Plans to transform former nightclub in West Midlands town into pub with boutique-style bedrooms

Heartwood Inns is now working on a detailed planning application to transform the former Missoula and Luna nightclub unit on Solihull High Street into a pub with bedrooms, and a landscaped terrace and garden.

Heartwood announced that the site will be renamed 'The Muddy Fox' as a nod to the town's history as the name 'Solihull' is said to derive from the ‘soily hill’ on which St Alphege church stands.

The new name will pay tribute to the pub’s former identity while also reflecting the area’s history.

Dating from the 17th century, the site was Solihull's oldest night time venue. 

Originally called The Malt Shovel, the pub had several name changes over the years including the Snooty Fox, 1978 to 1993, with Scandals night club above, Rosie O’Brien’s, Rosie’s Pump House and The Pump House from 1993 to 2004, and Loaf between 2004 and 2006.

It then reopened as Popworld and briefly as B91 around 2009 before a stint as House Missoula Bar from 2016.

Missoula, and Luna Solihull (which was located above Missoula) both shut down in 2018.

Now, Heartwood Inns wants to breathe a new lease of life into the prominent listed building. According to Solihull Council, the acquisition will see 'The Muddy Fox' undergo a multi-million-pound refurbishment, creating 25 beautifully designed bedrooms alongside a landscaped terrace and garden, offering a series of intimate spaces for guests to relax and unwind.

Guests will be able to enjoy the group’s seasonally changing menus and carefully curated drinks list at the bar and dining areas.

Each boutique-style bedroom will feature thoughtful details including Roberts radios, Bramley toiletries, Chromecast televisions, and rainfall showers, with select rooms also offering free-standing baths.

The opening of 'The Muddy Fox' would make it Heartwood’s ninth pub with rooms and its first pub with rooms in the West Midlands.

Heartwood Inns is part of the Heartwood Collection, backed by Alchemy Partners - an award-winning group of cosy pubs and atmospheric brasseries rooted at the heart of their local communities.

Solihull Councillor Ian Courts said: “The Muddy Fox will be a wonderful addition to Solihull. 

"The development represents a significant boost for our town centre, helping to strengthen the local economy, creating jobs and increasing footfall on our high street. 

"As well as enhancing this prominent building, it also supports our wider ambition to create a welcoming, high‑quality evening and leisure offer. We look forward to the benefits it will bring to residents, visitors, and local businesses.”

Heartwood Collection CEO, Richard Ferrier, added: “We are delighted to be working with Solihull Council on the transformation of this characterful old coaching inn. 

"We intend to invest significantly in the property with the aim of creating a beautiful pub with rooms that will reopen as The Muddy Fox and once again be a valued part of Solihull’s town centre.”

Heartwood Inns' planning application will be submitted to Solihull Council for consideration by spring 2026. If the plans are approved, work is expected to begin in 2026.