The Bartons Arms

The Bartons Arms is a public house on High Street in the Newtown area of Aston, Birmingham. Built in 1900–01 by architects James and Lister Lea for Mitchells & Butlers, it is a grade II* listed building and once held a place on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. The pub is known for its wall-to-wall Minton-Hollins tiles and original snob screens, which let middle-class drinkers watch working-class drinkers without being seen themselves. Upstairs there are function rooms that were once used for billiards and clubs. The building also features Dutch gables, Victorian lanterns and a central clock tower. The pub has played a notable role in local history. In 2002 Oakham Ales bought and restored it, reopening in 2003 after three years closed. During the 2011 England riots the manager Wichai Thumjaron quickly put out fires started by looters and five men and a teenager were later jailed. Entertainers Laurel and Hardy, Marie Lloyd, Enrico Caruso and Charlie Chaplin all stayed or visited when performing at the nearby Aston Hippodrome. Ozzy Osbourne, who grew up in Aston, was also a regular. Inside, the public bar retains its original three-part layout and the tiled walls remain intact. Upstairs rooms still show their billiards and club use. The pub has served Oakham ales and Thai food, and its interior includes carved wood, gleaming tiles, stained glass and wrought iron. It has appeared in films and novels, and was praised by The Guardian as a Victorian temple of craft beer. The building remains a landmark on the Birmingham International Marathon route.