The independent brewer – based in Market Drayton – that operates around 40 pubs, known as ‘Taphouses’ by the company, has spent the past two years “getting to know the pub, listening to the local community and carefully developing plans to protect the character of one of Harborne’s best-loved pubs”.
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“This is far more than another development,” the business said. “As a small independent brewery, every investment we make is one we’ve worked hard towards.
“We reinvest in our pubs because we believe they’re worth preserving and the New Inn represents the biggest investment we’ve ever made into one of our Taphouses, with more than £2m committed to its future.”
Heart of the pub
The approved plans ensure the original bar and Victorian parlour rooms will remain at the heart of the pub, complemented by new spaces and an extensive pub garden.
While planning permission has now been approved, work is set to begin next year and the pub will continue to trade as normal under the stewardship of Adrian ‘Ade’ Walsh and Bernadette ‘Bernie’ Quigley.
Joule’s Brewery development director Anna Brakel said: “We’re absolutely delighted our plans have been approved.
“The response from Harborne has been fantastic and we’re really looking forward to the next chapter. We’re thankful to the local planning authority for supporting our application and for their collective support and understanding in the importance of preserving community pubs to ensure they can thrive for many years to come.”
Incredibly privileged
Joule’s Brewery managing director Vicky Colclough added: “We’re a small local brewery and projects like this only happen because people continue to support what we do. We feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to care for buildings like the New Inn and we never lose sight of the responsibility that comes with that.
“Our aim has always been simple: to restore this wonderful pub with care and create somewhere that Harborne can continue to enjoy for many years to come.”
The announcement follows another milestone for Joule’s in Birmingham with the opening of the Red Lion in the Jewellery Quarter on Tuesday (14 July 2026), which is also a restored Victorian pub.
