First pictures show sad state of Lad in the Lane pub after Erdington fire

A historic former pub in Erdington was still standing this morning after a blaze broke out at the site overnight. Around 30 firefighters tackled a blaze on the first floor of The Lad in the Lane pub, based in Bromford Lane, at around 11.45pm on Wednesday, November 6.

The 14th century pub, which closed for good in 2019, didn't appear to be seriously damaged from the outside. West Midlands Fire Service said the blaze was extinguished within two hours and that no-one was injured during the incident.

Police were also called to the scene. The owner of the property was also in attendance.

READ MORE: Fire service statement after fire at historic Erdington Lad in the Lane pub

We recently reported how the Grade ll-listed site had fallen into disrepair. The former watering hole is considered by some to be the oldest pub building in Birmingham.

Helen Morgan, landlady at the pub between 2011 and 2013, told us before the blaze: "It’s a terrible shame. The pub has been there since the 14th century and it’s sad. It was a proper community pub.

“You used to have a burger van outside, function rooms and a massive beer garden. It used to be really busy, especially on the weekends with the football going on. When Aston Villa had home matches, the pub would be where the away fans visited. People would visit from Newcastle and Leeds.”

On the blaze, a West Midlands Fire Service spokesperson said: "Shortly before 11.45pm on Wednesday, we responded to Bromford Lane, Erdington. Five fire engines and two 4×4 brigade response vehicles responded, crewed by around 30 firefighters from Erdington, Ward End, Perry Barr, Aston and Sheldon fire stations.

"The first crew reached the scene within two minutes of being mobilised. This was a fire on the first floor of a void pub.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished two fires, believed to have been started deliberately, with two hose reels. There were no casualties or injuries.

"Gas and electricity was isolated. Police colleagues were in attendance to assist with managing a cordon. We left this scene shortly before 1.55am, after securing the gates to the property."

We have contacted West Midlands Police for comment.

Follow our live blog by clicking here for the latest updates on this incident.