In just two weeks, Birmingham will say farewell to one of its cherished historic pubs. The Black Eagle, located on Factory Road and established in 1895, will serve its final pint on May 10, 2026.
Last year, BirminghamLive visited the Black Eagle, a Victorian pub whose atmosphere seemed untouched by the passage of time. Reporter Robson McCallister described the experience as stepping back into a bygone era. “Whether it’s the carpets, tables, ornaments, doors, mirrors, or chairs, it looks like very little has changed in decades,” he noted. The venue’s vintage ambiance offers a rare glimpse into Birmingham’s rich pub heritage.
A chalkboard sign now stands outside the pub, announcing its impending closure. The message reads: “Sorry to inform you the Black Eagle is closing on the 10th May 2026. This will be the last day open. Thanks to all customers who supported the pub over the years.”
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The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) expressed deep regret over the loss. Ash Corbett-Collins, chair of CAMRA Birmingham, described the pub’s closure as “a huge loss” to the community. He emphasized the Black Eagle’s historical significance, noting that it is listed on CAMRA’s register of historic interiors as a rare and outstanding example of late nineteenth and early twentieth-century features.
Corbett-Collins warned that while the owners have currently only announced their intention to close, a future application to change the pub’s use is likely, which could end its role as a community hub. He also criticized proposed government planning changes that could weaken protections for pubs like the Black Eagle. Under current regulations, the pub benefits from some safeguards against demolition or conversion unless it is the last remaining pub in the area. However, these protections might be eroded under new proposals, making it easier to lose historic venues permanently.
The closure of the Black Eagle marks another poignant chapter in the story of Birmingham’s disappearing traditional pubs, highlighting the ongoing challenges of preserving local heritage in a changing urban landscape.