Landmark pub to be real ale paradise

A landmark Stourport pub is to be reopened as a paradise for real ale buffs, it has been revealed. The Hollybush in Mitton Street was once a popular watering hole but has stood empty for more than six months.

It will reopen on Tuesday following a complete refit by new owners Black Country Traditional Inns who hope that by focussing on real ales, they will ensure the business is a success despite the current market trends. The company refused to divulge exactly how much they have invested in the project.

But they say they have given the pub a "total internal refurbishment" after purchasing the property in July.

Landlady Maggie Smith will take over the helm at the Stourport pub and initially staff who are already working for Black Country Traditional Inns will help to run it but it is expected to create some job opportunities locally in the near future.

The Hollybush will feature a total of six hand pumps serving a range of real ales, some of which are brewed by Black Country Traditional Inns' own brewery, Black Country Ales.

Brewery director Martin Wilkins said: "The investment has been significant as there has been a total refurbishment internally.

"But we have tried to retain some of the older, traditional features."

Trading will start at 12pm on Tuesday, following a dry run on Monday night for invited guests.

Black Country Traditional Inns specialise in reopening closed pubs and have seen business boom at some of their other West Midland ventures.

They believe that by focussing on real ales and locally brewed beers, they offer customers something different to keep pulling in the trade.

One of their recent successes is The Court House in Dudley town centre which they relaunched as a real ale pub after it had been plagued by anti-social behaviour.

The pub, in New Street, is now run by a couple that have worked for Black Country Traditional Inns.