Landlord serves up secure future

The future of a 150-year-old Black Country pub has been secured after being taken over by a well-known Stourbridge landlord.

Michael France is to start running The Cottage pub in Enville Street later this month.

The pub was put up for sale at the start of the year and there were rumours it was to be demolished as part of a new retirement block of apartments being built next door. But it has now been revealed that the pub will continue trading under Mr France.

The landlord, who used to run the former Meeting Place pub in Stourbridge High Street, said: "At the moment I am looking to get the keys later this month and will have to close for a couple of weeks to do some work and freshen things up a bit.

"I am hoping to have it reopened at the start of July.

"It is a lovely little cottage and that is the way I intend to keep it – comfortable and a place people can pop in and enjoy the hospitality."

Mr France has applied to Dudley Council's licensing committee to serve alcohol until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays and to allow live music on the premises.

But the new landlord has insisted it is not something for residents to worry about.

He said: "The only live music will be acoustic nights and there will be no more noise then there is at the moment, which has not attracted any complaints for the last 10 years. We will also be installing double glazing so it will be quieter if anything."

The former Langer's Army and Navy Stores and Ice House Recording Studios adjoining the pub are being demolished to make way for 44 apartments for the elderly.