The Barton's Arms

[Nunkin1965]

Very sad news indeed.
Going to lose a special part of every trip I make to VP and thats such a shame.

[Percy McCarthy]

Never been to Sacred Heart. Where is it? Up Trinity Road somewhere?

It's located in Witton Road (on the corner with Prestbury Road).

Cheers.

[ChicagoLion]

That really is sad news.
It is difficult to see how the economics work for such a large site in that location.

[London Villan]

The building itself must cost a fortune to heat, light, maintain and insure - the cost before you've poured a pint must be astronomical.

[Brend'Watkins]

Even when it reopened the last time it wasn’t as busy as in previous years. It never had a chance really if people didn’t visit on other days than match day. A sad loss to Villa fans and a sad loss for Birmingham.

[Flamingo Lane]

Who is the owner of the building? Is there a lease still running, notwithstanding the closure? Does anyone know?

[VILLA MOLE]

it is a lovely building , shame if not utilised

[ChicagoLion]

Who is the owner of the building? Is there a lease still running, notwithstanding the closure? Does anyone know?

Angela Nelson is the owner r in the ownership group

[frank]

For many years I've been bringing large groups, sometimes as many as 25, to eat at the Barton's before or after every home game. It was the perfect venue: a beautiful building with a stunning interior, guaranteed seating for a couple of hours, easy parking at or near the pub or good bus links from the city centre, and just a few minutes' walk from the ground. For a long time we enjoyed excellent Thai food and a wide selection of well-kept beers. A further bonus was the friendship that developed between our groups, who came from all over the UK and beyond, and the regulars, several of whom also post on H&V.
It is true that, as Bren has said, the Barton's became less popular recently. Perhaps the real ale drinkers voted with their feet, because the choice and quality of the beers aren't what they used to be. No doubt the Silhill Taproom took some of the custom. The Thai menu, though still very good, was much more limited and the alternative bar meals were unappetising.
Nonetheless, the Barton's Arms remained our preferred choice, with its convenient location, lively atmosphere and helpful, friendly staff. Despite the unpopular kick-off time, there would have been 16 of us round the table after the Newcastle game on Saturday, including 3 from Italy.
Unfortunately, none of the management groups who've taken on the pub in the last few years, most recently Nathan and his hardworking team, have succeeded in making it economically viable. I hate to say this, having been a great supporter of the Barton's for so long, but I fear that it's not going to reopen as a pub any time soon, if it ever does. It will be greatly missed.

[Small Rodent]

The upstairs is perfect for an independent music venue.

[Drummond]

It's a  great old pub. I used to love going in, but the last couple of times (admittedly some time ago) it took forever and the staff weren't great.

Now I bring my 10 year old with me to most games, he's not interested in watching me have a pint anyway, and less enamoured with waiting to watch me have a pint.

It's such a shame though, let's hope its listed status stops it going to ruin, or worse being turned into flats.

[Towser]

Didnt Sabbath used to rehearse and drink there back in the day as well?

[tomd2103]

Given it's location, I think part of the problem could be that it isn't very busy apart from match days.  It is a shame though as it's a fantastic old building.

[UK Redsox]

The upstairs is perfect for an independent music venue.

The building itself has potential as a ‘Hare and Hounds’ type venue, but I’m not sure that the location would be successful. The conversion expenditure would be high.

[London Villan]

Pity it can't be moved brick by brick to Digbeth.