'It's a great addition to Lichfield's beer scene' - Brewery's delight as sustainable and stunning hybrid pub and café wins major award

Judged by a panel of experts in design and conservation, the awards are run in collaboration with Historic England and highlight both the importance and vulnerability of pub architecture, from ornate Victorian gin palaces to imaginative contemporary spaces.

bod Lichfield, which is based on Yoxall Way, was built from scratch in 2024 and is owned and run by Titanic Brewery, who were praised by judges for the look, the use of sustainable materials and the impact it made on the pub scene in the city.

The judges report read: "The New Build award is given to pubs built in 2024 where the owners have used imagination and flair to create something new and impressive, whilst recognising the traditional qualities of pub hospitality.

"Titanic brewery has previously won awards for its conversions of pre-existing buildings, but this is the first time that they have created a building from scratch. 

"Architect and designer Mark Smith of Mark Smith Design has included several trademark bod design elements in an imaginative and stylish fashion.

"Judges admired the pub’s industrial chic design, which makes use of recycled wood, distressed paintwork, quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes.

"The judging panel felt the new pub was a great addition to Lichfield’s beer scene."

Titanic Brewery head of marketing David Glenwright said it was a great thrill to have another bod café-bar within the Titanic estate being acknowledged with an award and spoke about the impact it would have.

He said: "We're absolutely delighted with the award and what we're particularly excited about is the fact that this is the third of our bod café-bars to be recognised in the design awards, after Matlock and Alsager won the award over the last two years, and we're delighted that the bod brand is so highly regarded by the judges.

"For us, bod's are about creating spaces that are there for the whole community, all the time, and are a true hybrid of a café and bar, open from 8am for coffee and brunches, then through to the evening serving beer and other drinks.

"We wanted to create a space that works for the community through the day and are there to serve all people at all times.

"We're very fortunate to work with Mark Smith, who is the architect who has worked on all these bod's, and they are designed to be warm, friendly and inviting, plus another important thing is the sustainability.

"That includes using recycled materials through the designs, with everything from the bar fronts being made out of old doors to light fittings being made from beer kegs, so sustainability is a core part of the brand and so we're delighted that the judges recognise that as an important thing."

Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said: “The Pub Design Awards recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation.

"From inviting street-corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded.

"I encourage heritage enthusiasts and pub lovers alike to visit these inspirational buildings."