THE Wall Heath Tavern is to close at the end of service this weekend for a £300,000 major revamp.
The pub will shut its doors to customers at the end of Sunday May 21 and will reopen at the end of June, with five new jobs set to be created.
Business partners Russell Moreton and Melissa Nicholls, who have The Mount Tavern in Penn, Wolverhampton, have been running the pub in Wall Heath High Street on a temporary basis for the last 14 months.
They hope taking on the lease of The Wall Heath Tavern, together with the investment, will enable them to turn the pub into a top-quality family friendly local with outdoor space for alfresco eating and drinking.
They believe the upgraded décor and an improved menu will broaden the pub’s appeal, attracting couples, families and groups from the community and neighbouring villages.
Funds are being spent inside on a top-to-toe redecoration which will include new painted panelling, a timber feature wall, a new fireplace, carpets and lighting and refurbished bar area plus new furniture in the snug and bar. The kitchen and toilets will also be upgraded.
New tables and outdoor seating will be put in outside, and timber planters on the beer terrace with festoon lighting.
The garden decking is being replaced with paving and new tables, chairs and parasols and the rear covered area will be re-decked and new furniture put in.
Foodwise, the menu will include traditional pub classics, small plates and sharing platters – with breakfast available on Saturday and Sundays from 9am to midday.
There will be four cask ales, a wide selection of premium lagers, including craft ale, plus premium spirits, cocktails and wines.
As part of the upgrade, by Heineken owned Star Pubs & Bars, the latest dispense technology is being installed to improve the quality and consistency of draft beer and cider.
The Smart Dispense System’s cooling technology and line insulation from keg to tap is 20 per cent more energy efficient than standard systems, keeping cider and beer colder.
The pub will also host quiz nights, live sports, and fortnightly entertainment when it reopens – with UB40 tribute band Signing Off set to play live on Sunday July 2 at 3pm.
Melissa said: “Running The Wall Heath Tavern for the last year has enabled us to find out what residents want. We can’t wait to open the doors and show them that we’ve listened and created a great place for the community to meet up, whether that’s for a drink, meal or entertainment. The pub had lost its way recently. It’s now back at the heart of the community.”
Sandi Tipton, business development manager at Star Pubs & Bars, added: “Russell and Melissa are perfect for The Wall Heath Tavern.
“They know the local area well having run the pub for the last 14 months.
“Having run The Mount Tavern in Penn for over 10 years, they also have a real understanding of pubgoers increased expectations and of what local customers want.
“I wish them well and look forward to toasting their success in the refurbished pub when it reopens.”
The pub will be open midday to 10.45pm Monday to Thursday, 9am till 11.30pm on Saturdays and 9am to 10.45pm on Sundays after the revamp.
The refurbishment is part of £40m investment being made by Heineken’s Star Pubs & Bars estate this year.
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