Pineapple House, a charming building on Pineapple Road opposite Birmingham's newly reopened train station, holds a secret nearly 90 years in the making. This unassuming venue is home to the Dads Lane Community Association, a beloved community hub in Kings Heath and Stirchley with a rich history dating back to the 1930s.
A Hidden Gem Revealed
The reopening of Pineapple Road train station after 83 years has brought renewed attention to this community landmark. Pineapple House at Number 171 has served local residents since the 1930s, originally established by the Dads Lane Community Association as a gathering space for neighbours. Through World War II and beyond, it hosted parties, clubs, meetings, and even operated as a GP surgery.
Modern-Day Offerings
Today, the venue features a thriving 'Good To Go' café offering coffee and cake deals for £6, alongside a 'pay-as-you-feel' service during quieter hours. The space buzzes with activities including bingo nights, craft sessions, walking groups, and drama meetings. Steve Squires, 47, took over running Pineapple House with friends in 2019 when it was in decline. "We didn't really want to take it on, but nobody else did," he explains. "We knew we couldn't lose this space to the community."
Community Impact
The venue now welcomes approximately 360 visitors weekly. National Lottery funding has helped transform it into what Steve describes as a "fresh and renewed" space. Construction firm Volker Fitzpatrick, which rebuilt the nearby station, even helped renovate the front garden. "The space is important to the community," Steve says. "We get people coming here who are bringing their kids to birthday parties who had their own birthday parties here when they were like six or seven."
With accessible facilities, a cosy café, and a diverse programme of activities, Pineapple House continues its decades-long mission of bringing the community together.
