Mystery pub comes forward for landmark pub

A landmark pub in Wolverhampton that closed after a Tesco Express moved in next door could soon reopen after it today emerged a mystery buyer has come forward.

The Fox at Penn, on the busy Penn Road, closed in 2007 shortly after the supermarket opened and it is has stood empty since.

It was today revealed a deal has been struck in principle with an investor who wants to bring it back to life as a pub.

Agent Fleurets, which has been marketing the site with an asking price of £245,000, has now listed the property as being "under offer".

The pub, formerly called The Fox and Goose, is believed to be owned by the Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company.

Guven Gedi, who owns Penn Chippy, which is on the opposite site of the road to the pub, said: "About five months ago we saw people going in and it looked like they were stripping the place out.

"No-one has been back to refurbish it since though so we are still waiting to see what will happen.

"Fleurets list the venue as a "prominent property in a residential area".

Its website says: "The Fox is currently closed. Traditionally it has attracted both local and passing trade and has previously operated as a managed house.

"No trading information is available and purchasers will have to satisfy themselves as to the trading potential of the business."

It says a premises licence is in place from Monday-Thursday 11am-12.30am, Friday-Saturday 11am-1am and on Sundays from midday-midnight.

Fleurets spokesman Andy Tudor confirmed today: "The pub is under offer. A deal has been agreed in principle.

"We understand that the potential purchaser wants to keep it as a licensed premises."

The Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company was unavailable for comment today.