the leicester arms, which became known as freeth's coffee house, situated at the corner of bell street and lease lane, served as a tavern and coffee house from 1736 to 1832. it served as a meeting place for small businessmen and lawyers and, when bought by john freeth, a topical ballad writer, in the second half of the 18th century, it became a place for groups which supported radical politics, including the birmingham book club, which held dinners at the coffee house. freeth sent out rhyming invitations to dinner to club members. the club was recorded as having 24 members in 1775.