Birmingham’s historic The Woodman pub is set to reopen its doors, two years after closing due to business pressures exacerbated by the nearby HS2 works. The reopening comes after a significant £300,000 investment from new owners.
The Woodman, located on New Canal Street, has undergone extensive refurbishments under the stewardship of Union Inns, led by director John Brearley. The pub will open this Friday, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
John Brearley, a lifelong member of the Campaign for Real Ale and a dedicated preservationist of British pubs, spearheaded this project. With a background in accounting and significant experience in brewery operations, Brearley has previously restored the Railway Hotel in Birtley and the Swan and Railway in Wigan. His commitment to preserving historical pubs was evident as he stated, “Over the years, I have come to appreciate the rapidly diminishing stock of what I would call true heritage pubs, those that retain substantial elements of their interiors unchanged.”
The Woodman, a grade II listed building, was constructed in 1897 by the renowned Birmingham architectural firm James & Lister Lea. Known for designs such as The British Oak in Stirchley, the firm provided The Woodman with its distinctive red-brick and terracotta exterior, complemented by intricate Minton tiles.
The pub has a rich history, serving as a popular venue for local factory workers in the Digbeth area until its initial closure in 2009. Following a revival in 2013, it fell victim once again to the disruptions caused by HS2 construction, leading to its closure in 2022.
However, the new lease agreement with Birmingham City Council, signed for 25 years, has paved the way for its revival. Over the past four months, the restoration has included new wooden flooring, painting, cleaning, updated toilets, ten hand pumps, and reupholstered seating. The establishment will offer a range of cask ales and a food menu.
Brearley’s personal connection to these projects is underscored by his remark, “I lost my first wife eight years ago and reached a crossroads in my life where I felt I wanted to focus more on things that were real passions of mine including these pubs.”
The pub’s strategic location opposite the new HS2 station places it at the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside district, promising significant footfall. Brearley expressed optimism about the future, noting, “With the right TLC, attention to detail and really protecting that heritage, we could make a go of it.”
The reopening of The Woodman signifies not only the preservation of a piece of Birmingham’s history but also a commitment to maintaining the city’s cultural heritage amid modern developments.