The Church Tavern in Perry Barr will remain closed for several days after floodwaters burst through its doors and trapped customers inside for hours. The pub, which only opened around five weeks ago, was submerged in ankle-deep muddy water when thunderstorms and heavy rain hit the region on Wednesday evening (August 26).
Customers held inside for safety
Staff battled to keep the waters from swamping the bar area as customers huddled inside until it was deemed safe enough for them to leave. The flooding also damaged a play area that was due to open in a few weeks, which is now delayed.
Church Tavern manager Sarah Piddock said: "Water overflowed from the stream which runs under the pub and flooded the River Tame. It came in here and it was like a river through the car park. It came into the Wacky Playhouse at the far end and it was quite bad."
Repairs needed after flooding
Piddock explained that customers were kept inside to keep them safe until the water started to recede, meaning they remained until quite late. She added: "The place needs a bit of work and we've got no power to the beer pumps. We're closed for a few days and it's a shame as we've only been open for five weeks and it's been great so far. The local support has been fantastic and we don't want to close but it's absolutely about keeping people safe."
Streets and homes affected
Outside the pub, residents cleared flooded roads and advised neighbours to close their front doors to prevent a bow wave from entering their properties. Thornbridge Avenue, Haddon Road and Curbar Road were also badly affected, with several homes and vehicles flooded.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service said: "We currently have six crews dealing with significant flooding affecting Curbar Road, Thornbridge Avenue and Haddon Road, Birmingham. Crews are being supported by West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council. Please avoid the area, where possible."
The pub's closure will last a few days while repairs are carried out, with the play area opening delayed as a result.
