Bournville is famous for a lot of reasons. Purpose-built in the late 19th century for employees of Cadbury – now the second-largest confectionery brand in the world – the model village is now one of the most desirable places to live in Birmingham. There’s only one problem with Bournville’s beautiful ‘Factory in a Garden’ setting. Among the mock-Tudor houses and leafy lanes, there’s not one pub.
The Cadbury family were Quakers and ensured that Bournville had no booze when it was set up. This means no alcohol is allowed to be sold within the historic estate boundaries – so no pubs or off licenses. It’s a rule that’s basically been upheld by the Bourneville Village Trust (who maintain George Cadbury’s original vision for the village) for over 120 years.
The booze ban has been in place since 1895. It’s not just a lack of pubs either. You can’t be seen drinking on the street and any alcoholic beverage will quickly be confiscated if you try it – but you can drink as much as you like in the privacy of your own home.
So is Bournville a completely dry place?
Well, there is one place you buy alcohol in Bournville. Mary Vale News & Wine has been able to since 2015 after Birmingham City Council’s licensing sub-committee voted in favour of alcohol sales from its premises. You cannot drink outside, however. But the Bournville Village Trust claim that this hasn’t changed anything and it’s still a ‘dry village’. While many called the ruling ‘catastrophic’, they claim the shop sits outside the historic boundary of Bournville Estate.
You used to be able to get a drink at a members-only social club, but The Cadbury Club, which burned down in 2020, also sat outside the original boundary. Elsewhere you might be able to get a drink at the Old Farm Hotel – but only if you’re staying at the hotel residents and or having a meal in the restaurant. Other than that, your best bet is heading to Stirchley which is full of drinking holes!
What other odd rules does Bournville Estate have?
Another unique rule is that Bournville also doesn’t allow advertising in the area (unless you’re a bus passing through). Meanwhile, the Bournville Village Trust’s Design Guide outlines how residents must maintain their homes within certain guidelines to “conserve and enhance the special quality of the place.” Whether you want to renovate, sublet your home, or keep a boat on your driveway, the BVT has something to say about it.