It’s hard to believe we’re turning 655 this September, and this year’s birthday party is set to be bigger and better than ever…
We’re not only Birmingham’s oldest boozer, but also its oldest non-secular building. The Old Crown has fought off attacks during the First Civil War from Prince Rupert’s forces – and we’re the only structure still standing after the Battle of Birmingham in 1643. Did you know we’ve also been host to royalty? Queen Elizabeth I stayed at The Old Crown on her way home from Kenilworth Castle in 1575.
Many parts of our original building, including the classic black & white timber frame, are still standing to this day.
655 years later, after being a Guild House, a series of shops and even a school, we’re celebrated as one of Birmingham’s best pubs, with two beer gardens and hundreds of events all year round, including #DigbethStPats celebrations and our annual Summer Programme. Events on this year’s agenda have included a summer street food festival, takeovers from local brands like The Night Owl and Broke N Bone BBQ, celebrity quizzes from The Chase and plenty more.
And on Friday 8th September, as part of Birmingham Heritage Week, we’re so excited to be launching a brand new historical exhibition, curated by Birmingham Award-winning author and historian Professor Carl Chinn MBE. It includes over 50 unseen photos of The Old Crown, and Digbeth throughout history, from our Medieval roots to the present day. It also shows insights into the struggles and successes of our nearly 700 year history. Professor Chinn will be hosting a historical talk at The Old Library on the 8th September, launching the exhibition and detailing his findings. Tickets include a free copy of “The Old Crown, High Street, Deritend”, a brand new booklet written by the Professor.
But it wouldn’t be an Old Crown birthday without a huge party, and on Saturday 9th September, we’ve got amazing street food in the garden, as well as live music from Simon Jnr! Enjoy classics from our everyday menu, tasty street food, and party bags filled with goodies from local businesses.
£15 tickets for An Evening with Carl Chinn on Friday can be purchased here.
Free tickets for our birthday party THIS SATURDAY can be reserved here.
Our historical exhibition will take place inside the pub, and will be free entry for the entirety of Birmingham Heritage Week (8th-17th September). Find out more here.