Where is The Shakespeare?
The Shakespeare is at Lower Temple Street, Birmingham, B2 4JD. It is a short walk away from Birmingham New Street Station.
In brief
There had been a Shakespeare Tavern from when the Theatre Royal opened on New Street in 1774, until the 1904 rebuild of the theatre. The Shakespeare relocated to Lower Temple Street in 1911. It was owned by Mitchells & Butlers until 2010, then Nicholson's from 2011.
The Shakespeare on Lower Temple Street (October 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown
The Shakespeare, Lower Temple Street - history
There had been a Shakespeare Tavern from the opening of the original Theatre Royal on New Street in 1774.
It survived through the next century, even when the theatre was rebuilt a couple of times.
By the 1900s it was known as the Pit Bar of the Theatre Royal, but this closed when the theatre was rebuilt in 1904.
The Shakespeare was built from 1910 to 1911 by Arthur Edwards in the Neo-Georgian style.
Before the pub was built, the Theatre Royal ran to Lower Temple Street here.
For many years, until at least 2010, the pub was owned by Mitchells & Butlers.
The Shakespeare on Lower Temple Street (October 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown
The old Mitchells & Butlers pub sign survived until late into 2010.
The Shakespeare on Lower Temple Street (October 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown
The Shakespeare was refurbished early in 2011 by new owners Nicholson's who still owns the pub today.
At the same time, Nicholson's took over the pub's namesake at Summer Row, near the Jewellery Quarter.
The Shakespeare on Lower Temple Street (January 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown
Contact details
The Shakespeare
Lower Temple Street
Birmingham
West Midlands
B2 4JD
Tel: 0121 616 2196