Landmark Dudley pub the Saracen's Head to get £600k new look and create 20 jobs

The Saracen's Head in Stone Street has been bought by Amber Taverns, which will convert it into a sports bar/pub.

Amber Taverns is now seeking planning permission and listed building consent to demolish a side conservatory and create a new terraced area.

Director James Baer said the firm was planning to invest £600,000 in the refurbishment of the closed-down pub. He added that, subject to planning permission, he hoped to re-open the doors by the end of June.

"We are investing a significant sum on this prominent building and have had good talks with the planners. We hope things will go smoothly. The pub has not had much investment for a number of years, but it is a great building," said Mr Baer.

He added that the main listed structure would remain intact and only the newer extension would be removed.

The pub will be equipped with several big screens for showing sport and will serve cask ale with beers from local breweries.

Amber is looking to recruit up to 20 full and part-time staff for the pub, which will not serve food.

The chain, which has more than 100 pubs, also owns The Billy Wright in Wolverhampton, The White Horse, Sedgley, The Windmill's End, Blackheath and The Tap and Terrier, Walsall.