Landmark pub is forced to close

A landmark Black Country pub famed for its award-winning carvery has closed due to declining trade and spiralling costs.

The Thorns pub, Thorns Road, Quarry Bank also known for a brightly coloured rock star mural on an outside wall, has the shutters up.

Paul Skitt, who has run it since 2002, said it was "heartbreaking" to leave but he could not afford to keep open due to increased rents.

"I have lost my own home and pumped every penny I have ever made into keeping the pub afloat.

"I want people to know the decision to close was not taken lightly.

"It reached the point where the brewery gave me the chance to get out of the lease and I had no alternative but to take it."

Awards included Best Pub, Best Eating Place and Best Small Concert Venue in the Express & Star's Spotlight Awards in 2008 and the pub was praised for a rock legend mural.

The Mount Pleasant pub Kingswinford, closed two weeks ago leaving 25 workers out of a job.

Marstons Brewery, which operates the pub in Cot Lane, said that they were looking for a new person to take the helm after the previous tenant suddenly left.

The last pint was pulled at The Vine, Camp Hill, Wordsley, in October.

It was known as Mad O'Rourkes pie factory until it folded last July, and reverted to its former name.

The Oakfield Tavern, Wordsley, was also recently demolished.