Red Lion, Jewellery Quarter
The Red Lion in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is a historic pub known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich character. Nestled among the iconic jewellery workshops and galleries, it offers a unique blend of traditional charm and contemporary style. The pub features an ornate bar, etched mirrors, and serves a variety of Joule’s cask ales and cold beers, alongside classic pub food, making it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors to unwind and enjoy the distinctive cultural heritage of the area. With an upcoming soon underway, being part of this process presents a great opportunity for a landlord to work with us to shape the Red Lion’s future.
About the Local Area
Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is a vibrant district steeped in history and craftsmanship. Renowned for its over 200-year legacy in jewellery manufacturing, it remains one of the most significant hubs for jewellery production in Europe. The area is home to a blend of traditional jewellery workshops, cutting-edge design studios, and independent retailers, creating a dynamic and creative community. Beyond its industrial heritage, the Jewellery Quarter boasts a rich architectural landscape, with Georgian and Victorian buildings housing a variety of cafes, bars, galleries, and museums. This lively neighbourhood, with its mix of old-world charm and contemporary innovation, offers a unique cultural experience, attracting tourists, locals, and creative professionals alike.
About the Development
At The Red Lion, this represents a significant £500,000 investment, focused on evolving the pub in a thoughtful and considered way. The aim is to carefully reveal and celebrate the building’s original character, while ensuring every part of the pub, front of house, back of house and outdoor space works better for both customers and operators.
Alongside the restoration of historic features, the development places strong emphasis on how the pub functions day to day. Back of house areas, including the kitchen, are being redesigned to support an efficient service, a new pizza offer and the flexibility needed for events and future growth. Improvements to layout and flow will better connect the different areas of the pub, encouraging a more social atmosphere and longer dwell time throughout the building.
As with all Joule’s projects, preserving character and history sits at the heart of the approach. This philosophy can be seen at the Henry Tudor Inn, Shropshire’s only Grade I listed pub, where careful restoration has ensured the building’s story remains central.
The result will be a pub that feels layered, welcoming and well-balanced, combining heritage, functionality and sociability, and a distinctive addition to the Joule’s portfolio in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Victorian Influence
At the heart of The Red Lions redevelopment is a return to its Victorian roots, creating a warm, characterful parlour pub filled with craftsmanship and detail.
The Front Bar will be a showpiece of decorative tiling, stained glass, mirrors and chandeliers, inspired by classic Victorian pubs.
The Smoke Room will offer a more intimate, Dickensian snug, with dark timber panelling, button-back seating and soft lighting. Reclaimed woods will create a cosy, lived-in atmosphere.
Kitchen Upgrade
Alongside the wider redevelopment, the kitchen will receive an upgrade, with a detailed design and layout to follow. The plan is to create a well-equipped, efficient workspace that supports the new pizza offer and future-proofs the pub for service and events.
The design will be finalised with input from our specialists to ensure the layout, equipment, and glass-wash areas are all optimised. Every detail will be considered so the kitchen runs smoothly and meets the high standards expected across the Joule’s estate.
Outdoor Drinking
Toilets
The toilets will be refurbished to a Grade A standard, with high-quality finishes and thoughtful detailing throughout. Clean, well-lit, and smartly designed, they’ll reflect the same care and attention found across the rest of the pub, practical, comfortable, and built to last.
Back of House
As part of the redevelopment, we’ll be opening up the flow between the front and rear bars. The aim is to keep each space distinct, but far better connected, so the back no longer feels tucked away.
With thoughtful lighting and layout changes, this area will feel brighter and more inviting, creating a smooth link between the main bar and the courtyard beyond.
The result will be a pub that feels more open and balanced throughout, with every corner full of atmosphere and purpose.
