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Fox and Grapes - Digbeth

W

wessex

master brummie
Fox and Grapes - Digbeth

Think this has been bought up as part of a develpoment plan.
It was a pub close to town,and famous for its afters.
Not sure how long it's been closed,but an old boy who I got chatting to the other day as I took the pic said he'd heard it may be opened again as an old fashioned pub.Not sure,but it's certainly well closed now.
 

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Found this older picture of happier times there,thought it'd make a good contrast.
 

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thanks for the pics wessex...i do hope that this pub will reopen again...we have lost so many already....:(

lyn
 
Astoness said:
thanks for the pics wessex...i do hope that this pub will reopen again...we have lost so many already....:(

lyn
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Well there was a rumour,but we must remember how badly the smoking ban has affected the atmosphere in pubs now.Having most of your punters dying of pheumonia never helped a business grow lol.

Be interesting,but if it was to re-open do you think an experienced licencee like yourself could bring it back to former glories?
 
lol wessex....ive never run a pub in me life....worked in a couple years ago but on the whole spent most me time on the other side of the bar...fingers crossed for this one...:):)

lyn
 
Astoness said:
lol wessex....ive never run a pub in me life....worked in a couple years ago but on the whole spent most me time on the other side of the bar...fingers crossed for this one...:):)

lyn
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Sorry Lyn,had you down as a landlady for some strange reason.I'll let you know after my lobotomy if the real memory has returned:D
 
lol wessex...i think i may take that as a compliement...dont know why but i will.....hope you feel better soon...:D:D:D

lyn
 
Astoness said:
lol wessex...i think i may take that as a compliement...dont know why but i will.....hope you feel better soon...:D:D:D

lyn
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Lyn,a little knowledge is a dangerous thing,but a lot of knowledge is a dangerously enjoyable thing;)

Think I had you down as in the trade because of your knowledgeable comments...and yes that is indeed a compliment.:)
 
I used that pub when the land lady was a women called Attracta''not sure about the spelling''and the living accommodation upstairs was condemned it was unsafe

Mossy
 
thanks again wessex but there are far more knowledgeable folk on here than i...im only a learner....:rolleyes::rolleyes:

lyn:)
 
Mossy said:
I used that pub when the land lady was a women called Attracta''not sure about the spelling''and the living accommodation upstairs was condemned it was unsafe

Mossy
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I'm intrigued Mossy............ how did you find out that the upstairs was condemned? Did she 'Attract' you up there you old son-of-a-gun....:D
 
I can tell you Keith she was well passed her sell by date:D:D:D:D

Mau-reece
 
ive been meaning to get some pics of this pub for ages and what a sorry state it is too.

fox and grapes...corner of freeman st/park st
 
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The Fox & Grapes Freeman St junction Park St is perhaps late 17C or early 18C, admittedly with 19C alterations so its a special part of our heritage. I have been concerned for this building for some time. Thank you for the updates, Lyn & DaveM, even though its such troubling news.
Shirley
 
Lyn

A before photo to go with your afters.

Phil

BordesleyFoxGrapesFreemanSt.jpg
 
I could weep, Phil, to see how this building has been allowed to degenerate since your photo was taken. Thank you for posting.
 
I was wondering just the other day whether it was still there or not, you must have read my mind, it is such a shame it has just been left, thanks for posting the pictures.
 
Freeman St was cut, according to Andy Foster's excellent Pevsner, in 1728 . He tells us that the Fox & Grapes was built prior to 1731, possibly by Samuel Avery. This would make the pub one of Birmingham's earlier buildings & as such should surely be treasured.
 
thank you shirl... just goes to show what is thought of of historical buildings ....taking a good look at it yesterday it does not surprise that it is this old...

lyn
 
My shots from June 2010


Fox & Grapes - derelict pub on Park Street by ell brown, on Flickr


Fox & Grapes - derelict pub on Park Street - pub sign by ell brown, on Flickr


Fox & Grapes - derelict pub on Park Street by ell brown, on Flickr

And one from October 2010


Back of the Fox & Grapes from Freeman Street by ell brown, on Flickr

Here's the Grade II listing from Heritage Gateway Fox And Grapes Public House 16

FREEMAN STREET
1.
5104
City Centre B5
No 16
(Fox and Grapes
Public House)
SP 08 NE 7/32
II
2.
Corner site with Park Street. Possibly late C17 or early C18 with alterations
in mid C19. May incorporate some elements of framing. Two storeys and attic
house, stucco faced on brick, with 2 storey rear wings. Steep gable end old
tile roofs with coped gable on plain kneelers to Park Street corner. Three
bay elevation to Park Street, centre blind on first floor. One window to
gable end return and one on wing. Ground floor to both elevations has C1860-70
public house front with panelled pilasters surrounded by coupled brackets
in frieze supporting deeply moulded cornice. Leaded windows. Plain bar entrance
set across corner and secondary bar doors. A further service and coach house
wing extends from rear wing along Park Street with projecting narrow gabled
break towards street. Brick dentil eaves.



Listing NGR: SP0752286866
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You may already have seen this but if not the planned City Park Gate development includes this pub (and Island House Fazeley Street photographed today by Lynn on another thread). The development was due to be completed in 2011 but looks like it's on hold until after the economic slump. Details are on : designbuild-network.com (under Projects tab, then click on "C" for the City Park Gate project). Viv.
 
Construction has begun nearby Island House of Hotel La Tour. There is two red cranes on site. Part of City Park Gate (on Plot 4).
 
thanks for the info viv..ive just looked it up and yes thank goodness both island house and the fox and grapes are to be preserved as part of the city park gate developement...just hope it does not fall down before work begins...

lyn
 
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