This week’s #MadeInSandwell Monday star is the Red Lion on All Saints Way in West Bromwich. This acclaimed venue won the Desi pub of the year award at the Birmingham Prestige Awards 2019, and is now enjoying the national spotlight on BBC show ‘Back in Time for Birmingham’.

The programme takes the Sharma family from Sparkbrook back to the 1950s to experience what life was like for South Asian people living in Birmingham, through the decades to the present day. Across its four episodes, the show explores how people from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka navigated accommodation and work, food and clothing, religion and racism.

Episode four brings the British Asian experience up to date, and takes the Sharmas to the Red Lion in West Bromwich, where traditional Punjabi food is served alongside traditional British ales – a symbol of the rich cultural fusion in our vibrant region. Owner Satnal Purewal explains to the family the origins of the Desi pub movement and why it’s proved such a success.

To watch the series, and get a fascinating insight into our region’s unique cultural history, go to BBC iPlayer. The section featuring the Red Lion starts 20 minutes and 20 seconds into episode four. 

#MadeInSandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity within our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #MadeInSandwell Monday profile and having information about your organisation shared on Think Sandwell and through Twitter, read this.