Creative Black Country’s Desi Pubs Feature on BBC’s Great British Railway Journeys
The stained glass windows by Andrew Cartwright were installed as part of the Desi Pubs project at the Red Lion pub in West Bromwich
We're incredibly proud to announce that Desi Pubs, one of our landmark Creative Black Country projects, is featured on the BBC's beloved travel series Great British Railway Journeys, airing today on BBC Two.
In Series 16, Episode 13: Dudley to West Bromwich, presenter Michael Portillo explores the rich industrial and cultural history of the Black Country. His journey includes a ride through the historic Dudley Canal, a visit to the UNESCO-designated Wren’s Nest, and an exploration of Smethwick’s powerful civil rights legacy. Among these fascinating stops, Michael visits The Red Lion – one of the region’s most iconic Desi Pubs.
Creative Director Parminder Dosanjh shares the background of the project with host Michael Portillo
During his visit, Michael chats to Parminder Dosanjh, Creative Director of Creative Black Country, and Satnam Purewal, landlord of The Red Lion. They delve into the origins and impact of the Desi Pubs project – a creative documentary and cultural celebration of South Asian landlords who took over struggling pubs and transformed them into vibrant hubs of food, culture, and community.
Blending British and South Asian heritage, Desi Pubs are more than watering holes – they are powerful symbols of migration, resilience, and community pride. From delicious Punjabi dishes to walls filled with memorabilia and music that moves the soul, these spaces embody the spirit of inclusivity and transformation.
One of the iconic images of Malcolm X and Avatar Singh Jouhl
The Desi Pubs project, developed by Creative Black Country, has shone a light on these spaces and their owners, championing untold stories and preserving an essential piece of the Black Country's living heritage. Seeing this work acknowledged and celebrated on national television is an incredible moment – not just for us, but for the communities whose stories we tell.
🎥 Don’t miss this heartwarming and insightful episode – BBC Two, Series 16, Episode 13: Dudley to West Bromwich– airing today and available on BBC iPlayer.
🍛 Cheers to the landlords, the locals, and the legacy.