Brewery hoping to bring 'a bit of Shropshire charm' to West Midlands reveals £600,000 investment plans

Market Drayton-based Joule's Brewery bought the New Inn in Harborne in May last year, and now the firm says it plans to give the Victorian-era pub a new lease of life - but they keen to stress it would be preserving its heritage.

Among the proposals submitted to Birmingham City Council are the replacement of the "not-fit-for-purpose" current split-bar layout with a single bar which better connects to the pub's outside space, and the creation of a "Garden Room" events space for around 35 to 40 people set to cater for community events.

The firm, which operates more than 40 pubs across Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire, says its plans will make the New Inn a "warm, welcoming space for everyone" and the proposals include material changes which revive the history of the building such as using reclaimed bricks and panelling. The building's exterior is also set for a makeover to include landscaping, seating and a new lighting scheme, if plans are approved.

"The New Inn is a special site and one that we are very proud to now call a Joule’s Brewery Taphouse, we are committed to bringing Joule’s Brewery to Birmingham and are pleased to reveal that this will be our biggest investment in a Taphouse to date. It’s key for us to share our plans with locals and engage them in this process," said Anna Brakel, Development Director at Joule’s Brewery.

"We’ve spent some time getting to know the pub, the locals, and the area. And now are absolutely delighted to share some exciting news that we have submitted plans to bring a bit of our Shropshire charm to this wonderful pub. 

"For years, we’ve admired The New Inn from afar, and now that it’s part of the Joule’s estate, we’re ready to give it some much-needed love and attention. We’re looking to compliment the already existing charm from the New Inn, we want to give it a fresh breath of life while keeping all the things you love about it."

The firm says the project at The New Inn marks one of their most ambitious undertakings since the £3.5million development at Crown Wharf, in Stone, which scooped a CAMRA Pub Design Awards’ ‘New Build’ category in 2021.

A supporting statement submitted with the planning application says the development would create an "exceptional quality" pub which would enhance the local area.

"This is a very exciting and dynamic high design scheme to create an extraordinary pub. It could be the flagship pub for a local company helping a small business progress, employ people and to grow," it said.

Vicky Colclough, Managing Director of Joule’s Brewery added: "We believe that all pubs are honeypots of the community, our plans are to create the New Inn to be once again a centre for the community of Harborne and the wider towns. 

"Protecting those special spaces such as the snug and original bar, but adding in more flexible spaces, an improved outdoor area and increasing dining to allow a lovely fresh pub food menu, filled with old and new favourites."

Joules is set to host a public consultation evening at the New Inn on Thursday, January 16 from 5pm to 7pm, with team members on hand to field questions from the public.