A significant restoration project is underway to transform a historic building on Birmingham’s Gas Street into a traditional pub, set to be named Gas Street Vaults. Joule’s Brewery, a Shropshire-based independent brewery, has commenced renovations on the former Bistrot Pierre venue, which has been operating as the Waterside Tap for the past year. The building, originally part of the Birmingham Canal Company, holds historical significance as a place where canal tolls were once collected from its vaults, overlooking the waterway leading to Gas Street Basin.
Restoring Heritage with a Focus on Character
The renovation of Gas Street Vaults is not focused on extensive structural changes, but rather on revealing and enhancing the building’s inherent character. Joule’s Brewery is employing reclaimed materials, including wood sourced from old churches and other historic pubs, to meticulously restore the venue’s heritage features. This approach aims to honor the building’s past while creating a welcoming atmosphere for patrons.
The design plans include a central bar as the focal point of the building. Surrounding areas will be distinctly themed, drawing inspiration from Birmingham’s rich industrial heritage and the aesthetic of traditional Victorian taverns. The brewery has been sharing progress updates on social media, offering a glimpse into the transformation process ahead of its planned opening in early 2027.
A New Chapter for a Beloved Canal Location
Joule’s Brewery acquired the Gas Street property after Bistrot Pierre ceased operations. Prior to initiating any renovations, the brewery engaged with the local community, seeking to understand their needs and desires for the space. This period of consultation has informed the current restoration efforts.
Gas Street Vaults will be a sister establishment to Joule’s other Birmingham venue, The Red Lion, located in the Jewellery Quarter. The landlords who managed both the Waterside Tap and The Red Lion during the initial phase of this project will transition to manage The Red Lion exclusively once Gas Street Vaults is complete. A new team is being assembled to oversee operations at the forthcoming Gas Street pub.
A Commitment to Quality and Community
Vicky Colclough, managing director at Joule’s Brewery, emphasized the brewery’s deliberate and patient approach to such projects. “As an independent brewery, we have to be patient with projects like this,” she stated. “We save for them, we plan carefully and we only invest when we know we can do something properly.” She added that the past year operating the venue as the Waterside Tap provided the confidence to proceed with the full renovation and realize the building’s potential.
Colclough also expressed gratitude to the outgoing landlords, George and Tori, for their contributions. “We’re incredibly grateful to George and Tori for everything they’ve done over the past year. They’ve helped us establish ourselves in Birmingham and we’re delighted to see them begin their next chapter at The Red Lion, Jewellery Quarter. Now it’s our turn to begin the next chapter for this wonderful building.”
Celebrating Birmingham’s History and Hospitality
Georgia Charlton-Briggs, brand manager at Joule’s, highlighted the rewarding experience of seeing Joule’s beers enjoyed by the canal over the past year. “It’s one of Birmingham’s great waterside locations and we’re excited to finally give the building its permanent identity as Gas Street Vaults,” she commented. “As a small independent brewery from Shropshire, we’re incredibly proud to be investing in Birmingham.”
Charlton-Briggs envisions Gas Street Vaults as the brewery’s Birmingham Brewery Tap, a place that not only celebrates the city’s historical significance but also upholds the core values of a traditional pub. “Gas Street Vaults will become our Birmingham Brewery Tap, somewhere that celebrates the city’s remarkable history while staying true to everything we believe makes a proper pub; great beer, honest food, warm hospitality and spaces full of character.”
A Gastronomic Offering
Beyond serving Joule’s range of award-winning beers, Gas Street Vaults will offer a diverse menu. Patrons can anticipate seasonal specials, classic pub fare, and, notably, traditional Sunday roasts. The combination of historical ambiance, quality beverages, and hearty food aims to establish Gas Street Vaults as a premier destination for locals and visitors alike.
The brewery’s commitment to authenticity and quality, coupled with a deep respect for the building’s heritage, suggests that Gas Street Vaults is poised to become a cherished addition to Birmingham’s vibrant canalside and pub scene.
