Imagine a pub that’s been a cornerstone of Birmingham’s history since 1797, a place where generations of the Irish community have gathered, and a building so iconic it’s recognized as a Grade II protected heritage site. Now imagine it closed, its future uncertain—until now. The Anchor Digbeth, a terracotta-fronted gem designed by the renowned architectural firm James and Lister Lea, has finally reopened its doors after an extensive restoration led by new landlord Peter Connolly. But here’s where it gets fascinating: this isn’t just any pub revival—it’s a meticulous labor of love that blends history, community, and modern charm.
Located in Birmingham’s Irish Quarter, The Anchor has long been a sanctuary for Irish emigrants and workers since the 1820s. Owned by the Keane family for generations, it’s more than a pub—it’s a living testament to the city’s cultural heritage. Connolly, the pub’s new custodian, shared his enthusiasm: ‘Reopening this wonderful building has been a journey, but good things come to those who wait. This is a Birmingham institution, steeped in stories that span generations.’ And this is the part most people miss: the restoration wasn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it was about honoring the past while making it relevant for today.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while some might argue that modernizing historic sites risks losing their authenticity, Connolly took a different approach. He ensured the interior matched the building’s majestic exterior, preserving original features like the mahogany and rosewood bar, Minton floor tiling, cast iron radiators, and stained-glass windows. Even the layout—main bar, back room, and snug—remains unchanged. Yet, he also introduced subtle nods to the pub’s history, like restoring The Midland Red Bar, a section of the main bar named after the adjacent Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company depot. This area, partitioned by original timber and stained glass, now features upholstery in the iconic bus livery colors and memorabilia donated by National Express. Is this a respectful tribute or a step too far in blending past and present? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
The renovation didn’t stop indoors. The garden space has been transformed with new decking, festoon lighting, and a mural inspired by Cadbury’s 1928 campaign—but with a Guinness twist. There’s even a cheeky reinterpretation of Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam adorning the ceiling of the back bar. Outside, Connolly is partnering with local organizations like Friends of Bradford Street to improve lighting, safety, and upkeep in the surrounding area, proving this revival is about more than just the pub itself.
For beer enthusiasts, The Anchor now boasts six new cask lines for ales and cider, three keg lines for independent ales, and partnerships with local brewers like Church End Brewery and Spirit of Birmingham. This means more outlets for locally produced drinks—a win for the city’s craft beverage scene. The relaunch event, hosted by Professor Carl Chinn and featuring performances by an Irish piper and folk musician Peter Coughlan, drew 160 guests, including members of UB40 and Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker. Parker praised the pub as ‘a fantastic heritage asset and a statement for Birmingham and the region.’
So, is The Anchor Digbeth just a pub, or is it a symbol of how we can honor history while embracing the future? And as we raise a glass to its reopening, what does it say about the importance of preserving community spaces in an ever-changing world? Let us know your thoughts—this conversation is just getting started.
