Cherry Reds Cafe Bar on John Bright Street, which faced an online fake review campaign after refusing to serve Britain First supporters on the day of a far-right rally, is being recommended for inclusion on Birmingham's Local Heritage List.
The proposal, put forward by Birmingham City Council's Planning Committee, cites the venue's 'communal and cultural significance' and its contribution to Birmingham's contemporary historic environment and independent cultural identity, according to a council report.
Background: The Far-Right Row and Review Bombing
The bar made headlines when it refused service to followers of Britain First during a far-right demonstration. In response, the venue was targeted by coordinated fake reviews online, a practice known as 'review bombing'. The bar's owners later stated they would take the same action again, reinforcing their stance against the group.
Birmingham's Local Heritage List: What It Means
Birmingham's Local Heritage List, which already includes more than 440 sites, recognises places of particular importance to the city's history, character and identity that do not meet the criteria for national listing. Sites on the list are considered in planning decisions but do not receive statutory protection, unlike those on the Department of Culture, Media and Sport's National Heritage List for England.
Other Sites Proposed for Listing
Alongside Cherry Reds, several other notable sites are being considered for local listing at the upcoming Planning Committee meeting. These include The Electric Cinema on Station Street, The Gazette Buildings on Corporation Street, the medieval moat and Yardley Ridge and Furrow Earthworks at Old Yardley Park, and The Old Windmill Pub on Dudley Road.
Council Support and Cultural Significance
Councillor Deborah Harries, cabinet member for culture, welcomed the recommendations, saying: "It's great to see such a variety of sites being recommended for Birmingham's Local Heritage List, which reflect the city's architectural, cultural, social and industrial history." She added: "I'm especially pleased to see The Electric Cinema included as, until it closed in 2024, it was the oldest working cinema in the UK so played a vital role in our city's cultural heritage."
Next Steps
The proposals will be discussed at a Planning Committee meeting on Thursday, August 13. If approved, the sites will be added to the list, ensuring their significance is considered in future planning applications.
