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"It's probably the most ridiculous time to open a pub, but the way we're going to do it, it will work." He might not be starting from a blank canvas, but artist Mason Newman will be painting his own legacy at a historic city pub. Located on Bath Street, the Gunmakers Arms will return to life with a new era - and a new name. Read More: Should pubs ban children - Birmingham landlords weigh in after 'complaints' In 2016, the pub scooped CAMRA's Rising Star award, but is now in the hands of a star who has worked with Ozzy Osbourne and KISS. On June 21, The Gunmakers Arms closed with a farewell party. Eight weeks later, Mason was with business partner Matt Burns who proposed bringing the pub back with a name change. After months of closure, Mason Newman's Gunmakers Arms will open on Friday, December 5. "Initially - I thought absolutely not - but it began to grow on me," said Mason, speaking to BirminghamLive about the new name. He added: "I don't want to destroy the history, I just want to add to it with my touch. "I'm just adding my name over it because it will be based around my brand and what I'm doing. "The pub's been there since 1829, it's been the Gunmakers Arms forever, and I'd never change that. "The idea is a takeover which will be refurbished with my art and style. It will tie in to my music collaborations and will be very rock and roll. "It's a learning curve, but I've got the right support team around me, It's my first time even changing a barrel. But developments are interesting so far and we will see how it goes when doors open." The news marks a busy year for the artist, who released a clothing line with Topman last month. Before then, Mason designed shirts and merchandise for the iconic Black Sabbath charity concert. CAMRA fans can breathe a sigh of relief - Mason will be keeping cask ale - but the artist from Northfield wants his Guinness to be the best in Birmingham . As well as the pub being named after the artist, the boozer will introduce Mason Newman-branded IPA on the menu. Opening a pub weeks before Dry January, Mason is 'not fazed' by the winter months ahead in the hospitality industry. He added: "I'm not fazed by it at all, obviously January and February are dry for pubs. "But if we can keep events going throughout, I'm sure we'll be fine. As long as we have a good December. "I just want to build a nice community pub where people can get a beer for £4. "When I put on exhibitions, it's an experience, and I want people to leave and have a story to tell."
