Real ale pub to open in former Wolverhampton Costa

Slater's Craft Beer Bar is due to open in the former Costa coffee shop in Queen Square.

A refurbishment of the Grade II-listed building is currently underway which includes the restoration of original features across three floors.

Recruitment events have been planned with the family-run firm looking for managers, bar staff, kitchen staff, cooks and cleaners.

Owner, Fay Slater, said on-going investment in the city drew the family to the site.

"We did some digging around and discovered there is a lot of investment coming into the city and we want to be part of that – things are really taking off in Wolverhampton," she explained.

"The improving city bus, train and tram links, alongside the student population and trade from near-by offices, will only help our business grow.

"Our beers already have recognition in Wolverhampton through CAMRA and the council has been extremely helpful in this project, making us feel really welcome.

"We are now keen to repay that help by employing people from the city."

Stafford-based Slater's supply pubs and clubs throughout the country with hand-brewed real ale and this year celebrated its twentieth year in business.

The new bar will be aimed at the over-30s and serve up a selection of real ales.

It will include a downstairs bar and an upstairs bar for functions, while food will be served between 12pm and 8pm.

There will be chalkboards at the back of the bar to see the beers' names, styles, a selection of tasting notes and their alcohol strengths.

The building has been vacant since Costa closed in January. Before Costa the corner building was Lipton's Grocers Shop.

Ms Slater, added: "We looked far and wide for a new venue and when we saw the building in Queen Square we really fell in love with it.

"We also like the look of the square, especially as it is clean and well-looked after – it is a nice setting for our bar."

An initial recruitment day will be held at Wolverhampton Adult Education Service centre in Old Hall Street on December 18.

This will be followed in the first week of January by four days of pre-recruitment training for unemployed people in customer service, food hygiene, brand awareness and first aid.

Interviews and a second recruitment event will also take place in the New Year.

Anyone interested in working at the new bar should contact Ms Slater at fay@slaters-bars.co.uk or call Angela Hoyle at Wolverhampton council on 01902 550587.