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Historic backstreet boozer located close to Millennium Point, Curzon Street Station and Birmingham City University. Originally opened in 1897, this Grade-II listed pub was reopened in 2024 following a sensitive refurbishment. The proprietor is John Brearly of Union Inns, who also restored the award-winning Swan & Railway, Wigan, in 2019.
This multi-room red brick and terracotta pub still retains many of its original features. On entering through the main corner door, visitors will be in an L-shaped bar. Large windows provide plenty of light, reflected in the traditional mirrors behind the bar and on the walls. To the right, visitors can enter a small corridor leading to the smoke room - perfect for a quiet drink. To the left is the library with real fire. Toilets can be accessed by exiting this area to the rear.
The Woodman was originally an Ansell's Brewery pub but now proudly serves Draught Bass on one of two five-handpump beer engines that also serve up to nine changing cask beers. Lagers, stouts and cider are served from keg taps. Tea and coffees are also available. Food is available 12noon until 9pm with a selection of cold snacks, cheese boards, pies, sandwiches & wraps, pizzas, and cakes.
Historic Interest
National Inventory
Three star - A pub interior of outstanding national historic importance
Listed status: II
One of the finest of the many Birmingham tiled and terracotta designed by James and Lister Lea. The interior sports many fine original features, the tiling and bar-back being especially notable.
Dating from 1896/7 for Ansells brewery, the Woodman was closed for many years but reopened in 2013 after restoration by sympathetic new owners. After shutting again in 2022, it reopened once more in September 2024 after a further (and exemplary) refurbishment. For many years, it stood in an urban wasteland but recent and future developments around it, including the new HS2 terminal, will help secure its future. The main bar, now one room, but once two split by a partition, is dominated by the splendid bar counter and even grander bar-back. The room has much excellent Minton tiling. To the right is a small drinking corridor, also sumptuously tiled. An angled door leads to the true marvel which is the smoke room, with more glorious wall tiling, a lovely marble fireplace, an old mirror set into the tiles, bench seating all round and a large hatch to the bar with glazed panel above. Returning to the main bar, and ahead of the corner entrance, a snug occupies what had been a plain back room, brought into pub use at a later date.
This Pub serves 9 changing beers and 1 regular beer.
Woodman, Birmingham
Source: National
Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals
Garden
Family Friendly
Disabled Access
Dog Friendly
Function Room
Real Fire
Smoking
Wi Fi
Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub
LocAle
Quiet
Love Cask Beer?
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