Renaissance Plaque: Pig and Tail Public House

The building on Albion Street in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, currently known as Temper & Brown, has a fascinating, if somewhat obscured, history as a public house, reflecting the changing fortunes and character of the area. 

Serving the craftsmen
While specific detailed records of the building at 13 Albion Street are elusive, it opened in the 1820s as The George and Dragon with substantial redevelopment in the 1860/70s.  The George and Dragon would have originally served the large workforce of jewellers, silversmiths, and various other tradesmen who populated the surrounding workshops and factories. Public houses were integral to the social fabric of Victorian Birmingham, acting as places for refreshment, networking, and community gathering after long hours of labour. It’s likely that the premises operated under various names over its long life as a pub before its more recent incarnations.

Modern renaissance
In recent years, the Grade II listed building saw a significant transformation and was reborn as The Pig & Tail in 2016. Key Victorian features were restored including stained glass windows, wooden window details, external stone work and the court yard (using bricks sourced to match existing building).  This establishment quickly gained a reputation for its modern take on the traditional pub, offering craft beers, a high-quality food menu, and a stylish, contemporary interior that still paid homage to the building’s heritage. It became a popular spot, contributing to the Jewellery Quarter’s burgeoning reputation as a destination for independent businesses and quality hospitality.

More recently, the venue has undergone another rebranding and is now known as Temper & Brown. While the name has changed, the building remains a testament to its enduring role as a place of gathering and refreshment, having adapted through the centuries to serve the needs and tastes of Birmingham’s residents and visitors.