The Fighting Cocks - A Gem of a Pub!

There has been a Pub on this site since 1750. It was originally called the ‘Fox and Dogs’ and was developed out of a village inn known as The Red Lion.


Where is The Fighting Cocks?

The Fighting Cocks is at 1 St Mary's Row, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8HW. Near Alcester Road and King Edward Road in Moseley Village.

 

In brief

A large late 19th century style corner pub in the heart of Moseley Village. One of the best known pubs designed by Newton & Cheatle outside of the City Centre.

The Fighting CocksThe Fighting Cocks in Moseley Village. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

History of The Fighting Cocks

The 'Fighting Cocks' was first built in 1778 and was rebuilt by Holt's Brewery as a large hotel with grounds in 1860.

The name ‘Fighting Cocks’ derives from the use of the building for cock fighting, often carried out on Boxing Day. The practice was made illegal in 1835.

The present building is built in terracotta brick and stone and was designed by Newton and Cheadle. The exterior is heavily influenced by the Glaswegian architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

The Tower on the corner containing a large clock and weather vane rises to a height of 72 ft.

An anemometer and a barometer inside the dome formerly transmitted weather information to dials on the corner of the building at street level (still surviving today). The interior was spectacular with a tiled public bar, a billiard room and two walnut panelled smoke rooms. Much of this was lost in a 1980s refurbishment but the tiled public bar and two painted panels of local scenes (including one showing the previous pub building) have fortunately survived until the present day.

There appears to be the remains of a brewhouse in the garden behind the pub.

In the 19th century, the Fighting Cocks was a superior meeting place for the gentry whilst the Bulls Head was regarded as a no-frills ale house for working villagers.

The Fighting Cocks

The Fighting Cocks

The Fighting Cocks

The Fighting Cocks

The Fighting Cocks

The Fighting Cocks

The Fighting Cocks in Moseley Village. Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact details

The Fighting Cocks

1 St Mary's Row

Moseley

Birmingham

B13 8HW

0121 449 0811

 

Project dates

21 Mar 2021 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Food & drink

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Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com