Final whistle for sports pub licensee after 35 years behind the bar as he embarks on new career

Tuesday saw the last of many visits from leading sports figures to the bar when three-times world darts champion John Lowe gave an exhibition and took part in a question-and-answer session.

Wayne, aged 54, was the youngest licensee taken on by the former Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries – now Marston’s – when he started at The Coach and Horses in Wheaton Aston at the age of 20.

His family has been involved in the licensing trade for many years with his father Ted the licensee of the Station Inn in Hagley and then the nearby – now demolished – Prince of Wales in Hagley Road where Wayne was the leaseholder.

Wayne also ran the Labour in Vain, Oldswinford; Royal Oak, Amblecote and The Greyhound, Stourbridge. He ran the Cross Sports Bar at Oldswinford before moving to the Britannia, which is owned by the Stonegate Group.

“I have some great memories over the years with more than 200 celebrities having come along to events at my pubs.

“I’m a Manchester United supporter so visits by United legends like Steve Coppell, Joe Jordan, Lou Macari and Norman Whiteside are among some of the many highlights.

“It has been a hugely enjoyable time, but as one door closes another opens. Every sporting figure who has visited has signed photographs or memorabilia for me, including six of the 1966 England World Cup-winning squad.”

He has more than 2,000 items which he plans to sell through his new business Sportsnights Events and Memorabilia, which he is running from an office in Enville Street, Stourbridge.

“Since reopening after Covid the trade has just not been the same. All the enjoyment has gone out of it – it is time to get out.

“Trade has still been OK considering everything that is going on in the world – utilities costs rising and the increasing cost of living, but it is the hidden costs you can’t control.

“You can’t keep putting the price of beer up,” said Wayne.

He said it has been costing him just to stay open.

“I have given it everything but basically I just can’t wait now to hand the keys over,” he added.

The team that runs The Sportsman sports bar in High Street, West Bromwich, is taking over the Britannia and will run it as a sports bar and grill. Wayne’s lease with Stonegate is due to expire on September 10.

“We are staying open until they take over. I wish them all the best and I’ll miss my regulars. They are gutted that I’m leaving. We’ve done a lot for the community in Wollaston over the years.”

“I’ve had personal messages saying I will be a great loss to Wollaston by coming out of the Brit. We have raised thousands over the years. It has been a great pub to run.

“We started to do food after Covid which replaced some of the shortfalls, but we lost custom because during Covid people’s interest turned to cheap beer from supermarkets and having their own 'man caves'.

“The biggest problem though is that many people just have not got spare money in their pockets these days,” said Wayne.

His father, now 78, was among those who turned out for the final sports celebrity event with John Lowe.

Former West Bromwich Albion defender Darren Moore also visited on August 24 for a fundraiser for the Albion Foundation – around 65 attended and £2,500 was raised.

Wayne will continue to run sporting celebrity nights at pubs around the West Midlands through his new company.

“I’ve already been approached by 25 to 30 venues to put on events. I’m planning to start with a few dates with former Walsall and Aston Villa manager Dean Smith. I will thoroughly enjoy running the events without the costs of running my own pub,” he enthused.”