Thwaites has acquired The Blue Bell Cider House in Earlswood, Solihull.
8th October 2025…// With scenic surroundings and a canalside beer garden, the traditional English pub will continue to trade as normal following the move.
The pub, which was once owned by the Bulmers family, has a rich history – being one of the original ‘cider houses’ that fermented its own apples on-site. The Blue Bell now also offers a full range of local craft ales and great value traditional pub food.
Tucked away in the countryside on the edge of Earlswood, it’s a popular watering hole for locals, as well as families looking to tuck into a hearty homemade meal after exploring the local canal paths.
Known for its warm hospitality, craftsmanship, and character-rich properties, Thwaites also owns and runs The Bull’s Head in the village, where it invested over £600,000 earlier this year to create a new bar, restaurant and private dining space, as well as an enhanced garden.
Commenting on the purchase, Rick Bailey, executive chairman at Thwaites, said: “The Blue Bell is a brilliant pub, with a unique cider heritage and a fabulous reputation locally for its honest and hearty food and lovely canalside setting.
“It’s very popular and we have no immediate plans to change much, other than to find new and interesting ciders to expand the range even further and cut its prices to reward its loyal regulars with even better value for money.”
Founded in 1807, Thwaites has grown from a family-run brewery into a celebrated collection of spa hotels, inns, and pubs across England. With the addition of The Blue Bell Cider House, Thwaites now owns 198 pubs, and an additional 23 hotels, spas and inns.
