviously. If by knocking the Eddy down it creates more employment in the area then great, all for it. It is a shame that the building cannot be saved and used within the new plans.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/villa-fans-pub-king-edward-189711
Only two objections I see, and both to do with the road layout and not the demolition.
I would rather it was kept, too, but I understand why sometimes these things have to happen. HS2, for example, and the Fox and Grapes.
The sensible thing to do is look at demolitions of buildings like this very carefully, rather than just plough through and bulldoze them. The "demolish everything" and "demolish nothing" arguments strike me as being equally stupid.
What if, for example, we'd left the old Bingley Hall where it was, and the row of houses nearby, rather than build the convention centre and brindley place?
-
It isn't just local pubs. We're discussing this one because it's a building used by Villa fans. Many also wanted to keep at least the facade of the Trinity Road stand, but apparently it was no more architecturally important than your average late Victorian town hall.
That's what the world's foremost expert in the field says, so if you want to make sarcastic comments I'd suggest you take it up with him.
If the world's foremost expert in the field said that, then there was nothing sarcastic at all about my comment. It was a statement of fact. I'd love to discuss the merits of football architecture with him. If we'd retained some of ours, we might have been able to retain more of our identity, because that's all we have to cling to these days.
And about the Sky banners, Paulie, it wasn't me who decided to mention them in a discussion about a building demolition. In fact, to do so in the first place was a little bit silly, perhaps sarcastic and rather irrelevant to the issue in hand.
-
It isn't just local pubs. We're discussing this one because it's a building used by Villa fans. Many also wanted to keep at least the facade of the Trinity Road stand, but apparently it was no more architecturally important than your average late Victorian town hall.
That's what the world's foremost expert in the field says, so if you want to make sarcastic comments I'd suggest you take it up with him.
If the world's foremost expert in the field said that, then there was nothing sarcastic at all about my comment. It was a statement of fact. I'd love to discuss the merits of football architecture with him. If we'd retained some of ours, we might have been able to retain more of our identity, because that's all we have to cling to these days.
And about the Sky banners, Paulie, it wasn't me who decided to mention them in a discussion about a building demolition. In fact, to do so in the first place was a little bit silly, perhaps sarcastic and rather irrelevant to the issue in hand.
I'm sure you and Mr Inglis would have a great deal in common.
The Sky banners are perfectly relevant. If you're so keen on preserving the look of an old building surely you would agree that a plastic banner and a Sky dish are somewhat at odds with its architectural merit.
-
Because pubs are generally a meeting point for so many people on match days. It's just the way it has been for generations.
What are we supposed to do ? Go straight to the ground for over priced shitty lager and our "Match Day Experience?''
Take away the pubs in the area around the ground and you ruin the atmosphere of the whole day.
That's true, but there is an element of us, people who probably never go to Aston other than a few hours 20 times a season, suggesting that the best thing for the area is what fulfils our needs.
What happens - and this is a hypothetical question, not referring specifically to the KE - when the choice is keep a pub standing (albeit a building that will quite possibly not be economically able to function as a pub) or it goes and in its place comes something that provides jobs to the local population?
What then?
But taking this to a conclusion local jobs may take precedence over all the country's building heritage, isn't this why we list things?
Fair play to the planning committee, even though I'm still puzzled how they go about rubber stamping things if they didn't even know the basics in this case.
-
I wasn't aware that Aston Hall & the church were scheduled for demolition and Aston Park was being built on.
That will be the only area with any character around the ground by the time the Planners have finished.
I would not hold your breath because the park will be built on before long. Pretty green areas are Planners favourites's.
They've just spent a fortune creating a brand new park in the city centre.
-
It isn't just local pubs. We're discussing this one because it's a building used by Villa fans. Many also wanted to keep at least the facade of the Trinity Road stand, but apparently it was no more architecturally important than your average late Victorian town hall.
That's what the world's foremost expert in the field says, so if you want to make sarcastic comments I'd suggest you take it up with him.
If the world's foremost expert in the field said that, then there was nothing sarcastic at all about my comment. It was a statement of fact. I'd love to discuss the merits of football architecture with him. If we'd retained some of ours, we might have been able to retain more of our identity, because that's all we have to cling to these days.
And about the Sky banners, Paulie, it wasn't me who decided to mention them in a discussion about a building demolition. In fact, to do so in the first place was a little bit silly, perhaps sarcastic and rather irrelevant to the issue in hand.
I'm sure you and Mr Inglis would have a great deal in common.
The Sky banners are perfectly relevant. If you're so keen on preserving the look of an old building surely you would agree that a plastic banner and a Sky dish are somewhat at odds with its architectural merit.
I'm keen on preserving the building, first and foremost. What the former or current owner decided to emblazon the place with is beside the point. I can still see the architectural merits of the King Edward beyond a few banners. Besides, you can remove banners in the same way you can give a dirty dog a bath - you don't have to resort to a lethal injection.
And about your first comment, I know nothing about Mr Inglis, would you care to tell me the things we may have in common should such a meeting take place?
-
This, for a start. www.guardian.co.uk/football/2000/may/14/newsstory.sport8
And if you're able to "see beyond a few banners" where do you end? There's already a satellite dish on this outstanding example of Edwardian architecture. What else would you allow?
-
This, for a start. www.guardian.co.uk/football/2000/may/14/newsstory.sport8
And if you're able to "see beyond a few banners" where do you end? There's already a satellite dish on this outstanding example of Edwardian architecture. What else would you allow?
Isn't that a different question? We're talking about the difference between a building being there, or not being there. If it meant they had to hang a Birmingham City flag on it for a couple of years, I'd rather have that than a demolished building. Ownership means you can hang what you like on a building, but with an older building there's a sense that it also belongs to the community that use it, or live(d) around it, because it's played a part in so many people's lives and is part of the local landscape. Satellite dishes come and go, but once you demolish a building it's gone forever.
So myself and Simon Inglis share a sadness that the old stand has gone? Do you not feel the same way?
-
Except - and this is the point - the community that used the KE has predominantly gone. Very few people live close to it and there are many less working nearby than in the past. Yes, it's a nice enough old building, but of a type there are many of in Birmingham. If it has to go in the name of progress, then so be it. The same could be said for the Trinity Road stand. It looked very nice but it was not fit for the 21st century.
-
Here's a question. What will happen with The Tavern now. Hasn't the work already started?
-
Except - and this is the point - the community that used the KE has predominantly gone. Very few people live close to it and there are many less working nearby than in the past. Yes, it's a nice enough old building, but of a type there are many of in Birmingham. If it has to go in the name of progress, then so be it. The same could be said for the Trinity Road stand. It looked very nice but it was not fit for the 21st century.
But you're talking merely in practical terms. Towns and cities are about more than mere function, otherwise we'd all be living in some concrete Soviet hellhole. You're saying, if it has to go, it has to go. I'm asking, does it really have to go? In this case we've seen that, despite the stupidity of some councillors, we may yet save the King Edward. And it doesn't necessarily have to be used as a pub, although that would be preferable - after all, it's still a going concern.
Demolition in the name of progress is so 1960s. We have to approach our city planning more creatively if we are to learn from the shameful 'mistakes' of the past, and succeed in the 21st century and beyond. All of us have a huge debt to pay to old Birmingham, all I ask is we think a little more carefully before we tear it down.
-
Never use them much anyway. Eddies is best of the bunch pre-match, but rarely go there. The Social charge too much to get in and the Addys is great after games.
Shame that they are going though.
-
Except - and this is the point - the community that used the KE has predominantly gone. Very few people live close to it and there are many less working nearby than in the past. Yes, it's a nice enough old building, but of a type there are many of in Birmingham. If it has to go in the name of progress, then so be it. The same could be said for the Trinity Road stand. It looked very nice but it was not fit for the 21st century.
Its not vacant though is it? It's in use. The point in all this is that an attractive community building is being demolished for road widening works to service employment land which could lie empty for years, even decades. Plan around it and everyone's a winner.
-
Except - and this is the point - the community that used the KE has predominantly gone. Very few people live close to it and there are many less working nearby than in the past. Yes, it's a nice enough old building, but of a type there are many of in Birmingham. If it has to go in the name of progress, then so be it. The same could be said for the Trinity Road stand. It looked very nice but it was not fit for the 21st century.
Its not vacant though is it? It's in use. The point in all this is that an attractive community building is being demolished for road widening works to service employment land which could lie empty for years, even decades. Plan around it and everyone's a winner.
It isn't even being demolished, mind.
-
I got worried when i saw this thread title! I thought the police were going to start patrolling Aston park and stop our pre match special brew sessions.
-
Except - and this is the point - the community that used the KE has predominantly gone. Very few people live close to it and there are many less working nearby than in the past. Yes, it's a nice enough old building, but of a type there are many of in Birmingham. If it has to go in the name of progress, then so be it. The same could be said for the Trinity Road stand. It looked very nice but it was not fit for the 21st century.
But you're talking merely in practical terms. Towns and cities are about more than mere function, otherwise we'd all be living in some concrete Soviet hellhole. You're saying, if it has to go, it has to go. I'm asking, does it really have to go? In this case we've seen that, despite the stupidity of some councillors, we may yet save the King Edward. And it doesn't necessarily have to be used as a pub, although that would be preferable - after all, it's still a going concern.
Demolition in the name of progress is so 1960s. We have to approach our city planning more creatively if we are to learn from the shameful 'mistakes' of the past, and succeed in the 21st century and beyond. All of us have a huge debt to pay to old Birmingham, all I ask is we think a little more carefully before we tear it down.
Couldn't agree more, church attendances have been falling dramatically for years but it will be a sad day to see them being pulled down as local people aren't using them.
-
I wasn't aware that Aston Hall & the church were scheduled for demolition and Aston Park was being built on.
That will be the only area with any character around the ground by the time the Planners have finished.
I would not hold your breath because the park will be built on before long. Pretty green areas are Planners favourites's.
They've just spent a fortune creating a brand new park in the city centre.
Is that not due to an EU directive that states that all city centres have to have a certain percentage of ''Green'' land ?
I thought that was the case.
-
Except - and this is the point - the community that used the KE has predominantly gone. Very few people live close to it and there are many less working nearby than in the past. Yes, it's a nice enough old building, but of a type there are many of in Birmingham. If it has to go in the name of progress, then so be it. The same could be said for the Trinity Road stand. It looked very nice but it was not fit for the 21st century.
Its not vacant though is it? It's in use. The point in all this is that an attractive community building is being demolished for road widening works to service employment land which could lie empty for years, even decades. Plan around it and everyone's a winner.
It isn't even being demolished, mind.
The decision has been deferred, not refused. A decision could be taken to demolish when it comes back to Committee after a further round of consultation. I expect it will still go.
-
Except - and this is the point - the community that used the KE has predominantly gone. Very few people live close to it and there are many less working nearby than in the past. Yes, it's a nice enough old building, but of a type there are many of in Birmingham. If it has to go in the name of progress, then so be it. The same could be said for the Trinity Road stand. It looked very nice but it was not fit for the 21st century.
But you're talking merely in practical terms. Towns and cities are about more than mere function, otherwise we'd all be living in some concrete Soviet hellhole. You're saying, if it has to go, it has to go. I'm asking, does it really have to go? In this case we've seen that, despite the stupidity of some councillors, we may yet save the King Edward. And it doesn't necessarily have to be used as a pub, although that would be preferable - after all, it's still a going concern.
Demolition in the name of progress is so 1960s. We have to approach our city planning more creatively if we are to learn from the shameful 'mistakes' of the past, and succeed in the 21st century and beyond. All of us have a huge debt to pay to old Birmingham, all I ask is we think a little more carefully before we tear it down.
Couldn't agree more, church attendances have been falling dramatically for years but it will be a sad day to see them being pulled down as local people aren't using them.
Absolutely agree. You don't have to believe in God to appreciate the beauty of a church. Likewise, you don't have to be an old soak to understand that there's history, cultural heritage and aesthetic value in most old pubs. But it helps.
-
I wasn't aware that Aston Hall & the church were scheduled for demolition and Aston Park was being built on.
That will be the only area with any character around the ground by the time the Planners have finished.
I would not hold your breath because the park will be built on before long. Pretty green areas are Planners favourites's.
They've just spent a fortune creating a brand new park in the city centre.
Is that not due to an EU directive that states that all city centres have to have a certain percentage of ''Green'' land ?
I thought that was the case.
I doubt it, but that could be the case.
I am pretty sure I read somewhere that Birmingham has more park land within its borders than pretty much any city in Europe.
-
Absolutely agree. You don't have to believe in God to appreciate the beauty of a church. Likewise, you don't have to be an old soak to understand that there's history, cultural heritage and aesthetic value in most old pubs. But it helps.
.. and on a similar note, you don't have to be a bulldozer worshipping hater of our architectural history to foresee a situation in which there might be a compelling case to demolish a pub.
There also needs to be someone with the belief they can make a profit and the willingness to run a pub, which is why so many of them in Aston are closed down.
-
Absolutely agree. You don't have to believe in God to appreciate the beauty of a church. Likewise, you don't have to be an old soak to understand that there's history, cultural heritage and aesthetic value in most old pubs. But it helps.
.. and on a similar note, you don't have to be a bulldozer worshipping hater of our architectural history to foresee a situation in which there might be a compelling case to demolish a pub.
There also needs to be someone with the belief they can make a profit and the willingness to run a pub, which is why so many of them in Aston are closed down.
Quite true. Usually the case isn't very compelling, often being based primarily on how much money a developer or contractor can make out of it. A prime case being the Woodman on Easy Row, demolished along with the rest of the Georgian street to make way for a slightly wider road, an area which will be developed yet again when the Copthorn et al is torn down. Here's a warning: if you like stunning old pubs, don't google pics of it. It'll screw you up for life.
-
When I first went to Villa Park as a kid it was the original Trinity Road Stand that blew me away, I just didn't expect a football team to play within such grand surroundings. I'm sure things could have been done to make it fit for purpose for the twenty-first century besides knocking it down. For me it was an incredibly short-sighted decision to replace it - especially when the carbuncle that is the North Stand is ripe for replacing.
As for the old boozers around Aston and the rest of Birmingham, well, I don't think you actually realise how great those old red-bricked buildings are until you have spent a few years away from Brum. When you return they really are a genuine pleasure to behold.
-
At the risk of the wrath of many on here, if it were the Bartons being torn down would we be as philosophical? I'm not sure we would, and to be honest there's not a fat lot in it.
-
At the risk of the wrath of many on here, if it were the Bartons being torn down would we be as philosophical? I'm not sure we would, and to be honest there's not a fat lot in it.
The Bartons is one of the most historical pubs outside London and is a grade II* listed building.
I say that as one who hasn't been in it for about 25 years, too, so I don't have any agenda in that sense, but in terms of history, it is right up there.
-
At the risk of the wrath of many on here, if it were the Bartons being torn down would we be as philosophical? I'm not sure we would, and to be honest there's not a fat lot in it.
The difference between the Edward and the Barton's is the same as between a Mk II Cortina and an E Type.
-
Was in the Bartons on Monday. Away fans often present in there as it is not the least threatening. Such a shame it appears to be struggling for trade on a non match day. Man C fans told me how much they hoped we would survive this season for no other reason that they loved the annual trip to the Bartons for a pre match drink.
-
At the risk of the wrath of many on here, if it were the Bartons being torn down would we be as philosophical? I'm not sure we would, and to be honest there's not a fat lot in it.
The difference between the Edward and the Barton's is the same as between a Mk II Cortina and an E Type.
Never been in The Bartons. I must try it one day.
-
Good urban design builds on the existing local distinctiveness of an area. In deprived areas with little urban structure, sometimes the small fragments of value that do exist can be missed when there is an unsophisticated desire for wholesale change. Whether or not the Eddies is as impressive as some other pubs in the area, or viable in its current guise, I think its disappointing that a new role can't be found for a local landmark.
It looks from the Area Action Plan that the pub is being demolished to make way for junction improvements. The unerring rationality of highways engineering has the habit of destroying everything in its path, rather than serving a wider purpose of creating places with character. I can't help thinking that insufficient consideration might have been given to other scenarios for the junction improvements which would have retained the pub, and the path of least resistance has been taken.
-
At the risk of the wrath of many on here, if it were the Bartons being torn down would we be as philosophical? I'm not sure we would, and to be honest there's not a fat lot in it.
The difference between the Edward and the Barton's is the same as between a Mk II Cortina and an E Type.
Quite.
And apart from the massive difference in the buildings, The Edward was never frequented by Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy.
Also, the Bartons makes money (just about).
-
The Edward isn't a patch on the Barton's, but it's a Rolls Royce among the Ladas and Skodas that make up the architectural landscape in that particular area.
FatSam, couldn't agree more.
-
I see that work has commenced on the Aston Tavern. The scaffolding is up and it has been gutted.
-
Good urban design builds on the existing local distinctiveness of an area. In deprived areas with little urban structure, sometimes the small fragments of value that do exist can be missed when there is an unsophisticated desire for wholesale change. Whether or not the Eddies is as impressive as some other pubs in the area, or viable in its current guise, I think its disappointing that a new role can't be found for a local landmark.
It looks from the Area Action Plan that the pub is being demolished to make way for junction improvements. The unerring rationality of highways engineering has the habit of destroying everything in its path, rather than serving a wider purpose of creating places with character. I can't help thinking that insufficient consideration might have been given to other scenarios for the junction improvements which would have retained the pub, and the path of least resistance has been taken.
I think it falls back to the problem of lack of demand for pubs in the locale outside of match days. They're struggling to survive in most areas but the demographics of Aston make it even more of an issue.
-
Good urban design builds on the existing local distinctiveness of an area. In deprived areas with little urban structure, sometimes the small fragments of value that do exist can be missed when there is an unsophisticated desire for wholesale change. Whether or not the Eddies is as impressive as some other pubs in the area, or viable in its current guise, I think its disappointing that a new role can't be found for a local landmark.
It looks from the Area Action Plan that the pub is being demolished to make way for junction improvements. The unerring rationality of highways engineering has the habit of destroying everything in its path, rather than serving a wider purpose of creating places with character. I can't help thinking that insufficient consideration might have been given to other scenarios for the junction improvements which would have retained the pub, and the path of least resistance has been taken.
I think it falls back to the problem of lack of demand for pubs in the locale outside of match days. They're struggling to survive in most areas but the demographics of Aston make it even more of an issue.
Maybe that might change when there's a large influx of thirsty / hungry workers at the proposed enterprise zone to the rear of the pub?
-
I never been in the Bartons, I go in the Edward after most games for one.
I might try the Bartone next home game, where is it? Ha ha
-
Good urban design builds on the existing local distinctiveness of an area. In deprived areas with little urban structure, sometimes the small fragments of value that do exist can be missed when there is an unsophisticated desire for wholesale change. Whether or not the Eddies is as impressive as some other pubs in the area, or viable in its current guise, I think its disappointing that a new role can't be found for a local landmark.
It looks from the Area Action Plan that the pub is being demolished to make way for junction improvements. The unerring rationality of highways engineering has the habit of destroying everything in its path, rather than serving a wider purpose of creating places with character. I can't help thinking that insufficient consideration might have been given to other scenarios for the junction improvements which would have retained the pub, and the path of least resistance has been taken.
I think it falls back to the problem of lack of demand for pubs in the locale outside of match days. They're struggling to survive in most areas but the demographics of Aston make it even more of an issue.
Maybe that might change when there's a large influx of thirsty / hungry workers at the proposed enterprise zone to the rear of the pub?
Perhaps, but with 18 pubs closing each week the chances aren't good. In an ideal world all decent old pubs would survive but unfortunately I don't think there's much local support.
-
I drove down Lichfield Road at around 10.30 last Tuesday night. Not one pub was open from Gravelly Hill to the city centre.
-
I think it falls back to the problem of lack of demand for pubs in the locale outside of match days. They're struggling to survive in most areas but the demographics of Aston make it even more of an issue.
I accept this, but I would argue that it doesn't necessarily need to be retained as a pub. The danger is that the area will lose the potential for any kind of architectural richness, or distinctiveness. In purely economic terms there is probably isn't any incentive to retain the building; its more expensive to refurbish it than to demolish and throw up a cheap shed, and the VAT rates are different. I don't know what the enterprise zone will ultimately be like, but I would put money on it being a collection of bland boxes. Of course, the most important thing is that it creates jobs and prosperity. However, I don't think that this is mutually exclusive from place making.
-
I drove down Lichfield Road at around 10.30 last Tuesday night. Not one pub was open from Gravelly Hill to the city centre.
I bet your car doors wasn't either...
-
I think it falls back to the problem of lack of demand for pubs in the locale outside of match days. They're struggling to survive in most areas but the demographics of Aston make it even more of an issue.
I accept this, but I would argue that it doesn't necessarily need to be retained as a pub. The danger is that the area will lose the potential for any kind of architectural richness, or distinctiveness. In purely economic terms there is probably isn't any incentive to retain the building; its more expensive to refurbish it than to demolish and throw up a cheap shed, and the VAT rates are different. I don't know what the enterprise zone will ultimately be like, but I would put money on it being a collection of bland boxes. Of course, the most important thing is that it creates jobs and prosperity. However, I don't think that this is mutually exclusive from place making.
Spot on.
-
The wrecking ball awaits........
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/birmingham-planners-agree-tear-down-1947861?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
-
The Woodman is being re-opened by Nigel & Dave who run the Wellington and Post Office Vaults.
-
The Woodman is being re-opened by Nigel & Dave who run the Wellington and Post Office Vaults.
That area is going to be teeming with students pretty soon.
-
The Woodman is being re-opened by Nigel & Dave who run the Wellington and Post Office Vaults.
Now that is good news.
-
Absolutely agree. You don't have to believe in God to appreciate the beauty of a church. Likewise, you don't have to be an old soak to understand that there's history, cultural heritage and aesthetic value in most old pubs. But it helps.
.. and on a similar note, you don't have to be a bulldozer worshipping hater of our architectural history to foresee a situation in which there might be a compelling case to demolish a pub.
There also needs to be someone with the belief they can make a profit and the willingness to run a pub, which is why so many of them in Aston are closed down.
Quite true. Usually the case isn't very compelling, often being based primarily on how much money a developer or contractor can make out of it. A prime case being the Woodman on Easy Row, demolished along with the rest of the Georgian street to make way for a slightly wider road, an area which will be developed yet again when the Copthorn et al is torn down. Here's a warning: if you like stunning old pubs, don't google pics of it. It'll screw you up for life.
But the bigger picture could possibly be that as we no longer live in the Georgian period our roads, and general infrastructure, need to reflect the age that we live in.
-
Absolutely agree. You don't have to believe in God to appreciate the beauty of a church. Likewise, you don't have to be an old soak to understand that there's history, cultural heritage and aesthetic value in most old pubs. But it helps.
.. and on a similar note, you don't have to be a bulldozer worshipping hater of our architectural history to foresee a situation in which there might be a compelling case to demolish a pub.
There also needs to be someone with the belief they can make a profit and the willingness to run a pub, which is why so many of them in Aston are closed down.
Quite true. Usually the case isn't very compelling, often being based primarily on how much money a developer or contractor can make out of it. A prime case being the Woodman on Easy Row, demolished along with the rest of the Georgian street to make way for a slightly wider road, an area which will be developed yet again when the Copthorn et al is torn down. Here's a warning: if you like stunning old pubs, don't google pics of it. It'll screw you up for life.
But the bigger picture could possibly be that as we no longer live in the Georgian period our roads, and general infrastructure, need to reflect the age that we live in.
Yes. The age of austerity and gated communities to protect the relatively privileged.
-
Absolutely agree. You don't have to believe in God to appreciate the beauty of a church. Likewise, you don't have to be an old soak to understand that there's history, cultural heritage and aesthetic value in most old pubs. But it helps.
.. and on a similar note, you don't have to be a bulldozer worshipping hater of our architectural history to foresee a situation in which there might be a compelling case to demolish a pub.
There also needs to be someone with the belief they can make a profit and the willingness to run a pub, which is why so many of them in Aston are closed down.
Quite true. Usually the case isn't very compelling, often being based primarily on how much money a developer or contractor can make out of it. A prime case being the Woodman on Easy Row, demolished along with the rest of the Georgian street to make way for a slightly wider road, an area which will be developed yet again when the Copthorn et al is torn down. Here's a warning: if you like stunning old pubs, don't google pics of it. It'll screw you up for life.
But the bigger picture could possibly be that as we no longer live in the Georgian period our roads, and general infrastructure, need to reflect the age that we live in.
Yes. The age of austerity and gated communities to protect the relatively privileged.
Although the state of the fucking roads is pretty Georgian round by us.
Pot holes all over the shop.
-
Its the ones in the road that you have to watch out for paulie.
-
Absolutely agree. You don't have to believe in God to appreciate the beauty of a church. Likewise, you don't have to be an old soak to understand that there's history, cultural heritage and aesthetic value in most old pubs. But it helps.
.. and on a similar note, you don't have to be a bulldozer worshipping hater of our architectural history to foresee a situation in which there might be a compelling case to demolish a pub.
There also needs to be someone with the belief they can make a profit and the willingness to run a pub, which is why so many of them in Aston are closed down.
Quite true. Usually the case isn't very compelling, often being based primarily on how much money a developer or contractor can make out of it. A prime case being the Woodman on Easy Row, demolished along with the rest of the Georgian street to make way for a slightly wider road, an area which will be developed yet again when the Copthorn et al is torn down. Here's a warning: if you like stunning old pubs, don't google pics of it. It'll screw you up for life.
But the bigger picture could possibly be that as we no longer live in the Georgian period our roads, and general infrastructure, need to reflect the age that we live in.
Yes. The age of austerity and gated communities to protect the relatively privileged.
Although the state of the fucking roads is pretty Georgian round by us.
Pot holes all over the shop.
I lived for a year in Leam Street when I was at Warwick University many, many years ago. It was an attic in the house of the chairwoman(yes, I know) of the L @ W Conservative Assocition, and the rent was £4 per week.
Back on the subject, we can expect severe depletion of the infrastructure as the cuts begin to bite. I feel your pain, particularly if you have sporty suspension on your vehicle.
-
Back on the subject, we can expect severe depletion of the infrastructure as the cuts begin to bite. I feel your pain, particularly if you have sporty suspension on your vehicle.
Of course.
Holes in the roads and empty shop units. The signs of the recession.
-
Sounds like a Paul Weller or Billy Bragg lyric. Or that 'Shipbuilding' guy.
-
Absolutely agree. You don't have to believe in God to appreciate the beauty of a church. Likewise, you don't have to be an old soak to understand that there's history, cultural heritage and aesthetic value in most old pubs. But it helps.
.. and on a similar note, you don't have to be a bulldozer worshipping hater of our architectural history to foresee a situation in which there might be a compelling case to demolish a pub.
There also needs to be someone with the belief they can make a profit and the willingness to run a pub, which is why so many of them in Aston are closed down.
Quite true. Usually the case isn't very compelling, often being based primarily on how much money a developer or contractor can make out of it. A prime case being the Woodman on Easy Row, demolished along with the rest of the Georgian street to make way for a slightly wider road, an area which will be developed yet again when the Copthorn et al is torn down. Here's a warning: if you like stunning old pubs, don't google pics of it. It'll screw you up for life.
But the bigger picture could possibly be that as we no longer live in the Georgian period our roads, and general infrastructure, need to reflect the age that we live in.
I suspect a similar argument might have been made when they swept away the old library, Mason College, the old Snow Hill station, the Queen's' Hotel, the Birmingham Exchange, King Edward's school, the Grand Theatre and King's Hall on Old Square, the list goes on and on and on. Looking at what replaced them in most cases, did we really need to lose all of those beautiful and important buildings? And will we ever learn our lesson?
-
Spot on Jimbo.
-
And if by some miracle these buildings were restored, you would be complaining that the city centre was choked, overcrowded, public transport was appalling and something should be done about it.
-
Absolutely agree. You don't have to believe in God to appreciate the beauty of a church. Likewise, you don't have to be an old soak to understand that there's history, cultural heritage and aesthetic value in most old pubs. But it helps.
.. and on a similar note, you don't have to be a bulldozer worshipping hater of our architectural history to foresee a situation in which there might be a compelling case to demolish a pub.
There also needs to be someone with the belief they can make a profit and the willingness to run a pub, which is why so many of them in Aston are closed down.
Quite true. Usually the case isn't very compelling, often being based primarily on how much money a developer or contractor can make out of it. A prime case being the Woodman on Easy Row, demolished along with the rest of the Georgian street to make way for a slightly wider road, an area which will be developed yet again when the Copthorn et al is torn down. Here's a warning: if you like stunning old pubs, don't google pics of it. It'll screw you up for life.
But the bigger picture could possibly be that as we no longer live in the Georgian period our roads, and general infrastructure, need to reflect the age that we live in.
I suspect a similar argument might have been made when they swept away the old library, Mason College, the old Snow Hill station, the Queen's' Hotel, the Birmingham Exchange, King Edward's school, the Grand Theatre and King's Hall on Old Square, the list goes on and on and on. Looking at what replaced them in most cases, did we really need to lose all of those beautiful and important buildings? And will we ever learn our lesson?
Those are buildings tragically lost, and as you say, they were beautiful and important.
Is the KE beautiful and important? That's the discussion at hand.
Everyone appreciates the fact we demolished lots of buildings we shouldn't have, but just as the answer to that is not to wantonly demolish everything, neither is to to demolish nothing.
-
And if by some miracle these buildings were restored, you would be complaining that the city centre was choked, overcrowded, public transport was appalling and something should be done about it.
We don't go knocking down cathedrals to accommodate traffic infrastructures so why treat other less historic buildings any different? You might say there are a plenty of Victorian and Edwardian buildings out there but they are becoming less and less which is fine in one respect for us because we are familiar with them. Will our children and our children's children be so familiar with them? No they won't because they'll all be removed to make way for the next economic solution to our woes.
The Edward should stay on the grounds that it is our link with what the past in that area of Aston looked like 100 years ago. I'm sure our grand children would be grateful that we left such a link even if by then it is no longer used as a pub.
-
The Edward is not a link with the past. It's a nondescript building in a rundown area that has plenty of buildings just like it.
-
Surely the best example of a building linking Villa with what the area was like 100 plus years ago is the pub right next to the ground?
-
The Edward is not a link with the past. It's a nondescript building in a rundown area that has plenty of buildings just like it.
It is a link, it looks like no building either side of it 1/2 a mile in either direction of the Lichfield Rd, a building from a different era. When the glass and metal structures surround it in 5 years it will appear as some sort of oasis amongst the form and function of current industrial units. If it does go, 50 years from now people will be none the wiser as to it's existence, that's a shame as we didn't need to deny them.
-
There's the Swan & Mitre and the old Brit within 200 yards, for a start.
-
There's the Swan & Mitre and the old Brit within 200 yards, for a start.
I drink in the Swan and it's more than 200 yards away, but maybe not half a mile, I'll give you that.
As you've pointed them out, they both blend in with their industrial surround, why shouldn't the Edward?
-
Because if it has to go to help regenerate the area, then so be it. It's a decent building, but there's nothing there which would be an irretrievable loss.
I may be wrong but the owner doesn't seem to be exactly threatening to chain himself to the bulldozers.
-
Absolutely agree. You don't have to believe in God to appreciate the beauty of a church. Likewise, you don't have to be an old soak to understand that there's history, cultural heritage and aesthetic value in most old pubs. But it helps.
.. and on a similar note, you don't have to be a bulldozer worshipping hater of our architectural history to foresee a situation in which there might be a compelling case to demolish a pub.
There also needs to be someone with the belief they can make a profit and the willingness to run a pub, which is why so many of them in Aston are closed down.
Quite true. Usually the case isn't very compelling, often being based primarily on how much money a developer or contractor can make out of it. A prime case being the Woodman on Easy Row, demolished along with the rest of the Georgian street to make way for a slightly wider road, an area which will be developed yet again when the Copthorn et al is torn down. Here's a warning: if you like stunning old pubs, don't google pics of it. It'll screw you up for life.
But the bigger picture could possibly be that as we no longer live in the Georgian period our roads, and general infrastructure, need to reflect the age that we live in.
I suspect a similar argument might have been made when they swept away the old library, Mason College, the old Snow Hill station, the Queen's' Hotel, the Birmingham Exchange, King Edward's school, the Grand Theatre and King's Hall on Old Square, the list goes on and on and on. Looking at what replaced them in most cases, did we really need to lose all of those beautiful and important buildings? And will we ever learn our lesson?
I used to work in a Victorian Grade 1 listed building and although it looks great it's not suitable for the modern era and costs a fortune to maintain. It's status means that it will not be lost but it has no practical use outside of it's current format.
I'm all for retaining our heritage but there are massive barriers to overcome to keep them viable.
-
And if by some miracle these buildings were restored, you would be complaining that the city centre was choked, overcrowded, public transport was appalling and something should be done about it.
Thanks for telling me what I'd be complaining about in a hypothetical future where all our great old buildings remained. As far as I know, very few of those I mentioned made way for road or public transport improvements (except Easy Row). They were just replaced by ugly new buildings, some of which are now either being demolished or covered up. The monstrosity that replaced the Queen's Hotel is now being partially cladded in reflective metal sheeting so it'll reflect the nice old buildings opposite. If it wasn't so tragic, it'd be funny.
-
Because if it has to go to help regenerate the area, then so be it. It's a decent building, but there's nothing there which would be an irretrievable loss.
This is the point. Does it really have to go to regenerate the area? Is there another way? Has the council really looked into the alternatives? According to the quote in the article, apparently not. It's the easy way.
And of course it's a link to the area's past. How could it not be?
-
And if by some miracle these buildings were restored, you would be complaining that the city centre was choked, overcrowded, public transport was appalling and something should be done about it.
Thanks for telling me what I'd be complaining about in a hypothetical future where all our great old buildings remained. As far as I know, very few of those I mentioned made way for road or public transport improvements (except Easy Row). They were just replaced by ugly new buildings, some of which are now either being demolished or covered up. The monstrosity that replaced the Queen's Hotel is now being partially cladded in reflective metal sheeting so it'll reflect the nice old buildings opposite. If it wasn't so tragic, it'd be funny.
I'm sure that when these 'great old buildings' were built someone complained that whatever it was they replaced was going. And as Chris pointed out, they, nor you, didn't have to live, work or try to make a go of a business in them.
-
And of course it's a link to the area's past. How could it not be?
In that case, most of the housing stock of the area is a link to the area's past, too.
Nobody wants to see nice, old buildings demolished needlessly, but it has to be accepted that sometimes, there is a need, otherwise nothing moves forward.
As for whether the council gave it due consideration or not, I don't know that they did, but then again, I don't know that they didn't either.
Apparently, it is going because the road junction there needs to be widened to carry traffic to the new industrial park. So there is at least some semblance of a reason for knocking it down.
Maybe the viability of the industrial park depended on improved access, or the development would have gone elsewhere? Maybe organising access to go around the pub would have cost so much, the whole scheme would be at risk. I don't know, but then again, neither do any of us.
Admitting that there might be compelling economic reasons to knock it down doesn't equate to being some kind of latter day Manzoni, unable to appreciate the mistakes made in the past.
It's just not that simple.
-
Do you not think those buildings were great?
They seem to manage ok in other cities around the world. And lots of them are able to use their 'difficult and expensive to maintain' old buildings to attract tourists. The way the city shaped up after the 1950s, it's not surprising people thought it a concrete mess. They weren't 100 percent correct, but we're still dealing with the damage that perception has done to our city.
I'm not against demolishing buildings altogether, obviously, but in a city that's done away needlessly with far too many, we should be extra careful about what we demolish next.
-
Do you not think those buildings were great?
They seem to manage ok in other cities around the world. And lots of them are able to use their 'difficult and expensive to maintain' old buildings to attract tourists. The way the city shaped up after the 1950s, it's not surprising people thought it a concrete mess. They weren't 100 percent correct, but we're still dealing with the damage that perception has done to our city.
Christ, Jimbo, of course I thought they were great, who wouldn't?
I've seen the pictures, and seen what has replaced them and think it depressing. I am sure every single person on this thread would look at those pictures and think exactly the same.
That's not the argument, though, is it? The argument is about this specific building and whether it should or should not be demolished, and all that is happening is some people are raising the point that there might actually be a convincing argument for it going. That's all.
-
How many cities of Birmingham's size, and our climate, have been successfully repackaged as tourist attractions based on anything as late as the Victorian era? Some of those old buildings might have been nice to look at, but they were hardly the Uffizi. As Carl Chinn of all people once put it - it's easy to criticise but something had to be done, and done quickly in post-war Birmingham.
-
And of course it's a link to the area's past. How could it not be?
In that case, most of the housing stock of the area is a link to the area's past, too.
Quite right, and most of it's gone. Certainly around the environs of the Edward.
Maybe you're right? Maybe there is a compelling case to demolish it? Maybe there really is no other way?
Maybe the council should have to prove all this without doubt before they swing the wrecking ball?
-
Do you not think those buildings were great?
They seem to manage ok in other cities around the world. And lots of them are able to use their 'difficult and expensive to maintain' old buildings to attract tourists. The way the city shaped up after the 1950s, it's not surprising people thought it a concrete mess. They weren't 100 percent correct, but we're still dealing with the damage that perception has done to our city.
Christ, Jimbo, of course I thought they were great, who wouldn't?
Sorry, Paulie, that question was aimed at Dave. But yes, it depresses the hell out of me. What a city it would have been if we'd kept most of our proud heritage intact.
-
How many cities of Birmingham's size, and our climate, have been successfully repackaged as tourist attractions based on anything as late as the Victorian era? Some of those old buildings might have been nice to look at, but they were hardly the Uffizi. As Carl Chinn of all people once put it - it's easy to criticise but something had to be done, and done quickly in post-war Birmingham.
It's not about repackaging, it's about having a cultured and attractive environment in which we can welcome tourists. But it's not just about tourism, it's about the people who live here. I for one feel better about where I live when I'm surrounded by beautiful, historic buildings as opposed to concrete / corrugated steel monstrosities which need demolishing every 40 years or so.
-
How many cities of Birmingham's size, and our climate, have been successfully repackaged as tourist attractions based on anything as late as the Victorian era? Some of those old buildings might have been nice to look at, but they were hardly the Uffizi. As Carl Chinn of all people once put it - it's easy to criticise but something had to be done, and done quickly in post-war Birmingham.
It's not about repackaging, it's about having a cultured and attractive environment in which we can welcome tourists. But it's not just about tourism, it's about the people who live here. I for one feel better about where I live when I'm surrounded by beautiful, historic buildings as opposed to concrete / corrugated steel monstrosities which need demolishing every 40 years or so.
I'm sure you do. I'm also sure that the majority of people who work in the city centre would much rather spent their time in the monstrosities you abhor than the nice-looking and inefficient buildings you love to look at.
-
How many cities of Birmingham's size, and our climate, have been successfully repackaged as tourist attractions based on anything as late as the Victorian era? Some of those old buildings might have been nice to look at, but they were hardly the Uffizi. As Carl Chinn of all people once put it - it's easy to criticise but something had to be done, and done quickly in post-war Birmingham.
It's not about repackaging, it's about having a cultured and attractive environment in which we can welcome tourists. But it's not just about tourism, it's about the people who live here. I for one feel better about where I live when I'm surrounded by beautiful, historic buildings as opposed to concrete / corrugated steel monstrosities which need demolishing every 40 years or so.
There needs to be a balance though and you just seem opposed to anything changing, ever. That's what the listing process is for, recognising those buildings that have merit and where every effort should be made to made to maintain them but, in conjunction with the planning laws, recognising that there are other criteria that also have to be considered.
-
How many cities of Birmingham's size, and our climate, have been successfully repackaged as tourist attractions based on anything as late as the Victorian era? Some of those old buildings might have been nice to look at, but they were hardly the Uffizi. As Carl Chinn of all people once put it - it's easy to criticise but something had to be done, and done quickly in post-war Birmingham.
Well, we can manage to save certain Victorian buildings when we put our mind to it. Buildings around Margaret st in town are just facades with the interiors adapted for modern (late 80's) office space. The area is better for it than a new build even though the cost of doing so is greater.
Back to the Edward, from what I've seen of it's interior it certainly isn't original but for some plaster coving in certain areas. It's the facade that's iconic for the area and that for me is the important bit. I doubt very much that there isn't a solution that would allow the Edward to remain. It might cost a bit more short term but long term we reap the benefit.
-
How many cities of Birmingham's size, and our climate, have been successfully repackaged as tourist attractions based on anything as late as the Victorian era? Some of those old buildings might have been nice to look at, but they were hardly the Uffizi. As Carl Chinn of all people once put it - it's easy to criticise but something had to be done, and done quickly in post-war Birmingham.
It's not about repackaging, it's about having a cultured and attractive environment in which we can welcome tourists. But it's not just about tourism, it's about the people who live here. I for one feel better about where I live when I'm surrounded by beautiful, historic buildings as opposed to concrete / corrugated steel monstrosities which need demolishing every 40 years or so.
There needs to be a balance though and you just seem opposed to anything changing, ever. That's what the listing process is for, recognising those buildings that have merit and where every effort should be made to made to maintain them but, in conjunction with the planning laws, recognising that there are other criteria that also have to be considered.
That's not true at all. I've stated that I'm not against the demolition of all old buildings. What I'm against is the needless demolition of old, characterful, aesthetically pleasing and / or historically important buildings, to be replaced by ugly structures that will themselves require demolition in a relatively short space of time. Especially when those who stand to benefit most are contractors, developers and councillors.
-
One man's "aesthetically pleasing" is another man's "monstrous carbuncle" , it's all subjective.
-
One man's "aesthetically pleasing" is another man's "monstrous carbuncle" , it's all subjective.
Well, I'm sure some people might find Florence a monstrous carbuncle, and Milton Keynes aesthetically pleasing. But they'd probably be idiots.
-
Also worth remembering that not all new buildings are guff that needs knocking down in a short period of time.
Look at Brindleyplace, for example, a really high quality development, which replaced an area with plenty of old buildings. Who would opt for not having had Brindleyplace and keeping what was there before, for example?
Brindleyplace is good because it mixes the old and the new very effectively, but then again, Brindleyplace is an extremely high value area in very valuable land, in the city centre, next to a massive convention centre.
It gets harder to make the case for similar buildings in areas like Aston. That's not to say they should just be flattened, not at all, just that, if they're not listed or protected, the economic case for keeping a building is bound to be harder to make.
I'd rather they kept the KE and built the access road around it, but then again, I don't know if it is feasible financially or structurally, and I have no idea how much it would cost, and whether the pub would be a viable venture even.
It is too easy to just assume the worst all the time.
-
One man's "aesthetically pleasing" is another man's "monstrous carbuncle" , it's all subjective.
Well, I'm sure some people might find Florence a monstrous carbuncle, and Milton Keynes aesthetically pleasing. But they'd probably be idiots.
And I'm sure some people could see the point Chris was actually trying to make, without having to reduce it to that level.
-
One man's "aesthetically pleasing" is another man's "monstrous carbuncle" , it's all subjective.
Well, I'm sure some people might find Florence a monstrous carbuncle, and Milton Keynes aesthetically pleasing. But they'd probably be idiots.
The King Edward as Birmingham's answer to the Ponte Vecchio, it's certainly an angle I hadn't considered.
-
One man's "aesthetically pleasing" is another man's "monstrous carbuncle" , it's all subjective.
Well, I'm sure some people might find Florence a monstrous carbuncle, and Milton Keynes aesthetically pleasing. But they'd probably be idiots.
And I'm sure some people could see the point Chris was actually trying to make, without having to reduce it to that level.
Come off it, Paulie, it wasn't entirely serious.
-
For anyone still interested in this, the latest issue of Private Eye discusses the King Edward in its 'Nooks and Corners' regular feature. The pub's popularity with Villa fans gets a mention. I don't think the whole article is available free online but a brief summary is on their website here:
http://www.private-eye.co.uk/sections.php?section_link=nooks_and_corners&issue=1248 (http://www.private-eye.co.uk/sections.php?section_link=nooks_and_corners&issue=1248)
Their columnist comes down very strongly in favour of retaining the building and criticises the planning committee for voting for its 'gratuitous destruction'.
-
If you can take a step back from the building for a moment. What makes a place is more about the space around buildings rather than the actual building itself.
From what I know of this building, yes it is old and yes it could definitely be argued it is a link to the area's past, not withstanding there are arguably better examples in the area, so it's architectural merit is questionable.
Now if you take the context of its site and the space around it in the proposal plans to develop the area it loses its reason to be there and would probably look a bit out of place like an over-sized gatehouse. There really doesn't appear to be any compelling reason to retain it, other than nostalgia.
I love old boozers, but there are more worthy specimens than this that deserve public support for their retention.
-
Why does it lose its reason to be there? People who work in huge industrial parks still need to eat and drink. And there are still Villa fans who'd use it on match day, unless the council are proposing to demolish Villa Park as well? You're right about one thing, though. A characterful 100-year old building would look terribly out of place among all that corrugated steel.
What I'd like to see from the council are compelling reasons why it really has to go. It appears they haven't been diligent in researching or inspecting the site, so it's difficult to have faith in their judgement.
-
Maybe they're going for gentrification. It worked in New York.
-
Does anyone know when the Aston Tavern is due to re-open? I might start queuing up this weekend
-
Maybe they're going for gentrification. It worked in New York.
My genitals are staying here.
-
WTF!
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/aston-villa-pub-king-edward-1727576
-
Also found this.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 – REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
I refer to your request for the following information, made under the
Freedom of Information Act:
Work has begun to move the King Edward VII pub to the Aston Tavern. A
large workforce is currently restoring a derelict and fire damaged Grade
II listed building at what would be a considerable cost. As the council is
relocating a business due to a proposed development this is being
undertaken at cost to the public purse.
What is the total cost of this project?
Response
The King Edward VII Public House site is required as part of a junction
improvement scheme to support the delivery of the Advanced Manufacturing
Hub. The Advanced Manufacturing Hub is seen as the key proposal to deliver
economic growth and new employment in this area. As part of the overall
vision, the current landlord of the King Edward VII will be relocating to
the nearby Aston Tavern Public House which he has acquired from the Homes
& Communities Agency and is undertaking the renovation works at a cost to
himself. The cost of which is not known to the City Council.
Review of Decision
If you are not satisfied with the decision you may ask for an internal
review. To do this please contact Birmingham City Council’s central FOI
Team at this address:
Corporate DP/FOI Team
Performance and Information (WS)
PO Box 16366
Birmingham
B2 2YY
Tel: 0121 303 4876 email: [1][Birmingham City Council request email]
If subsequently you are not satisfied with the Council’s decision you may
apply to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the ICO
cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure
provided by the Council. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at
the following address:
The Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone: 01625 545745
Web Address: [2]www.ico.gov.uk
-
Change??, i`ll still be gettin` lashed, no change there.
-
There will be as many who used to go in the Aston Tavern every week as went to the 8000 attendance Southampton game.
-
There will be as many who used to go in the Aston Tavern every week as went to the 8000 attendance Southampton game.
That's a good point.
However, I would like to point out that I was, really, at the Southampton game.
I vividly recall sitting in acres of space on the Holte. Yes, sitting.
me and 25,000 others
-
Anyone got an update when the Tavern is re opening? Is it first game of the season, or the Parma game?
-
There will be as many who used to go in the Aston Tavern every week as went to the 8000 attendance Southampton game.
That's a good point.
However, I would like to point out that I was, really, at the Southampton game.
I vividly recall sitting in acres of space on the Holte. Yes, sitting.
me and 25,000 others
I wasn't there but I did go to the Simod Cup game against Notts Forest and there was less than 6,000 in attendance on a Friday night I think. Strange atmosphere indeed.
-
Anyone got an update when the Tavern is re opening? Is it first game of the season, or the Parma game?
Newcastle game.
-
Is the Aston Tavern really reopening? my Dad would drink in there in the 60's and early 70's before Saturday matches with me in the corridor with a glass of orange and a packet of crisps panicking as he ordered another pint of mild at 2 45, so many happy memories of that old boozer.
-
There will be as many who used to go in the Aston Tavern every week as went to the 8000 attendance Southampton game.
That's a good point.
However, I would like to point out that I was, really, at the Southampton game.
I vividly recall sitting in acres of space on the Holte. Yes, sitting.
me and 25,000 others
I wasn't there but I did go to the Simod Cup game against Notts Forest and there was less than 6,000 in attendance on a Friday night I think. Strange atmosphere indeed.
That Southampton game was the one season I moved from The Holte and had a season ticket in the Trinity with my mate and his dad. I had never seen the Holte look so empty on a match day. I can vividly remember a point around kick off time when we gave each other a stunned look as we realised it really wasn't going to get any more full.
-
There will be as many who used to go in the Aston Tavern every week as went to the 8000 attendance Southampton game.
That's a good point.
However, I would like to point out that I was, really, at the Southampton game.
I vividly recall sitting in acres of space on the Holte. Yes, sitting.
me and 25,000 others
I wasn't there but I did go to the Simod Cup game against Notts Forest and there was less than 6,000 in attendance on a Friday night I think. Strange atmosphere indeed.
I remember that match. It was freezing and we lost 2-0.
-
I think the freezing Forest game in the Simod/ZDS cup was a midweek game under BFR and we lost. There was an earlier game in the same competition under SGT, which we won on a Friday night. If I remember right it was very close to Christmas, something like the 22nd or 23rd of December.
-
I think the freezing Forest game in the Simod/ZDS cup was a midweek game under BFR and we lost. There was an earlier game in the same competition under SGT, which we won on a Friday night. If I remember right it was very close to Christmas, something like the 22nd or 23rd of December.
Leeds, 1989-90.
-
Just looked it up. We won 2-1 at Hull in November, beat Forest 2-0 at VP on 22nd Dec 1989, then beat Leeds 2-0 in the January at VP (I have no recollection of that game whatsoever), then lost both legs of 'The Northern Final' 2-1 to Boro.
-
And here was me thinking it was Leeds before Christmas. The only thing I remember about that game was walking back toward Aston station and overhearing the following exchange between two Leeds fans:
"Are we gooin' t'right way?"
"Ar don't know but we're Leeds so we doon't gi' a fook."
They're not like normal people.
-
I remember having a bit of footballing respect for Vinnie Jones after the Leeds game. they were totally outclassed but he was their best player on the night and put in a shift. I also remember him getting the ball about 50 yards out and starting a run on goal and he was clean through. He got about 10 yards.
-
Pretty sure we played Dirty Leeds that year too. I was sat in the North Stand as an innocent nine-year-old and had to ask my Dad why their fans kept booing Tony Daley.
They haven't changed much since.
-
There was an evening game at Elland road in the eighties. I think it was a league cup tie in the Graham Turner days and Walters and Daley both got loads of abuse.
-
I remember the Forest game in the Simod Cup… without doubt the coldest game I have ever attended.
Remember thinking it was the small crowd which made it so cold…. and we lost... >:(
-
I remember the Forest game in the Simod Cup… without doubt the coldest game I have ever attended.
Remember thinking it was the small crowd which made it so cold…. and we lost... >:(
No way. The coldest game ever was the Liverpool league cup game midweek when the power went and there was a long delay. Think we were still playing at 11pm.
-
And we lost 4-3, booo!
-
I remember the Forest game in the Simod Cup… without doubt the coldest game I have ever attended.
Remember thinking it was the small crowd which made it so cold…. and we lost... >:(
No way. The coldest game ever was the Liverpool league cup game midweek when the power went and there was a long delay. Think we were still playing at 11pm.
I seem to remember it being some technical problem with the Ticketmaster system. I think there was originally a half hour delay but then one more delay at least afterwards.
-
I think it kicked off at least an hour late and went to extra-time. I doubt many people got home before midnight.
-
It almost went to extra time but Danny Murphy's late winner thwarted us after we'd come back from 3-1 down.
-
I was in the area yesterday and thought I'd take a look at how the Tavern is coming on. What a change to three months ago. It looks like we're going to have a pub to be proud of.
https://imageshack.com/i/ezdb1d22j
https://imageshack.com/i/ez7b04cdj
https://imageshack.com/i/exdf111ej
Down the left hand side at the rear there's a new extension, which I'm told is a function room. I couldn't get inside because it's still a building site but I managed to get a glimpse through the open front door, the bar is slightly to the left as you enter and the old back room where the pool table was in years gone by has gone. In it's place there's a large patio area.
It all looks quite impressive.
-
It should look impressive the amount of tax payers money thats gone into the place.
-
It should look impressive the amount of tax payers money thats gone into the place.
Yes but it makes a pleasant change to get something nice for our council tax. ;)
-
why is it not painted Claret and Blue ?
I hate that light green colour that seems to springing up on newly refurbished public houses...
-
why is it not painted Claret and Blue ?
I hate that light green colour that seems to springing up on newly refurbished public houses...
Agree. It's all a bit national trust.
-
why is it not painted Claret and Blue ?
I hate that light green colour that seems to springing up on newly refurbished public houses...
It is a "Villa pub" 19 times a year, I don't think it's enough to dictate the decor for the other 340 odd days.
-
why is it not painted Claret and Blue ?
I hate that light green colour that seems to springing up on newly refurbished public houses...
It is a "Villa pub" 19 times a year, I don't think it's enough to dictate the decor for the other 340 odd days.
I agree with what your saying Chris, but those 19 days last from August to May which is three quarters of the year ;)
UTV
-
I hate that light green colour that seems to springing up on newly refurbished public houses...
Gastro Pub Green, innit.
I was talking to someone about that the other day, the way that green and also the sort of greyish brown colour you see around gets used on pretty much every gastro pub up and down the country these days.
-
I was in the area yesterday and thought I'd take a look at how the Tavern is coming on. What a change to three months ago. It looks like we're going to have a pub to be proud of.
https://imageshack.com/i/ezdb1d22j
https://imageshack.com/i/ez7b04cdj
https://imageshack.com/i/exdf111ej
Down the left hand side at the rear there's a new extension, which I'm told is a function room. I couldn't get inside because it's still a building site but I managed to get a glimpse through the open front door, the bar is slightly to the left as you enter and the old back room where the pool table was in years gone by has gone. In it's place there's a large patio area.
It all looks quite impressive.
I would guess that the function room would be opened up for extra space on match days.
-
why is it not painted Claret and Blue ?
I hate that light green colour that seems to springing up on newly refurbished public houses...
Let's be thankful that they didn't paint the place blue and white.
-
I hate that light green colour that seems to springing up on newly refurbished public houses...
Gastro Pub Green, innit.
I was talking to someone about that the other day, the way that green and also the sort of greyish brown colour you see around gets used on pretty much every gastro pub up and down the country these days.
Gastro Pub.....I hate that phrase :)
-
I wonder if like the old days we'll be allowed to do a bit of pre-match "community singing."
I remember the old place used to be rocking about an hour before kick off. ;D
-
I hope it's bloody big, there was never room to move in the Aston Social and that had 1 large room and 1 smaller room, plus another room that would sometimes open up.
-
I heard the socials safe for another year? The tavern looks smart, just hope it's not too sterile inside. I'm very fond of social - rough and ready but good atmosphere and the kids love running around in the back room
-
I was in the area yesterday and thought I'd take a look at how the Tavern is coming on. What a change to three months ago. It looks like we're going to have a pub to be proud of.
https://imageshack.com/i/ezdb1d22j
https://imageshack.com/i/ez7b04cdj
https://imageshack.com/i/exdf111ej
Down the left hand side at the rear there's a new extension, which I'm told is a function room. I couldn't get inside because it's still a building site but I managed to get a glimpse through the open front door, the bar is slightly to the left as you enter and the old back room where the pool table was in years gone by has gone. In it's place there's a large patio area.
It all looks quite impressive.
Woooahh. Did you see that ghost of the bald headed man inside the bigger big headed man inside the building when you took the photo TLP? Shit scary stuff, man.
-
Looks good from the photos & hopefully it'll be as impressive on the inside!
I'll stick to my usual pre & post match haunt though!
-
I was in the area yesterday and thought I'd take a look at how the Tavern is coming on. What a change to three months ago. It looks like we're going to have a pub to be proud of.
https://imageshack.com/i/ezdb1d22j
https://imageshack.com/i/ez7b04cdj
https://imageshack.com/i/exdf111ej
Down the left hand side at the rear there's a new extension, which I'm told is a function room. I couldn't get inside because it's still a building site but I managed to get a glimpse through the open front door, the bar is slightly to the left as you enter and the old back room where the pool table was in years gone by has gone. In it's place there's a large patio area.
It all looks quite impressive.
Woooahh. Did you see that ghost of the bald headed man inside the bigger big headed man inside the building when you took the photo TLP? Shit scary stuff, man.
Yes, I reckon it must be my Doppelgänger left over from the 70's. 8)
-
Do you have to pay to get in the Tavern? If so, presumably, you can pay on the day ie. non membership.
Any decent other pubs close by where you don't have to pay?
-
Do you have to pay to get in the Tavern? If so, presumably, you can pay on the day ie. non membership.
Any decent other pubs close by where you don't have to pay?
It's definitely pay in, think you can pay on the door if you're not a member.
£2 or £3 I think, although I haven't been there.
Not sure if the Swan and Mitre is still open and whether you have to pay in there?
-
Snobs Nightclub is moving to Smallbrook Queensway next week, opposite The Holiday Inn and they are opening a daytime bar-craft beer pub, serving food.
Multi-screens SKY and BT.
Extremely pleasant barmaids,Real ales and a fantastic selection of craft/micro beers.
The Manager is a season ticket holder at the Villa and so is the owner.
Any city centre drinkers check them out, they open Wednesday 24th September.
Mr Woodhall, there is Lion Hook Norton on the house for you mate.
-
Do you have to pay to get in the Tavern? If so, presumably, you can pay on the day ie. non membership.
Any decent other pubs close by where you don't have to pay?
Bartons and Sacred Heart are free entry.
-
Snobs Nightclub is moving to Smallbrook Queensway next week, opposite The Holiday Inn and they are opening a daytime bar-craft beer pub, serving food.
Multi-screens SKY and BT.
Extremely pleasant barmaids,Real ales and a fantastic selection of craft/micro beers.
The Manager is a season ticket holder at the Villa and so is the owner.
Any city centre drinkers check them out, they open Wednesday 24th September.
Mr Woodhall, there is Lion Hook Norton on the house for you mate.
Did someone mention free beer?
-
Yes Dave, indeed.
I have left the Westley Arms, now at the afore mentioned city centre venue.
I do not know how to change my site name!
Pop in next time you are in town for that pint.
-
Last night on Saturday at Snobs is £20.00.
I won't accept the new place until the floor is nice and sticky.
-
Haha, indeed Ads, fond memories.
Unfortunately the new club and the day time operation have state of the art flooring, none stick I am afraid!!
They have priced the last night accordingly as ticket only due to huge demand and have spread the final weeked out to a Sunday too, you do get 3 free entries to the new club which justifies the £20 ticket.
They have spent £2million on the change of venue, kept many features of the old Snobs and also maintained 80 jobs.
Snobs promo over!
Seriously, the new bar and club looks amazing!
-
i'm so chuffed that Snobs hasn't been lost forever.....14th July 1977 was a very special day for me, a Thursday night, where i met the mother of my 3 sons, getting married Oct 1981.
i frequented that venue from 70's through to mid 80's. Brilliant place even back then,probably some of our younger users probably won't realise it's been around that long.
I like the comment about the 'sticky floor' - it was like that back in 70's. In those days you could get a great steak in the restaurant...which i imagine is long on. In those days i used to have the odd pint with 'Satan' himself who was also there with his then girlfriend Helen...became his wife also.
The Swan & Mitre is free entry but you need a membership card which you can ask for on the door. Numbers have declined from last year so they will probably be keen to get new
members.
-
i'm so chuffed that Snobs hasn't been lost forever.....14th July 1977 was a very special day for me, a Thursday night, where i met the mother of my 3 sons, getting married Oct 1981.
i frequented that venue from 70's through to mid 80's. Brilliant place even back then,probably some of our younger users probably won't realise it's been around that long.
I like the comment about the 'sticky floor' - it was like that back in 70's. In those days you could get a great steak in the restaurant...which i imagine is long on. In those days i used to have the odd pint with 'Satan' himself who was also there with his then girlfriend Helen...became his wife also.
The Swan & Mitre is free entry but you need a membership card which you can ask for on the door. Numbers have declined from last year so they will probably be keen to get new
members.
I remember going in there with three mates in the mid 80's at about 11pm on a Thursday and we were the only ones in there!
-
Does that free beer go for me too? That is dangerously, quite literally, across the road from where I work (Centre City House).
-
Does that free beer go for me too? That is dangerously, quite literally, across the road from where I work (Centre City House).
Cheltenhamlion, that is where OFWAT and Legal General are situated isnt it?
Absolutely a free drink is waiting for my fellow Villain, ask for Luke.
UTV
-
Yep. If you want to hook in new punters with any promotional offers then give me the stuff and I will litter our amenities rooms for you!
-
You don't have to ask for Luke. You will feel his presence. Cue a Star Wars/Christmas joke.
-
Anyone know what's happened to the Aston hotel ? Don't normally frequent that side of the ground but noticed it empty and derelict .
Is it due for demo ?
-
Anyone know what's happened to the Aston hotel ? Don't normally frequent that side of the ground but noticed it empty and derelict .
Is it due for demo ?
Sold at auction last year. Gonna be a womens refuge.
-
Anyone know what's happened to the Aston hotel ? Don't normally frequent that side of the ground but noticed it empty and derelict .
Is it due for demo ?
Sold at auction last year. Gonna be a womens refuge.
I bet the beer will still be better than it was in the last year of the hotel. I've never tasted beer as bad as the piss they served up.
-
That's a relief I was concerned it was due for demo.
-
Went in the tavern today. Very nice inside with loads of space and excellent service from the lovely barmaids.
-
The Ruskin Hall is no more!!!!!!!! Before the Palace game we parked up and walked up to the front door - my dad, my nephew and my son - and the place was boarded up. We stood there for about 5 minutes totally lost. Our whole matchday routine has changed forever. We eventually went into Tavern. Which to be fair is nice. Today 4 of us went into The Bartons to assess it's suitability as a new pre-match venue. Its bloody miles away.
-
Went in the tavern today. Very nice inside with loads of space and excellent service from the lovely barmaids.
Are they persisting with the £3 entrance fee ?
-
Tavern still £3, yes.
I went in the Witton Arms for the first time in donkeys yesterday. That was £1 to get in. The beer was OK, but overpriced as you might imagine.
-
We went in the Witton arms . Why was the back room not open ? Thought the beer was ok and more or less normal price ? Stella £3.40 ?
-
To be fair with the Tavern's £3 entry fee you can get yourself a burger.
-
Anyone know what's happened to the Aston hotel ? Don't normally frequent that side of the ground but noticed it empty and derelict .
Is it due for demo ?
Sold at auction last year. Gonna be a womens refuge.
I bet the beer will still be better than it was in the last year of the hotel. I've never tasted beer as bad as the piss they served up.
Is it just me or is it strange to have a women's refuge next to a football ground with tens of thousands of blokes, some tanked up and aggressive turning up once a week or so for most of the year?
-
Anyone know what's happened to the Aston hotel ? Don't normally frequent that side of the ground but noticed it empty and derelict .
Is it due for demo ?
Sold at auction last year. Gonna be a womens refuge.
I bet the beer will still be better than it was in the last year of the hotel. I've never tasted beer as bad as the piss they served up.
Is it just me or is it strange to have a women's refuge next to a football ground with tens of thousands of blokes, some tanked up and aggressive turning up once a week or so for most of the year?
It's just you, I hope.
-
I was thinking that it was not an ideal enviroment for women who you would imagine are quite nervous and insecure at this point in their lives. Mostly involving issues with men.
-
I was thinking that it was not an ideal enviroment for women who you would imagine are quite nervous and insecure at this point in their lives. Mostly involving issues with men.
It's a couple of hours a couple of dozen times a week in a safe environment.
-
What happened to that nice Luke bloke and the free drinks?
-
Has The Adventurers gone as well? Ballses up my matchday routine if it has. I don't like the sound of £3 entry to the Tavern, what're the prices like? Down for the Liverpool game with mates and unsure where to go if Adventurers is gone.
-
Anyone know what's happened to the Aston hotel ? Don't normally frequent that side of the ground but noticed it empty and derelict .
Is it due for demo ?
Sold at auction last year. Gonna be a womens refuge.
No! - thats sacrilege.....
-
The Ads is still going.
-
*phew* right, that's that sorted. Cheers!
-
The Ads is still going.
Only til season end I believe. It too is due for demo.
-
I never got over The Harriers becoming a nursery.
-
Bartons or Sacred Heart are my choices on the odd occasion I drink before a game. Bartons is nicer but a bit of a walk.
-
Bartons or Sacred Heart are my choices on the odd occasion I drink before a game. Bartons is nicer but a bit of a walk.
The Sacred Heart is going down that horrible road the Aston Hotel went down by playing mind numbing loud music after the match when all people want is a few drinks and a chat about the game. Don't understand why they do this.
-
Vine, eddies, Aston hotel,upper grounds, brittania, ruskin and next yr the ads, social and maybe swan and Mitre? Not many left next year
-
I think it's quite sad all these pubs are disappearing .
-
Vine, eddies, Aston hotel,upper grounds, brittania, ruskin and next yr the ads, social and maybe swan and Mitre? Not many left next year
Harriers too.Bulls Head an' all.
-
I have a pint in the Manor Tavern. A bit of a spot and saw dust pub, but it's alright for a quick pint.
-
Vine, eddies, Aston hotel,upper grounds, brittania, ruskin and next yr the ads, social and maybe swan and Mitre? Not many left next year
Harriers too.Bulls Head an' all.
Forgot The Guild Arms
-
Bartons or Sacred Heart are my choices on the odd occasion I drink before a game. Bartons is nicer but a bit of a walk.
The Sacred Heart is going down that horrible road the Aston Hotel went down by playing mind numbing loud music after the match when all people want is a few drinks and a chat about the game. Don't understand why they do this.
To stop people having to talk about the game.
-
Has anyone been up the villa tavern when they had one of them strange mod / ska disco things with the odd wurzels song thrown in for good measure. All a bit odd .
-
Is the Aston Hotel still open?
-
Is the Aston Hotel still open?
I thought it had closed, but I haven't been there for years tbh.
-
Is the Aston Hotel still open?
Think it`s closed down, rumour was that it`s gonna be a womens refuge centre (aint that a sign of the times).
-
I think it's quite sad all these pubs are disappearing .
Very, forget "social media", society is getting more isolated by the year, so many kids these days interact with nothing other than a keyboard (he writes on a Dell keyboard!).
-
I think it's quite sad all these pubs are disappearing .
Very, forget "social media", society is getting more isolated by the year, so many kids these days interact with nothing other than a keyboard (he writes on a Dell keyboard!).
It's sad that pubs are disappearing but at least a lovely old building like the Aston Hotel is staying intact.
-
I think it's quite sad all these pubs are disappearing .
Very, forget "social media", society is getting more isolated by the year, so many kids these days interact with nothing other than a keyboard (he writes on a Dell keyboard!).
It's sad that pubs are disappearing but at least a lovely old building like the Aston Hotel is staying intact.
whats happened to the lovely building that was the Britannia pub ? as I was told it was a curry house/take away now ?
UTV
The Doc
-
Its an adult education building used by one of the universities.
-
Its an adult education building used by one of the universities.
cheers PeterWithe...lovely old building and I'm glad it's being used...
UTV
The Doc
-
cheers lads.
-
Its an adult education building used by one of the universities.
Some of the stonework and tiling to the external facade is wonderful. Particularly the Brittannia figurine at roof level.
-
Every single pub on Summer Lane too... used to be at least 4 or 5 I think. Drank in them all over the years.
-
Does anyone know if the Witton arms tomorrow is 50/50 or all away fans ?
-
Anyone know if The Albion near Staples is still open?
-
Anyone know if The Albion near Staples is still open?
not very often, under new ownership of a very nice but laid back Caribbean gent, had run out of draught beer last time I went just before xmas
-
Anyone know if The Albion near Staples is still open?
not very often, under new ownership of a very nice but laid back Caribbean gent, had run out of draught beer last time I went just before xmas
Cheers.
-
Looks like there was a lot pre match drinking done tonight, and by a good number of people that can't act with any level of maturity.
-
Instant arsehole , just add alcohol. Never a truer word said.
-
Looked to be all going off by the aston tavern when I walked past about 330pm, at least 6 meat wagons and OB on the scene
-
Looked to be all going off by the aston tavern when I walked past about 330pm, at least 6 meat wagons and OB on the scene
I saw some photos on Twitter of police in there rounding up some baggies
-
Looked to be all going off by the aston tavern when I walked past about 330pm, at least 6 meat wagons and OB on the scene
A group of Albion fans had beaten the cleaner into the Tavern, if it wasnt for the OB presence Im not sure anyone would have noticed but a good decision to get them out before the place filled up. As is the way once the riot police turned up a few on both sides got a bit lairy.
-
We went into the Holte pub , only trouble in there was the rads were on full pelt and it was two deep at the bar.
-
We went into the Holte pub , only trouble in there was the rads were on full pelt and it was two deep at the bar.
You were lucky.10 deep at the Sacred Heart.Triple, quadruple rounds, half hour wait
No chance of getting pissed
-
Hare and Hounds.
Longer walk to the ground, but cheap drinks, quick service and no silly entrance fee.
-
Selly Park Tavern in the sunshine, no muppets, fifteen mins to the ground, easy!
Normally it would be the Clifden, but imagined the Albion daytrippers would have been there in a few numbers...
-
We were in the Wetherspoons in Perry Barr, which was busier than normal (the pub, not Perry Barr). The bar service was hopeless. When I finally got served, the barman took my order but didn't come back. He decided to stand at the other end of the bar pouring pints for other customers instead.
-
We went into the Holte pub , only trouble in there was the rads were on full pelt and it was two deep at the bar.
You were lucky.10 deep at the Sacred Heart.Triple, quadruple rounds, half hour wait
No chance of getting pissed
Me and RedSox got to the Sacred Heart about an hour and a half before KO, saw how rammed it was outside and headed back to the ground. I've very rarely, if ever, seen the Sacred Heart so full that the car park was full of people drinking.
-
After being turned away (being busy not because I have the youthful looks of a 16 year old) from the Villa half of the Witton arms we walked straight in to the away half, delightful expirience that was, it's strange being a football fan and seeing close up how the other half live, bellends the lot of them, we managed to make it to the Villa half through a hole in the fence.
-
Chico and I were in the Sacred Heart too and getting served was an ordeal. I was offering people a couple of quid premium for their pints but got nowhere. People buying rounds of 20 pints.....
-
Fine in The Bartons. Well, until an hour or so after the game when they closed the bar because people committed the heinous crime of singing.
Top marks for loudly singing "We are not singing any more"
-
Fine in The Bartons. Well, until an hour or so after the game when they closed the bar because people committed the heinous crime of singing.
Top marks for loudly singing "We are not singing any more"
What sort of oub closes the bar because of people singing?
-
One with a well populated restaurant attached.
-
The people in the restaurant area looked quite nonplussed about it all. I felt a bit sorry for the barman, him and the rest of the barstaff had grafted their bollocks off before the match and after.
I think we left at the correct time.
-
Fine in The Bartons. Well, until an hour or so after the game when they closed the bar because people committed the heinous crime of singing.
Top marks for loudly singing "We are not singing any more"
Makes me feel better about leaving after one pint now, as I had a family party to go to.
-
Popped into the Aston Tavern for the first time yesterday. It's very nicely done out and in the summer the outside part wil be a pleasant place to sit. £3 in mind, although it included a free pork bap which unfortunatley was more bap than pork.
-
Popped into the Aston Tavern for the first time yesterday. It's very nicely done out and in the summer the outside part wil be a pleasant place to sit. £3 in mind, although it included a free pork bap which unfortunatley was more bap than pork.
Walked past on the way to the game and it looked dead in there, although this was at about 7.30pm to be fair.
-
Looking forward to the end of season Ska / Worzels mash up in the Villa Tav back room . Before and after the Burnley game .
-
Popped into the Aston Tavern for the first time yesterday. It's very nicely done out and in the summer the outside part wil be a pleasant place to sit. £3 in mind, although it included a free pork bap which unfortunatley was more bap than pork.
Walked past on the way to the game and it looked dead in there, although this was at about 7.30pm to be fair.
As sparsley attended last night as it has been at any point this season, it was great, you didnt have to queue for a pint.
-
Popped into the Aston Tavern for the first time yesterday. It's very nicely done out and in the summer the outside part wil be a pleasant place to sit. £3 in mind, although it included a free pork bap which unfortunatley was more bap than pork.
That's no way to get the muslims into the pub.
-
Popped into the Aston Tavern for the first time yesterday. It's very nicely done out and in the summer the outside part wil be a pleasant place to sit. £3 in mind, although it included a free pork bap which unfortunatley was more bap than pork.
That's no way to get the muslims into the pub.
By the sound of it, there wasn't enough pork to cause offence
-
Popped into the Aston Tavern for the first time yesterday. It's very nicely done out and in the summer the outside part wil be a pleasant place to sit. £3 in mind, although it included a free pork bap which unfortunatley was more bap than pork.
That's no way to get the muslims into the pub.
By the sound of it, there wasn't enough pork to cause offence
A pint of Carling, A pint of Peroni and a Guinness came to over £12 as well.
-
So, last game day of The New Adventurers Today . Emotional.
-
So, last game day of The New Adventurers Today . Emotional.
Is it closing for good ?
-
So, last game day of The New Adventurers Today . Emotional.
Is it closing for good ?
Yes, it's being levelled I believe.
-
This really could stop me and my dad going for a while. Our matchday routine all gone to cock. He hasn't gone down since christmas such is our superstitious ways.
http://corporateinternational.colliers-uk.com/Modules/Shared/OpenDocument.aspx?F=5606c27d-3399-40d6-8e4b-9c58ebf1b943.pdf&p=documents&HID=305967&PID=-1&departmentID=17
-
Well I'm in the adventurers to say goodbye
-
After what went off at the back of the adventurers before the game no wonder it's closing.
-
I'll bite.. What happened?
-
Villa fans fighting with each other..glasses and bottles flying..as Pearce and lawrenson would say...back to the bad old days..!
-
Well it is a bank holiday Sunday, pubs are open, factories are shut tomorrow etc. etc.
-
Heard it was some of the youngers misbehaving with the olders cuffing them.
-
Sounds like it was a chav shithole to the end.
-
A fitting ending then. Never did make it in there, unlike the Eddy's where I went once on the last day of last season.
-
Gave the Tavern a go yesterday...won't be back. £3 in, queuing for 20 mins for a pint and then finding out they'd only got Carling left.
-
Popped into the Holte Suite yesterday. For some odd reason, they had a mariachi band playing. Maybe it's Randy's way of hinting that we're being taken over by Mexicans. They were very good though. Their rendition of 'you've only come to see the villa' was a particular highlight.
-
Popped into the Holte Suite yesterday. For some odd reason, they had a mariachi band playing. Maybe it's Randy's way of hinting that we're being taken over by Mexicans. They were very good though. Their rendition of 'you've only come to see the villa' was a particular highlight.
My mate booked them, no particular reason apart from that he thought they were funny and might have brightened the mood if went down.
-
Tried the Lions club yesterday. Although there was hardly any queue at the bar and room to swing several tigers, two of my mates were refused entry as the club was supposedly full. So, we moved round to the Holte Pub, where it took 30+ minutes to get served.
-
I've not been in the Lions Club all season, I've found it ok in there in the past if you get there early enough and secure a seat.
-
Popped into the Holte Suite yesterday. For some odd reason, they had a mariachi band playing. Maybe it's Randy's way of hinting that we're being taken over by Mexicans. They were very good though. Their rendition of 'you've only come to see the villa' was a particular highlight.
We could do a lot worse than Carlos Slim
-
I've not been in the Lions Club all season, I've found it ok in there in the past if you get there early enough and secure a seat.
The last time I went in there was when the stripeyfilth beat Wolves 5-1, the game which got Mick McCarthy the sack. It was alright in there as you say, I wouldn't make a habit of going in.
-
Is there a pre-Wembley match drinking thread somewhere?
-
Is the Social staying open or is it going the same way as the Addies?
-
Is the Social staying open or is it going the same way as the Addies?
They owner keeps saying that it is staying open, says open through 2015/16 and beyond or something in the pub.
-
Heard the renewal fee for the Tavern next season is £60
That is unreasonable and I hope, for the sake of the pub and its loyal customers, that common-sense prevails.
I've got memberships of clubs I got to far more often that I don't pay anywhere near that for.
-
I'm really at a loss for next season. Need a drinking place but lost without the Ruskin Hall. Bartons is bit too far and I find it a little pokey if the truth be told. Just a feng shui thing. No idea where to go.
-
Well I'd swerve the Aston Tavern for a start off. In fact that goes for any pub charging to get in - I know I'm getting old but paying to get into a pub is just taking the piss...then they sell it back to you for £4 a pint in a warm glass. I'll stick to drinking in town.
-
I'm really at a loss for next season. Need a drinking place but lost without the Ruskin Hall. Bartons is bit too far and I find it a little pokey if the truth be told. Just a feng shui thing. No idea where to go.
Try the Villa Tavern
-
£60 fee to get in the Aston Tavern??? I won't be going anywhere near that then!
Same boat as a lot of people for next season. Really can't decide to where to have a pre & post match beer.
Jeez,as if the coming season wasn't stressful enough as it is!
-
Villa fan I met on hols told me its £3 to get in the tavern with free pork baps thrown in
-
We just go in the ground, not the best pint but easy to get severed. Started to go in the Holte Suite towards the end of the season. £4 with a programme and I buy these for my lad anyway so just an extra £1. ST holders only
-
Getting severed is a bit harsh!
-
The tavern is nice. admittwdly pricey but loads of room, Nice ales and decent food. However we normally do the social as with kids and they love the back Room
-
Match day drinkers are becoming increasingly limited on where they can drink, in the last couple of years we've had the Ruskin, Aston Hotel, King Edwards, Vine and now the Ads all closed down and only the extortionate Aston Tavern has opened to replace them. It's obviously hard for owners to run places in the Aston area at a profit and it's a huge shame for the people who go down on match day. If I win the lottery the first thing i'd do is open my own pub in the area.
-
I was only thinking yesterday - in terms of easily walkable pubs Villa Park must now be the worst of the old grounds. It's incredible to think that there's only the Witton Arms and Aston Tavern within 10-15 minutes. To shin's list you can add the Ratpan, Brit, Guild, Harriers, New Crown, all within a few years.
-
Villa fan I met on hols told me its £3 to get in the tavern with free pork baps thrown in
-
I was only thinking yesterday - in terms of easily walkable pubs Villa Park must now be the worst of the old grounds. It's incredible to think that there's only the Witton Arms and Aston Tavern within 10-15 minutes. To shin's list you can add the Ratpan, Brit, Guild, Harriers, New Crown, all within a few years.
The Manor Tavern and The Swan and Mitre are only about 15/20mins walk to the ground.....
UTV
The Doc
-
Villa fan I met on hols told me its £3 to get in the tavern with free pork baps thrown in
That's right but last year it was £30 for a season long pass which made it, sort of, worthwhile to get the pass if you used it every game. There is no incentive to get one this year, in fact if like me you miss 2/3 games a season for one reason of another then you are highly likely to be out of pocket.
-
I was only thinking yesterday - in terms of easily walkable pubs Villa Park must now be the worst of the old grounds. It's incredible to think that there's only the Witton Arms and Aston Tavern within 10-15 minutes. To shin's list you can add the Ratpan, Brit, Guild, Harriers, New Crown, all within a few years.
The Manor Tavern and The Swan and Mitre are only about 15/20mins walk to the ground.....
UTV
The Doc
As I said - only two within 10-15 minutes.
-
I was only thinking yesterday - in terms of easily walkable pubs Villa Park must now be the worst of the old grounds. It's incredible to think that there's only the Witton Arms and Aston Tavern within 10-15 minutes. To shin's list you can add the Ratpan, Brit, Guild, Harriers, New Crown, all within a few years.
The Manor Tavern and The Swan and Mitre are only about 15/20mins walk to the ground.....
UTV
The Doc
As I said - only two within 10-15 minutes.
to be fair the beer ain't that great in either of them...and is the Yew Tree(?) still going ?
UTV
The Doc
-
I think the Yew Tree's still going. Either way you're better off drinking in the city centre - you can leave the Post Office or the Wellington and you're outside the ground within half an hour.
-
I think the Yew Tree's still going. Either way you're better off drinking in the city centre - you can leave the Post Office or the Wellington and you're outside the ground within half an hour.
true....I was just reminiscing about The Yew Tree because when I was a kid my Aunt used to live in Deakin Avenue and that was where some of our family would meet up before matches .
UTV
The Doc
-
I think the Yew Tree's still going. Either way you're better off drinking in the city centre - you can leave the Post Office or the Wellington and you're outside the ground within half an hour.
The Yew Tree was open for most of last season but think it was shut for the last couple of games.
-
The Manor Tavern! I park near there but have never been back since my mate found a plaster in his lager! They always run out of beer as well.
-
Be nice if someone purchased and refurbished The Brittannia and restored it to its former glory.
-
Be nice if someone purchased and refurbished The Brittannia and restored it to its former glory.
It would be nice if that happened to any one of a number of inner-city pubs but unfortunately they're in the wrong place at the wrong time.
-
I can't believe nobody's suggested a lovely pint in sweaty Powerleague.
-
I think the Yew Tree's still going. Either way you're better off drinking in the city centre - you can leave the Post Office or the Wellington and you're outside the ground within half an hour.
how ? train ,,, or the number 7 bus
-
I think the Yew Tree's still going. Either way you're better off drinking in the city centre - you can leave the Post Office or the Wellington and you're outside the ground within half an hour.
how ? train ,,, or the number 7 bus
Train. It's about five minutes to the station, another five to the platform and the train's 12 minutes to Witton.
-
I went to the Hare and Hounds a few times last season. It's fine if you leave 20-25 minutes before kick off to walk it.
-
Be nice if someone purchased and refurbished The Brittannia and restored it to its former glory.
It would be nice if that happened to any one of a number of inner-city pubs but unfortunately they're in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I was shocked to see that the Soho Tavern and The Railway (both in Handsworth) have been refurbished.
Going against the grain these days.
-
Be nice if someone purchased and refurbished The Brittannia and restored it to its former glory.
It would be nice if that happened to any one of a number of inner-city pubs but unfortunately they're in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I was shocked to see that the Soho Tavern and The Railway (both in Handsworth) have been refurbished.
Going against the grain these days.
It's the new fashion - tandoori barbecue gastropubs.
-
In my previous post is it right that you get free pork rolls thrown in if you go to the tavern.
Those cardboard burgers outside the Holte are £4 so £ 60 entrance will work out cheaper for me and my kids
-
The Diggers is decent .
-
Sacred Heart only 10minutes away, good atmosphere, though heaving for the big games.
-
Sacred Heart is unbearably packed for every home game now. Suppose it's because it's the only free to enter boozer near to the ground.
-
Sacred Heart is unbearably packed for every home game now. Suppose it's because it's the only free to enter boozer near to the ground.
And they're going down the same road the Aston Hotel did of playing unbearably loud music after the match. I must be getting old but you just can't hear yourself think.
-
I thought they were doing a cheap membership scheme at the Sacred Heart for this season?
-
Sacred Heart is unbearably packed for every home game now. Suppose it's because it's the only free to enter boozer near to the ground.
And they're going down the same road the Aston Hotel did of playing unbearably loud music after the match. I must be getting old but you just can't hear yourself think.
Exactly why I'm not keen on the Social. We tend to go in the Holte Suite for an hour, then pop down the Tavern. They stop charging entry when the crowds start dwindling.
-
Has anyone been up the villa tavern when they had one of them strange mod / ska disco things with the odd wurzels song thrown in for good measure. All a bit odd .
how often is that on
-
i can recomend the acorn on erdington high street and the number 11 bus from 6 ways at 20 past 2
or the witton arms
ska disco under the marquee ,,,,,,,loads of bar staff or cans from the fridge under the marquee (no waiting)
its a quid in and nearest pub to the ground
across the road you can have sheek or shish kebabs in fresh naan bread with chilli sauce for £2.50
after the match if you hang on till 8 enjoy the free live music and get off your trolley with the locals
or just pop in for a pint or 2 after the match and jump on the free train to town across the road once the queues have died down
-
The Aston Tavern remains £30 for a seasons membership for renewals.
-
The Aston Tavern remains £30 for a seasons membership for renewals.
I'm not sure I like the idea of giving a pub £30 just to gain entry once a fortnight.
-
Has anyone been up the villa tavern when they had one of them strange mod / ska disco things with the odd wurzels song thrown in for good measure. All a bit odd .
how often is that on
Certainly last home game of the season and then other occasions seem to be rather ad-Hoc depending if the back room is free and the "DJ" is around.
-
The Aston Tavern remains £30 for a seasons membership for renewals.
I'm not sure I like the idea of giving a pub £30 just to gain entry once a fortnight.
Nor I but there isn't an awful lot of choice. It is £60 for new memberships.
At least it might keep some of the riff-raff out.
-
The Aston Tavern remains £30 for a seasons membership for renewals.
I'm not sure I like the idea of giving a pub £30 just to gain entry once a fortnight.
Nor I but there isn't an awful lot of choice. It is £60 for new memberships.
At least it might keep some of the riff-raff out.
Do you have to wear brogues and chinos too?
-
Full evening dress. Lounge suits for night games and when things might get a bit nawty.
-
Full evening dress. Lounge suits for night games and when things might get a bit nawty.
Absolutely, you wouldn't want to get Cristal all over your best tuxedo.
-
Full evening dress. Lounge suits for night games and when things might get a bit nawty.
Absolutely, you wouldn't want to get Cristal all over your best tuxedo.
and caviar stains are a bit of a fucker to get out of a dress shirt...as is blood :)
UTV
The Doc
-
i can recomend the acorn on erdington high street
For real?
-
If the Sacred Heart is being classed as close, I am very surprised nobody has mentioned The Bartons Arms. Free to get in, good beer and excellent food.
That said, you will be given scornful looks if turning up uninvited. And they are still recovering from "Singing Gate" after the Bog Eyes cup game.
-
Don't like the Bartons Arms but, yeah, when needs must.
-
Amazingly, I have never been in the bartons. Planning to go before man u
-
Give us a shout on PM then. Just don't bring 20 drunken yoofs that want to sing!
-
Ha, heard it was a cracking pub, full of villa
-
Happy to meet you, Pete. You would also get to talk to a variety of posters from here. Including Frank. Now there is a man not to be trifled with...
-
If the Sacred Heart is being classed as close, I am very surprised nobody has mentioned The Bartons Arms. Free to get in, good beer and excellent food.
well if the sacred heart and the barton arms are close i am surprised no one has mention the arthur robinosn weathrerspoons pub at perry barr near the one stop
And if you have a bus pass or a daysaver ticket you can drink 8 pints of cheap beer or lager or guinness or cider in there and leave at 2.40
8 minutes later you will be by the aston hotel at 2.48 and in the ground before kick off
and you dont have to pay on the bus
-
Looking forward to a couple pints in Aston tavern Friday.
-
Give us a shout on PM then. Just don't bring 20 drunken yoofs that want to sing!
The barmaid in there told me that they kept the snob screens so the H&V collective could use them when any undesirables came in.
-
The Manor Tavern went up in flames last night, so there's another match day boozer gone .
-
Sacred Heart is a 10 min walk from Trinity Road gates. Not sure how that isn't close. Barton's is probably double that.
-
The Manor Tavern went up in flames last night, so there's another match day boozer gone .
Up in flames you say? Hmmm.
-
The Manor Tavern went up in flames last night, so there's another match day boozer gone .
Is that the one just up the road from The Brittania ?
Sounds like arson
-
I'd have preferred to go in the cannabis factory next door.
-
The Manor Tavern went up in flames last night, so there's another match day boozer gone .
Is that the one just up the road from The Brittania ?
Sounds like arson
They reckon it could be caused by the heat from the cannabis farm.
-
A cannabis factory was discovered in an office building sited next door to a fire-hit pub favoured by Villa fans.
The “substantial” haul was found after emergency services attended the blaze at the Manor Tavern, in Aston, which raged for more than two hours.
The cannabis crop was later discovered in the adjoining property.
A source said a possible cause of the fire was heat used to grow the cannabis factory at the two-storey, semi-detached building.
An upstairs bedroom at the pub was gutted and the first-floor badly damaged by smoke after the blaze started at about 8.15pm on Wednesday.
About 15 firefighters using breathing apparatus tackled the fire at the premises in Portland Street.
Specialist ventilation equipment was also employed to disperse the thick smoke.
There were no reports of injuries.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: “We had a call from the fire service to a report of a fire in the living quarters of the Manor Tavern.
“Subsequently a cannabis factory was found in an adjacent property.
“We made our cannabis disposal aware and officers attended the scene.”
The spokeswoman added a “substantial” amount of cannabis had been discovered at the property.
Police were waiting for the power supply to be made safe, so they could carry out a thorough search of the building.
The property has a “for sale/to let” sign advertising it as office space but it was unclear who owned the building and if it was being used for commercial or residential purposes.
The Manor Tavern lies around a mile from Villa Park and is popular with claret and blue fans. No one at the pub could be reached for comment.
-
The Manor Tavern went up in flames last night, so there's another match day boozer gone .
Is that the one just up the road from The Brittania ?
Sounds like arson
They reckon it could be caused by the heat from the cannabis farm.
Jesus, rapidly running out of watering holes in B6 area
-
your better off drinking cans in the street
chilled out the fridge from local shops
like the cadbury shop by thurstons snooker shop near the old brittania
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.5034012,-1.8725554,3a,75y,118.51h,82.04t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sAqFGjFEZlnPDceKnawGeYg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
or from the 2 shops in church road near ali babas kebab shop ,,,,,,,,,,5 minutes walk to the ground
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.503738,-1.8760973,3a,75y,33.06h,80.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sujBsAhXWnHpngJlJu3QVrQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
and when its sunny you can sit on the grass and look at osbourne tower
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.5035888,-1.8759324,3a,75y,341.61h,84.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6dJsGPz0YkXdsYpvmyROWw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ukhousing/images/4/48/IMAG0030-1-.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20110623082108)