About the Malt House, Birmingham
Many years ago, before the Malt House turned into the pub we know and love, the building began life as a nail warehouse in the early 1800s, known as the Kingston Building. Like many other businesses at the time, its goods were transported by barge, hence the prime location by the waterside.In 1870s, the Kingston Building first began its love affair with brewing, when it was taken over by Walter Showells & Sons. Its popularity was recorded in the Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham, which stated that 'the brewery is now ten times its original size, and a slight notion of the business carried on may be gathered from the fact that the firm's stock of barrels tots up to nearly 60,000 and is being continually increased.' The back portions of the Kingston Buildings were converted into the IET in 1994, with the Malt House first taking shape just a year later.
AT THE HEART OF THE CANAL SYSTEM
Did you know Birmingham is said to have more canals than Venice? With 35 miles of waterways snaking their way through Birmingham city centre and more than 100 miles connecting Wolverhampton, Stourbridge and Walsall, Birmingham's canal system has played a key role in the city's growth and popularity.
During the Industrial Revolution, the canals were used to transport goods from businesses all across Birmingham, and one of the first to be built was the Duke of Bridgewater's canal, overseen by James Brindley. Brindleyplace, the square opposite the Malt House is named after this famous 18th Century engineer.
The Malt House sits opposite Old Turn Junction, which links the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and the BCN Main Line.
THIS IS BIRMINGHAM
It's not just beautiful waterways that make this city famous. Take a stroll around our streets and you'll find treasures around every corner... including the Malt House, of course. Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter produces 40% of the country's jewellery, the Library of Birmingham is the largest library and cultural space in Europe and the famous FA Cup was created in the city. Birmingham has also been home to a whole host of famous bands, artists, celebrities and literary legends, from Ozzy Osbourne and Alison Hammond to Julie Walters and Lenny Henry.
Is there something in the water? We prefer to think there's something in the beer. "
MEET THE MALT HOUSE TEAM
From cocktail-mixing pros to Sunday roast masters, we like to think our Greene King pub teams are a little bit special. As well as treating you to a warm welcome and some of the tastiest food and drink around, they're fonts of local knowledge; ask them nicely and they'll tell you all about the best attractions to visit, the shops you can't miss and many other hidden secrets in the city.
Want to know a little more about our Malt House team, why they love working at the pub and their personal dish recommendations? Visit our 'Meet the Team' page to find out more.