The Gunmakers Arms, a historic pub in Birmingham that dates back 200 years, has closed just six months after reopening under new ownership. The pub, which underwent a rock'n'roll refurbishment, reopened in December 2025 following a summer closure. Owner Mason Newman, an artist who has worked with celebrities such as Ozzy Osbourne and Madonna, confirmed that the establishment has shut its doors for good.
Owner's statement on closure
Mr Newman said he had "put everything" into making the pub a success but was forced to make the difficult decision to close. He described the year as "one of the most challenging and emotional periods" of his life. In a statement to Birmingham Live, he revealed that he took on the pub while "experiencing a severe bipolar episode" and was "not thinking with the clarity and judgement" he typically would have.
"While I take full responsibility for the decisions I made, my mental health was a significant factor in taking on a project of this scale. Despite that, once I had made the commitment, I was determined to make it work," he said. He added that he invested his time, energy, creativity and finances into breathing new life into the historic pub and creating a welcoming space for the community.
Challenges facing the hospitality industry
Mr Newman highlighted the tough reality facing hospitality businesses today. "Rising operating costs, increasing employer costs, higher taxes and ongoing economic pressures have made it increasingly difficult for independent venues to survive," he said. The closure comes amid widespread financial challenges across the hospitality sector. According to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), 161 pubs closed across England, Scotland and Wales in the first three months of this year.
In response to the crisis, the Government announced at the start of the year that it is "backing British pubs" by cutting business rate bills by 15% from April. Pubs have also been granted extended licensing hours for England or Scotland World Cup matches. However, for The Gunmakers Arms, these measures came too late.
The former owner described running the pub as one of the most challenging periods of his life, and the closure marks the end of an era for the historic Birmingham establishment.
