The White Swan, Digbeth - a historic public house

The White Swan is a classic pub in Digbeth. Grade II listed, built 1899 - 1900. Designed by James and Lister Lea for Ansells Brewery. Closed in 2019. Due to reopen in September 2021.


Where is The White Swan, Digbeth?

The White Swan is at 276 Bradford Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B12 0QY.  The Connaught Square development site, at the corner with Birchall Street.

 

In brief

The White Swan was built in 1899 to 1900 for the Ansells Brewery, and was designed by James and Lister Lea. Built of red brick and terracotta. A Grade II listed building. It was last run by Marston's until the 2010s. Closed from 2019, due to reopen with new owners / landlord from September 2021.

The White SwanThe White Swan in Digbeth (February 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The White Swan, Digbeth - history

Built at the corner of Bradford Street and Birchall Street in Digbeth (Deritend) from 1899 to 1900. It was built originally for the Ansell's Brewery, from a design by James and Lister Lea (who were famous at the time for designing public houses all over Birmingham). Built of red brick and terracotta. The terracotta probably came from Hathern Station, and made by the Brick and Terracotta Company of Loughborough. It was built in the Jacobean or Flemish style.

Most of the buildings behind it were demolished by 2007 for the still to be built Connaught Square scheme (now owned by Seven Capital). And it was run by Marston's until they sold it to Seven Capital in 2019. Since then, the pub has been targetted by graffiti vandals. But new owners Seven Capital promise to restore the pub eventually.

The last landlady was Agnes Philomena Creaton. Her family had run The White Swan for 50 years until 2019.

With new owners and landlords The White Swan is due to reopen in September 2021.

The White Swan

The White SwanThe White Swan in Digbeth (February 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The White SwanCyclists from the Sky Ride pass The White Swan in Digbeth (September 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The White SwanShocking state of The White Swan in Digbeth (April 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The White Swan DigbethThe White Swan Digbeth restored and ready to reopen (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact details

The White Swan Digbeth - Facebook

The White Swan Digbeth - Twitter

The White Swan Digbeth - Instagram

Project dates

19 May 2021 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Civic pride, Food & drink
Classic Architecture

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com