Pub reopens after £100,000 revamp

A landmark Black Country pub has opened its doors to customers once again after undergoing a revamp costing more than £100,000.

The Stone Cross, West Bromwich, was closed for months until it was bought just before being sent to auction in the summer.

New owners have spent thousands of pounds renovating the Walsall Road premises and will be offering a range of Indian and other types of food and are hoping to turn it into a focal point for the community once again.

There has been a pub on the site since 1804. Blacksmith Thomas Sheldon applied for the first licence and named the pub after a wayside cross that stood outside.

Former lighting wholesaler Harry Gandham, aged 53, welcomed his first customers yesterday a few days later than the planned opening date last weekend. It will have an official launch night with live entertainment tomorrow.

The pub has already taken on about six new staff but Mr Gandham said that they were hoping to recruit more workers once they were up and running.

A tandoori oven has been installed and more new kitchen equipment is on its way, with the chefs cooking up a range of curries for customers.

Father-of-three Mr Gandham, of Mellish Road, Walsall, said a lot of the old regulars had already come in and were settling in to the revamped pub.

"Obviously I didn't know them but they are all introducing themselves," he said. "We had customers coming in straight away and everyone is coming back saying what a wonderful place it is.

"It's going to be a family pub where they can bring the kids, have a day out or an evening out and enjoy themselves and feel at home.

"It's in a good spot, we didn't realise how good.

"It's nice to know about the history of it as well. There's been a pub here since the 1800s which is great.

"We've spent a lot more money than we expected and it has gone over budget but it's all worth it I think, it looks good. We just need the customers as they are the ones that will decide, but I'm very confident it will be a success." The pub was the last place in West Bromwich to hold traditional Maypole celebrations with the final event being recorded as taking place in 1915.

Mr Gandham is hoping to use nearby suppliers to supply ingredients, making food fresh and local.

The pub was due to go to auction through Birmingham-based Bigwood in August, but the half-acre site was sold prior to auction for an undisclosed price.

Councillor Ray Nock, who represents the area for the Conservatives, said at the time: "I am pleased that it has been bought and will be brought back into use."

Pub chain Mitchells & Butler used to own the pub.