Historic pub re-opens after revamp

Aug 31 2007 By Will Oliphant, Birmingham Mail

A POPULAR Birmingham city centre pub was re-opening today following a major refurbishment.

Birmingham-based pub company Mitchells & Butlers was opening the doors The Old Contemptibles at midday.

Manager Helen O'Neill said: "When I saw the restoration work it took my breath away.

"I am delighted that such a historic pub, right in the heart of Birmingham, has been so beautifully preserved for many more years to come."

The pub's current name dates back to January 1953, in recognition of the achievements of a small group of men who met regularly at the pub.

They had been members of the original infantry divisions of the British Expeditionary Force, sent to France in World War I.

Kaiser Wilhelm II was said to have referred to the BEF as "Sir John French's contemptible little army", so they called themselves the Old Contemptibles.

Records show that the first pub on the site was known as the Adelphi Wine Vaults, which was built in the late 18th Century.

Then, in 1880, the site was redeveloped by William Hale and became the Albion Hotel, a very busy local venue.

West Bromwich-based carpenters CAB Joinery Services hand-made much of the panelling and woodwork now in place, including the ornate carving featured throughout the pub.

Some more light-hearted scenes from the trenches, taken from old photographs, have been painted in the alcoves behind the bar.