New Edgbaston pub just what the doctor ordered

A TRADITIONAL pub restaurant has injected life back into a historical building on the Calthorpe Estate in Edgbaston.

The Physician has launched in the BMI building which once housed a vast medical history library for a much-admired Birmingham surgeon in the 1800s. 

With high ceilings, large sash windows, a wooden bar and open fire, the Physician offers a place to drink cask ales and enjoy hearty, traditional pub food. Dishes like slow cooked braised lamb with daulphinoise potatoes and ox cheeks are on the menu at the new venue, along with an offering of 50 wines, 50 gins and 80 different whiskies.

The refurbishment of the building has seen various rooms created, including a light and airy garden room overlooking the flag stone walled terrace garden to the rear of the pub and several more intimate spaces designed for private dining.

General Manager Lisa Rogers said: ‘’The locals seem to be delighted with the transformation, everybody is bowled over by how much the building has changed.

“We have received so many positive comments and are loving getting to know our neighbouring residents and business people, some of whom we have seen almost every day since we opened.

“The loveliest moment so far has been our first day when I opened the door at 5 o’clock to find a queue of people waiting to get in.”

Since opening two weeks ago, The Physician has been offering full guided tours of the historic building, showing the grandeur of the Edgbaston Village pub.

Once settled, the pub hopes to create a calendar of tasting sessions where customers will be invited to meet the Physician’s brewer or distiller.
 
“First of all though, we will concentrate on welcoming as many people as we can through the door to celebrate Christmas with us,” added Ms Rogers.