Hajees Spices, Birmingham

By architect Holland W Hobbis, it was one of M&B's flagship pubs when opened in April 1924. It has an excellent exterior with a narrow frontage to main road but a longer side frontage. The front elevation has wonderful central arched doorway of stone, brick and tiles. Above is a large stone-carved antelope insignia by William Bloye, plus the pub name and 'MITCHELLS & BUTLERS' in relief, and good drainpipes. The side elevation has a sundial ("I tell the bright hours only"), a smaller antelope sign, a licensing sign carved in stone, and several arched doorways and dormers. The front square-shaped bar is plain and open in character, and has had alterations, but retains features from the original design. There is a brick-tiled floor, and benches in the front part. The wall-panelling and timber lobby around the front door feature a carved band around the top. The bar-counter is original with similar carved pieces, but has had an ugly false ceiling, bar mountings and a new bar-back added. There is an original brick and stone fireplace. In the centre of the room is a splendid column with carved timber faces and a splayed timber capital. The room is spoilt by the unnecessary additions to the servery, and modern paraphernalia such as gaming machines, TV projector, ventilation box, etc. At the rear is a lounge, also panelled, but modernised and less interesting.

Update 2012. Now Hajee's Spices Restaurant and historic pub interior has been completely removed so deleted.