Brum pub is one of Britain's best

Sep 9 2005 By James Cartledge, Evening Mail

IT WAS Laurel and Hardy's favourite watering hole - and now a Birmingham pub is back from the dead and rated among Britain's best.

The Bartons Arms in High Street, Aston, was the only city boozer to make the nation's top 20.

Famous for its cast of legendary regulars, which also included screen funnyman Charlie Chaplin, the venue's Victorian splendour was masked by years of neglect until it was restored and reopened in February 2003.

Now its resurrection has been completed after a panel of 500 judges poured praise on its service, atmosphere and food and drink.

Stuart Wright, of owners, Peterborough-based Oakham Ales, said he was thrilled by the recognition, which came just 10 months after the Bartons was named Birmingham's Campaign for Real Ale 2004 Pub of the Year.

"We have worked really hard but we have had a lot of support from the police and the council, who wanted to see it thrive again," he said.

"It's a real Birmingham landmark and we are delighted things have gone so well. Once people come through the door, the building sells itself."

The Grade II star listed building is one of the finest examples of pub architecture in Britain. It still has original 'snob screens', which were panels of etched glass to shield celebrities from the prying eyes of the public bar.

It came in at 20 on the list of Britain's best pubs, put together by trade newspaper the Morning Advertiser to "represent the best traditional British pubs have to offer".

The White Horse, in Parsons Green, London, was voted No.1 for its food and its range of unusual beers.

The Churchill Arms, in London's Kensington, came second, followed by The Fat Cat, Norwich.