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St James Tavern.

Phil

Phil

Gone, but not forgotten.
The other day I came across this drawing, the St James Tavern, New Street. It fascinates me; it simply couldn’t be that big. It’s like a Cathedral, just look at the size of those barrels. How would they ever lift them into place? You could play football in there if you cleared it.

Is it simply a poor drawing, with bad perspective? Does anybody know anything about this tavern? It looks to be about mid 19th century but it could be earlier. I for one had never heard of it. Where in New St would it have been?

Phil
 

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Phil
The only possibiity i can think of is "St James Luncheon stores" in the late nineteenth century, which became "Jimmys" and closed in 1965 (I quote from McKenna's "Central Birm. Pubs) It was at 120 new st. Judging by the directory it appeared about 1883, but was just described as Luncheon stores, with name of person running it, which altered. Then between 1896 and 1899 edition of kellys it changed to St James Restaurant Co luncheon stores,
mike
 
Mike

I found the St James restaurant at 120 New St next to Marshall & Snelgrove in my 1950 Kelly's. I have got to be honest I do not remember anything like the drawing, if as you say it ceased to exist in 65.

All I can say is it must have been drastically altered between the mid 1800's and then.

Phil
 
Phil
It would have disappeared before I first lived in birmingham, so i can't comment, but the trouble with drawings is that you can't be sure how accurate they are. Indeed, the same with photographs sometimes - a wide angle lens can make a small room look very reasonably sized.
mike
 
Like you say Phil, you'd get half a dozen of the people in those barrels! Never came across this although I was still living in Brum when it closed - only late teens though.
 
I cannot find any record of Mr. E.W. Bradbury but enclosed is a very fine envelope sent to The St. James Restaurant Co. Luncheon Stores and was a notable establishment in Birmingham, during the late 19th century. It was located at 120 New Street and was originally referred to as "Luncheon Stores" before adopting the name "St. James Restaurant Co." sometime between 1896 and 1899.

The envelope has a very scarce "Hooded Circle Postmark" from Liverpool date 9th August 1892 and was my primary reason for purchasing it.

The St. James Restaurant Co. Luncheon Stores stood out in Birmingham's dining culture of the late 19th century. It catered to a growing middle-class clientele, offering a more refined and accessible dining experience compared to traditional inns or pubs. The restaurant likely emphasized quick service and quality meals, aligning with the bustling urban lifestyle of New Street.

During this period, Birmingham's dining scene was evolving, with establishments ranging from working-class eateries to high-end dining rooms in hotels. The St. James Restaurant Co. would have been part of this shift, providing a middle ground—offering sophistication without the exclusivity of elite venues.

Would be Great to hear if anyone has information on "Mr. E.W. Bradbury"

Peter Liddle Oswestry.
 
mikejee said:
The 1893 Kellys directories lists 120 New St, as Ed. Willoughby Bradbury, luncheon stores
Click to expand...
thats great mike so mr bradbury must have owned or at least ran st james restaurant...must say i have never heard of it before now..

lyn
 
The 1891 census lists him as at the corner stores (coffee restaurant keeper)

ScreenHunter 1002.jpg

By the time of the 1901 census he is a wine and spirit dealer at 226 Bristol Road
 
Edward is listed at 120 new st in directories from 1892 till 1897, but not in 1899. In 1899 it is first listed as the St James Restautant, luncheon stores, but then with T.M. Kennel as manager
 
May not be connected but might be of interest.
 

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i would say it was round about here...in the middle of burlington passage and temple st

hope peter likes all the above info we have posted above...good team work again

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Last edited:
I really am a Brummie Baby....
Born on 8th October 1952 in Sorrento Maternity Hospital, Wake Green Road, Moseley...
Hospital closed in 1993.
 

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