Artist reopens city pub with rock 'n' roll gallery

21 December 2025

Caroline GallWest Midlands

News image — Mr Newman said he wanted more local talent to be supported and showcased

Mason Newman Mason is in a studio set up with artwork on stands. Three paintings are visible and he has his back to the camera. He is wearing a black T-shirt and paint-splattered trousers. — Mr Newman said he wanted more local talent to be supported and showcased

A proud artist who previously collaborated with Ozzy Osborne and Madonna is reopening a city pub with its own rock ''n roll art gallery and B&B.

Mason Newman, who produced merchandise and bespoke artwork for Black Sabbath's final gig, has added his pop art touch to the Gunmakers Arms in Birmingham, which opened on Friday.

Seven upstairs rooms have an individual art or music theme with food, exhibitions and work from other local artists downstairs.

The pub closed earlier this year which prompted Mr Newman to take it on and renovate it to help support local talent, he said.

Mason Newman Mason Newman is shaking Sharon Osbourne's hand while Ozzy Osbourne sits in a chair leaning on a walking stick. Mason has brown trousers and a black T-shirt on. Sharon is in a beige outfit and Ozzy is wearing a black top and trouser and shades. — Mason Newman worked with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne for Black Sabbath's final concert in Birmingham

"It came up and I thought, 'what can I do with it, how can I get it going and give it some life?'," Mr Newman, who lives near to the Bath Street premises, told BBC Radio WM.

"Because the city needs coolness. The students need somewhere to go, for people like me to go, for everyone to go and bars are closing down like nobody's business so, [I thought] what I'll do is just turn it into an art gallery and support local talent.

Google The white-painted pub has black window frames and its entrance on the left. Its name appeared on the right hand side of the building which sits on the corner of a street. — The Gunmakers Arms dates back to the 1800's

"I'm going to be going to the foodbank next week if this doesn't work - it's a big risk but it's going to pay off."

The pub dates back to the 1800's and sits in what was the city's Gun Quarter.

Mr Newman, who described himself as a poor man's Andy Warhol, said the former "old man's pub" will also support local bands, show football and utilise the huge beer garden.

The B&B will open later in 2026 and a percentage of all artwork sold will go to Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"We've got seven rooms and each room's going to be themed - something to do with rock n'roll or art," he said.

"It's like Chateau Marmot [artistic Californian hotel] slash Chateau Denmark [Soho hotel] from London in Birmingham.

Mason Newman Mason is holding a t-shirt on a hanger and wearing shades, red shorts and a blue zip up tracksuit top. — Mr Newman has designed clothes and had solo art exhibitions

"It's going to be the coolest place to stay for sure."

His creative talent has seen him start a clothing brand he went on to to sell to TK Maxx, become creative director for Madonna's fashion label and previously appear on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list.

His debut art exhibition launched in February 2024 in London.

However, shouting about Birmingham was very important to him, he said, and he wanted to see more local artists nurtured and supported.

His new venture had received lots of support from the community which was "heartwarming".

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.