A fresh venue promising an ever-changing selection of craft beers is set to open in Sutton Coldfield, taking over the space formerly occupied by Simpsons gin bar on the town’s historic High Street. The new bar, named Roll the Bones, is the brainchild of Neil Ashley, a Great Barr local and seasoned hospitality professional.
Neil, 32, brings over 11 years of experience in the industry, having worked at notable establishments including the O2 Academy in Bristol Street, Head of Steam in Temple Street, and most recently the Leviathan Brewery and bar on the Reddicap Trading Estate. His roles have ranged from duty management to overseeing beer orders.
Earlier this year, a football trip across Europe-which included visits to the San Siro, Valencia, Borussia Dortmund, and culminated at the Rotterdam derby-ended with Neil falling ill and having time off work. This period gave him the space to consider his ambitions, ultimately motivating him to take the leap into owning his own bar.
READ MORE: Birmingham man labelled ‘high risk’ to partners released under new law
READ MORE: Andy Burnham’s Inspiring Speech Sparks Hope Amidst Challenges for Birmingham
Roll the Bones draws its name both from the Canadian rock band Rush’s album and the phrase meaning ‘rolling the dice’, reflecting Neil’s willingness to take a chance with his venture. The bar’s dice theme is incorporated into its offering, with six rotating beer taps highlighting a dynamic and evolving menu.
“The plan is to have six beers on draught that will rotate every couple of weeks,” Neil explained. “There will always be a lager, a pale ale, a stout, and an IPA, with two additional taps allowing us to experiment. All beers will be craft brews you won’t find in supermarkets.”
In addition to beer, Roll the Bones will stock a range of small-batch spirits and wines, alongside a takeaway fridge for customers wanting beer to enjoy elsewhere.
Neil emphasises that the new bar will complement the existing drinking scene in Sutton Coldfield rather than compete directly. “Places like The Three Tuns offer traditional hand-pulled beers, which is different to what we’re doing,” he said.
The bar’s atmosphere aims to strike a balance between a traditional pub and a dive bar, featuring alternative music that complements the distinctive beer selection. The core concept is summed up by the tagline, ‘always something new’, reflecting the continuous introduction of new beers from innovative small breweries.
“Part of the fun in craft beer is trying all the new and interesting brews emerging from smaller producers,” Neil remarked. “Our regular customers will always find something fresh to try, so there’s no chance of boredom.”
The refurbishment of the venue has been a community effort, with Neil enlisting help from his parents to paint and prepare the space after taking possession on 19 August. His family connection to the trade runs deep, with his grandfather having run the Bull’s Head pub in Newtown.
Among the initial beers on offer when Roll the Bones opens on Friday, 2 October at noon will be the Black Tusk Stout, a barrel-aged imperial stout at 13.7 per cent alcohol by volume, brewed by Dundee’s Holy Goat Brewing.
The bar’s opening hours will be Thursdays from 5pm to 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 11pm, and Sundays noon to 10pm.
Roll the Bones offers a promising new destination for enthusiasts keen to explore a diverse and evolving craft beer selection in Sutton Coldfield’s town centre.