Black Country Ales unveils plans to turn a social club into real ale pub

Black Country Ales has unveiled plans to turn a social club in Droitwich into its latest real ale pub.

Droitwich Working Men’s Club in Friar Street has been bought by the brewery and plans to refurbish the Grade II listed building have now been submitted to Wychavon District Council.

Black Country Ales already runs several other pubs in Worcestershire including the Old Royal Library in Malvern, the Saracen’s Head in Worcester and the Market Tavern in Tenbury Wells.

Plans for the new Droitwich pub include demolishing a flat-roof extension at the back of the building to create a small garden area with a smoking shelter.

“The proposal seeks to vastly improve the pub by creating better seating areas, toilets and an external area.

“There has been lack of investment in the site for many years, and the proposal seeks to reintroduce a traditional feel which appears to have been lost in the property,” the plans state.

The social club dates back to the 1920s and, according to Black Country Ales, closed in April this year due to difficult trading conditions.

Work will also include moving the toilets to the back of the building so the front areas of the pub, with views onto Friar Street and Rickett’s Lane, can be used for seating.

“This layout seeks to utilise and enhance the most historic, listed section of the building as public seating areas,” said Black Country Ales.

“It is also proposed to form a new entrance from Rickett’s Lane, through an existing window, for customers accessing the site from the carpark to the rear of Rickett’s Lane.

“The existing entrance on the corner of Friar Street and Rickett’s Lane will be a separate, private entrance for the licensee to access their flat on the first floor.

“A new bar servery, enlarged cellar and back of house areas will also be configured to suit the new layout.

“New openings through existing walls are proposed to open up the trade area. The current layout comprises separate rooms which does not work for the proposed operation.”