Gunmakers Arms, Historic Heart of Birmingham's Gun Quarter
Historic 1820s pub in Birmingham’s Gun Quarter, a lively social hub for gun trade workers and a symbol of the city’s arms manufacturing legacy.
The Gunmakers Arms, located at 93 Bath Street in Birmingham, is a Grade II-listed pub with deep roots in the city’s famed Gun Quarter. Established around 1820 by a gun maker who was also a beer retailer, this historic pub served as a social hub for gun trade workers and local communities for over 200 years. It reflects Birmingham’s legacy as a global center of arms manufacturing and the vibrant, sometimes turbulent life of the Gun Quarter.
A brief summary to Gunmakers Arms
- 93 Bath St, Birmingham, B4 6HG, GB
- +441212368486
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays to experience the quieter atmosphere and appreciate the historic architecture.
- Explore the surrounding Gun Quarter district to learn about Birmingham’s global role in gun manufacturing.
- Check out local art and music events if the pub’s community spaces are hosting activities.
- Photography enthusiasts should capture the pub’s distinctive Regency facade and sash windows.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Walk
Take a train to Birmingham New Street station, which is about 1.5 km from the Gunmakers Arms. From there, enjoy a 20-25 minute walk through the city center to reach the pub. The terrain is flat and accessible, with plenty of urban scenery along the route. No additional cost beyond train fare, which ranges from £5-£15 depending on origin.
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Bus Service
Several bus routes serve the city center with stops near Bath Street. From central Birmingham, buses 8, 9, or 63 reach stops within 300 meters of the pub. The bus journey takes 10-15 minutes, with tickets costing approximately £2-£3. Frequent daytime service is available but check schedules for evening hours.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from Birmingham New Street station to the Gunmakers Arms takes about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. The fare typically ranges from £6 to £10. This option is convenient if carrying luggage or arriving late at night.
Gunmakers Arms location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Gunmakers Arms
Origins in Birmingham's Gunmaking Legacy
The Gunmakers Arms stands as a tangible relic of Birmingham’s Gun Quarter, once the world’s largest center for gun manufacturing. The trade began in the early 17th century, with Birmingham artisans producing muskets used in the English Civil War. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Birmingham was the dominant producer of British firearms, supplying weapons for global conflicts including the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War. The pub itself was established circa 1820, originally formed by merging three houses, and owned by a gun maker who also retailed beer, symbolizing the close-knit relationship between the gun trade and local social life.A Social Hub for Gun Quarter Workers
Throughout its history, the Gunmakers Arms was more than a pub; it was a gathering place for the workers of the Gun Quarter. Known for its lively atmosphere, the pub was where the 'gun gaffers'—the employers—would pay their employees, often leading to heavy drinking and frequent brawls on the sawdust-covered floor. The landlord sometimes called upon the local Catholic priest to mediate fights rather than the police, highlighting the unique social fabric of the area. The presence of a resident fiddle player added to the pub’s distinctive character, playing amid the chaos and camaraderie.Architectural and Cultural Significance
Architecturally, the Gunmakers Arms is a fine example of Regency design, featuring classic sash windows and a bow-fronted facade that has endured for over two centuries. Its Grade II listing acknowledges its historical and architectural importance. The building survived major urban changes, including the 1960s redevelopment of the Gun Quarter and the construction of the ring road. Until its closure in 2025, it served as the tap room for Two Towers Brewery, doubling as a community arts hub where local musicians and artists could showcase their talents.The Decline and Legacy of the Gun Quarter
The Gun Quarter’s fortunes waned in the 20th century as larger gun manufacturers moved away, and the area became less industrially dense. Despite this decline, the Gunmakers Arms remained a symbol of the neighborhood’s rich heritage. The pub witnessed the rise and fall of Birmingham’s gun trade and survived economic recessions, world wars, and social changes. Its closure in 2025 marked the end of an era but left a lasting legacy of the city’s role in global arms manufacturing and working-class culture.Connection to Birmingham’s Broader History
The Gunmakers Arms is intertwined with Birmingham’s broader industrial and social history. The Gun Quarter was integral to the British Empire’s military supply chain, producing reliable firearms renowned for craftsmanship. The area was also marked by a tough working-class community with a strong Catholic presence. The pub’s story reflects themes of industrial innovation, community resilience, and the complex social dynamics of a city that armed the world while nurturing vibrant local traditions.Present-Day Significance and Remembrance
Though no longer operating as a pub, the Gunmakers Arms remains a landmark representing Birmingham’s industrial past. Its preservation as a Grade II-listed building ensures that the history of the Gun Quarter and its people is not forgotten. The site invites reflection on the city’s transformation from a global arms manufacturing powerhouse to a modern urban center, acknowledging both the achievements and challenges of its industrial heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Historic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
