A Birmingham city-centre pub that hosted early shows by heavy-metal legends Black Sabbath has been awarded grade II-listed status.

Government hertiage adviser Historic England confirmed that the Crown Hotel, in Station Street, had been granted protected status on Friday last week.

It said the 1870s building, attributed to Thomson Plevins, had architectural interest because of its well-composed facade and “unusually curved” styling; historic interest because it is where Black Sabbath shaped their sound; and group value because of its setting.

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