Barrows were selling Simnell cakes as a Mother's Day specialty in 1939. Thought these were Easter exclusive. Viv.
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Barrows Stores
- Thread starter ringoosmeg
- Start date
Thanks Janice. Shall be asking for this next Mother's Day. Love Simnel. Viv.
Phil
Gone, but not forgotten.
I never ever as much as set foot inside the Barrows Store, was the one in Bull Street connected to the one in Corporation Street? Here are a few images of the one in Bull Street through the years.
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devonjim
master brummie
Aren't you meant to keep the cake through to Easter? Such temptation! Another somewhat trivial link of Cadbury's with Barrow's. My wife's first vehicle was an old Ford Escort delivery van(VVP 970) that had belonged to Barrows, you could see the imprint of their logo on the side despite lots of sanding and many coats of paint and she worked at Cadbury's in their Art Studios.
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Phil
Gone, but not forgotten.
Some more images of Barrows Department Store, though these I believe are more centred on the Corporation Street side of the store. It looks as if me question on the previous post has been answered by the drawing here and that the store in Bull Street was physically connected to the one around the corner in Corporation Street.
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Jayell
master brummie
Thanks Phil and Mike for that interesting information about Barrows. I had never really thought as to whether the Corporation Street and Bull Street shops were connected, so its nice to see that they were. I used to go into Barrows in Corporation Street quite a lot as a teenager when I was working in town, particularly to use the cafe which I think was on the top floor. I also remember buying Chocolate Covered Red Ants from their Delicatessen Department to take to a party at one time. There was a craze for unusual foods in the late 50s! Don't think I would like to eat them now though! It was a really nice store in those days.
Judy
Judy
paul stacey
master brummie
I remember that stores, but to posh for the likes of my family, we went to "John Favours", Weoley Square where we had (tick). Paul
Phil
Gone, but not forgotten.
Thanks Mike,
As I said I never went through the doors and didn't even realise that they had two stores, were they separate at one time or was there only one store and the other added later?
E A A
Brummie babby
I remember Barrows ..they sold fabulous cakes! My first job was a junior at Swears and Wells the fur coat shop just round the corner on Corporation Street. I was sent tl Barrows every day to get cakes for the senior sales ladies.
Dancing Queen 15
knowlegable brummie
I remember Mc Convilles in Bull Street . I used to catch the bus there when I became working age 15. Henry store was at the bottom. Also Jerome the photography studio at the top where I was taken every year for a studio photo when I was little. Hated it !
S
Stitcher
Guest
Re. Barrows Store
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Radiorails
master brummie
The Cadbury family ancestry seems to be the Exeter area of Devon: both this one and the more famous chocolate ones.
It is interesting that his house was called Uffculme, a place near Exeter and in a great dairy area. Noting the location of Barrows in Corporation Street reminds me of the time I got lost there. I had not noticed my guardian (nanny) and her friends going into a shop: I was far more interested in the buses that were passing by. It might well have been the Barrows emporium that they went into. I was only eight oor nine years old but had the sense to 'cadge' money for bus fare home from a flower seller lady. 2d. in old money by BCT and walk the rest of the way (Red territory) home.
I was castigated on their return, but being safe and sound was a saving grace I guess. Anyway the streets were far safer just after WW2.
It is interesting that his house was called Uffculme, a place near Exeter and in a great dairy area. Noting the location of Barrows in Corporation Street reminds me of the time I got lost there. I had not noticed my guardian (nanny) and her friends going into a shop: I was far more interested in the buses that were passing by. It might well have been the Barrows emporium that they went into. I was only eight oor nine years old but had the sense to 'cadge' money for bus fare home from a flower seller lady. 2d. in old money by BCT and walk the rest of the way (Red territory) home.
I was castigated on their return, but being safe and sound was a saving grace I guess. Anyway the streets were far safer just after WW2.
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Would this drawing (8/3/1884) from the Birmingham & Aston Chronicle be of the Bull Street warehouse or Corporation Street store ? Viv.
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1930s Barrow’s ‘chorus line’. Viv.
paul stacey
master brummie
Great bit of British humor, now long gone and forgotten, Thanks for posting, Viv, Paul.
wwhiting28
New Member
Hi all
I have recently stumbled across this forum and am interested in the history of Barrows Stores, particularly after uncovering the below enamelled sign during a building project. I have read much of the content on this thread so know the high level history/location of the stores but was wondering in particular if anyone recognised the sign, or would be able to date it.
I think its a really attractive thing and would love to know more. Any help much appreciated!
I have recently stumbled across this forum and am interested in the history of Barrows Stores, particularly after uncovering the below enamelled sign during a building project. I have read much of the content on this thread so know the high level history/location of the stores but was wondering in particular if anyone recognised the sign, or would be able to date it.
I think its a really attractive thing and would love to know more. Any help much appreciated!
What a great find
paul stacey
master brummie
wwhiting28, I remember Barrows, I think they were an up market type of store, but I cannot remember how big they were, or how wide spread they were, certainly still around in 50's...
My Mother worked on the counters there around 60’s/70’s. The store was somewhere near the underpass to Lewis’s main entrance then as I remember.
RobT
Acemeccanoman
Some interesting photos here
www.flickr.com
Barrow's Store, Birmingham
Barrow's was a marvellous Birmingham institution - a high class grocers and store based latterly on Corporation St. I recall the new building, constructed as part of the reconstruction of the city centre (and especially their cafe!) but sadly the independent company didn't long survive a buy-out...
www.flickr.com
paul stacey
master brummie
Great read RobT, thanks