The row around The Crown – the home of Black Sabbath – explained – Birmingham Live
The Crown in Birmingham has been described as the birthplace of Ozzy Osbourne’s Black Sabbath
Alexander Brock Local Democracy Reporter
09:24, 09 Dec 2025
The Crown pub in Birmingham’s Station Street(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
The latest on the Crown Pub as campaigners continue fight for Station Street
- The Crown Pub is a culturally significant landmark in Birmingham, recognized as the venue where the legendary band Black Sabbath played their very first gig. Despite its historical importance, the building on Station Street has sadly remained vacant and neglected for many years.
- The site is currently owned by Toyoko Inn, which had applied for planning permission to extend the temporary use of part of the land as a commercial car park for three years. Birmingham City Council subsequently refused this specific proposal earlier in the summer, concluding that the car park operation was contrary to current policy.
- Despite the official planning refusal, reports indicate that the pub site continues to be used as an unauthorised car park, with services being advertised by “Euro Car Parks.” This continued operation contradicts the city council’s decision and is a central point of contention in the ongoing dispute.
- The “Save Station Street Campaign” has strongly condemned the owners, accusing Toyoko Inn of “letting the city down” and disrespecting Black Sabbath’s birthplace. Campaigners argue that this continued car park income allows the company to profit while avoiding the necessary restoration of the historic pub.
- In response to the reported unauthorized activity, Birmingham City Council has confirmed that it is actively addressing the situation. A council spokesperson stated that a “live enforcement case is ongoing,” with the investigation proceeding in line with the local enforcement plan.
- Toyoko Inn maintains that it has future plans to restore The Crown pub to reflect and celebrate its heritage as a music venue. The company’s long-term vision includes a larger project for the wider site, which features the construction of a new hotel with around 300 beds.
- In its previous proposals, the owner argued that the temporary car park revenue stream was necessary to enable a stable income that would help fund the major restoration and hotel development project. However, opponents feared the company would merely use the permission to neglect the site for an extended period.
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