For the first time ever, scenes from the Peaky Blinders film franchise have been shot in its home city of Birmingham. The new movie, The Immortal Man, predominantly filmed at Steven Knight’s Digbeth Loc studios, also ventured out to some of Birmingham’s most notable landmarks—though they look quite different from their on-screen portrayals.
Key locations such as the BSA factory, Montague Street, and notably The Garrison pub play significant roles in the film’s atmosphere and storytelling. We took a trip around these iconic spots to see how they stand today.
Our journey began at Armoury Road in Small Heath, where the factory prominently featured in the movie remains steeped in history. Although the original 25-acre Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) factory no longer operates, its legacy is still evident in the modern industrial buildings occupying the space. Founded in 1861, BSA was once a major arms manufacturer, producing rifles for the British Army alongside bicycles, motorcycles, and cars. It rose to prominence during the First World War as one of Britain’s largest arms producers. The factory endured bomb damage in the Second World War and later declined with the shrinking British motorcycle industry, finally closing in 1973. Today, the site is part of a broader industrial park, bearing witness to the city’s rich industrial past.
READ MORE: Midlands Children as Young as 11 Arrested in Serious Crime Investigations
READ MORE: Dad-of-two Banned After Drunk Driving Incident Following Birmingham Airport Flight Delay
Another historic site featured in the movie is Derbyshire’s Calke Abbey. Several scenes were captured inside its corridors, kitchen, schoolroom, and even the stableyard, as well as across the surrounding parkland. Calke Abbey has a distinctive story; it fell into significant decline by the late twentieth century and was preserved by the National Trust in a deliberately “unstately” state. This unique preservation approach showcases how many English country estates deteriorated over time. Now open to the public, Calke Abbey offers 600 acres of parkland, gardens, and exhibition spaces. Following filming, new walking trails were established for visitors to explore the scenic filming locations firsthand.
Perhaps the most iconic Peaky Blinders location is The Garrison pub, the fictional headquarters of the Shelby gang. While onscreen The Garrison boasts polished brass and elaborate mirrors, the real Garrison Tavern in Small Heath had a rougher history. Believed to have been frequented by genuine gangs, the pub closed in 2014 and then stood empty for years. Recently, the building has been repurposed as a kitchen and bedroom showroom, reflecting the dramatic evolution of the area. Located on Garrison Lane, the neighborhood could see a revival through future redevelopment plans linked to Birmingham City’s stadium transformations.
Montague Street in Digbeth has wholeheartedly embraced its Peaky Blinders connection. Close to the city’s film studios, the area has become a hub for new productions and is adorned with artwork inspired by the show. Walking along Montague Street, visitors encounter murals celebrating the Shelby family and signage echoing the series' distinctive style. As Birmingham plans major regeneration projects here, the street stands as a vibrant symbol of the city’s cultural rebirth tied to the legacy of Peaky Blinders.
Birmingham’s Peaky Blinders sites offer a fascinating glimpse at history, transformation, and popular culture converging. Whether a fan of the show or a curious visitor, exploring these locations today reveals compelling stories far beyond the cinematic spotlight.