Tucked away amid upscale apartments and local businesses near Birmingham city centre lies a now-shuttered industrial unit on the corner of Hockley Hill and Vyse Street. The building, previously converted into a clandestine brothel called Annabels, recently caught the attention of West Midlands Police’s Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation Team (SOCEX), who shut it down on March 10.
Images released by the police revealed the interior had been divided into around a dozen rooms, each with en-suite showers — a setup designed for illicit activities. Since the closure, the building has been returned to its landlord, and investigations continue into those responsible for running the illegal operation.
Local business employees have shared their relief at the closure. Staff at Exciting Game Escape Rooms, a family-friendly attraction located next door, recounted how confused visitors frequently knocked on their door seeking a “massage,” mistaking it for the brothel next door. Sarah, a worker there, explained, “They were mostly men in their 40s and older, some younger, and often didn’t speak much English but knew the key words. I had to explain we’re an escape room with family activities multiple times.” She added that at times the operating hours of the two venues overlapped, leading to awkward encounters well into the night.
READ MORE: Quirky New £35 Dunelm Ice Cream Storage Basket Combines Fun and Function
READ MORE: DWP PIP Rates Increase from April 6: Claimants to Receive Up to £371 Extra Annually
Another employee described Annabels as a “well-known secret” locally but also a source of disturbances. “There was significant anti-social behaviour, especially on weekends—balloons, gas cannisters, loud music, and broken glass littering the street when patrons left,” he said. He expressed hope the building’s next use will better serve the community.
Local resident and legal executive Henry Paul, 33, recalled the quiet but persistent rumours surrounding the venue. “People talked about nude women inside and discreet red lighting outside. I never went in myself, though,” he said.
PC Stuart Hurley from SOCEX highlighted the importance of tackling illegal sex work for the safety and wellbeing of the community. “Our team is committed to investigating and closing down premises like this to protect those being exploited and reduce the harm to the local area. We encourage anyone with concerns to come forward.”
The closure of this illicit brothel marks a positive step toward creating a safer, more welcoming environment for the Jewellery Quarter’s residents and businesses.