‘We create social cohesion’: the rise of the West Midlands’ Desi pubs

2026-01-31 - 12:25

With sizzling mixed grills and bhangra playing, Desi pub owners are transforming places of exclusion into new community hubs A tantalising spread of food arrives at the table, including a sizzling mixed grill platter, blistered naans and punchy curries. The smell of spice and smoke fills the air amid a cacophony of sounds, from the clink of pint glasses to the beats of Punjabi bhangra music. This is a scene that you might not associate with the traditional British pub, but for many communities in the Midlands it is commonplace in the growing number of Desi pubs. Continue reading...