The manager of a 'hidden gem' pub in Birmingham has expressed deep uncertainty about its future amid fears of gentrification linked to a major regeneration project.
The Vine Inn, located on Ruston Street, faces potential demolition as part of the £2.2 billion Ladywood regeneration project, a partnership between Birmingham City Council and Berkeley Group. Described as the city's "most significant redevelopment opportunity" in a generation, the 20-year project is expected to begin in 2028, with planning approval anticipated this year. The project promises 10,000 new jobs and the refurbishment or replacement of 70 per cent of existing homes in Ladywood.
In April, an artist approached the pub to raise awareness about the regeneration's potential impacts, displaying a message that read: "Protect the future of Ladywood from gentrification. Protect from forced displacement, loss of community, loss of social housing. Also... save local pubs. Join the fight back. Birmingham fair housing campaign."
Publican Demi Devine, who has worked at The Vine Inn since she was 18 and now lives there, told BirminghamLive that she remains "none the wiser" about whether the pub will survive. She recounted a meeting last year where officials were evasive. "I asked 'will businesses know first' and they said 'we'll know by early autumn', nothing came of that," she said. "I've seen a model with pinpoints of different locations in the project. There were rows of shops and the community centre pinpointed, but the pub wasn't on there."
The Vine Inn, an independent traditional pub that opened in 1857, has been a community hub for generations. Devine emphasised its role as a welcoming space. "We're a family where everyone is welcomed in and you can have a bit of banter," she said. "A lot of people come in here who might not have big families. Here we rally round and support people in need when they are low."
She also highlighted the pub's affordability, noting that Guinness is sold for £4.50, making it one of the cheapest options in the city centre. "It's my livelihood and it's where I live, it's everything rolled into one," she added.
A spokesperson for Berkeley Group responded, saying: "Following the partnership’s last round of community engagement, we are currently reviewing the valuable feedback we received from residents. We are working through all input and greatly appreciate the time, insight and openness residents brought to our events and discussions. Regeneration projects of this scale take time, and we understand that this can feel unsettling for businesses and residents alike. We will be continuing our consultation and will share plans for future events. We remain committed to the principles of the Resident and Community Charter and minimising disruption and demolition within the regeneration area."
