Desi mixed grill plans for empty Wolverhampton pub approved
A plan to convert an empty Wolverhampton pub into a desi mixed grill restaurant has been given the green light by council planners.
The move to re-open the Boat Inn in Wednesfield has been approved by Wolverhampton Council.
The Grade II-listed pub on the corner of Church Street and Graisley Lane off Wednesfield High Street closed in 2020 and has been empty since.
An application to re-open the pub was approved in 2024 but the plans were never carried out.
The proposed opening hours for the new desi pub would be 10am to 11.30pm from Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 11pm on Thursday, 1am to 1.30am on Friday and Saturday and 12pm to 11.30pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
A report by the council’s planners said: “Whilst some harm would come to the character and significance of the two listed buildings, this is outweighed by the benefits of bringing these buildings back into use, securing their longevity.
“With its current configuration, this public house has struggled economically within the changing market, however the proposal would create a new business model that would bring two formerly derelict listed buildings back into use, preventing further decline.
“It is acknowledged that the proposal lacks an appropriate level of detail concerning proposed materials and the integration with elements of the existing buildings.
“Therefore, a pre-commencement condition is necessary to secure this information.”
Desi pubs offer Indian curries and mixed grills alongside traditional beers and ales and the venues have flourished across the Black Country and Birmingham in recent years with many opening across Wolverhampton.
A statement included with the application when it was submitted said: “The primary use of the building will remain as a community pub with the majority of sales expected to come from the pub use.
“The hot food will be available to customers to sit and eat inside like a restaurant or order and takeaway. Internal seating will be available for all customers and not separately denoted.
"A delivery and collection service will be offered for the hot food takeaway use.
“Delivery will be outsourced to companies such as Deliveroo and Just Eat within a small delivery radius; therefore, most delivery drivers will be using bikes to deliver food.
“On-street parking is available for a limited time and there are 24-hour public car parks available within a short walking distance from the pub for customers visiting the pub or collecting hot food and delivery drivers.”
