Cheers! Much-loved Stourbridge landlord calls time on the pub trade after more than 20 years

A Stourbridge landlord who has spent more than 20 years in the trade, including at the helm of a legendary town centre venue, is retiring

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Michael Cartwright is leaving The Mitre, Lower High Street on January 5 and retiring from the pub trade - he previously ran the Moorings Tavern in High Street, Amblecote and was in charge of both before taking over solely at the Mitre in 2009.

The venue was recently given Grade II listed status by Historic England after a nomination by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

A listing on the What'sBrewing website of CAMRA says: "The Mitre Inn is a remarkable example of the nationwide movement to transform public houses into more respectable drinking establishments.

"Its design, known as Brewer’s Tudor, was aimed at elevating the status of pubs through a more refined architectural style.

"It boasts a bold exterior reminiscent of a medieval pub, with striking black-and-white timber beams on the first floor and embellished glass windows."

The Mitre Inn, Lower High Street, Stourbridge

Mr Cartwright, aged 65, is proud of the heritage of the pub, which dates back to the 1930s and says he will miss parts of running it but it is time for some new blood.

Mike Cartwright who is leaving the Mitre after over 20 years at the helm

He said: "There are not many pubs in Stourbridge with the heritage we have here, whether that be from the building to the music and entertainment we have been known for down the years.

A photograph of Led Zeppelin adorns one of the walls in the pub

"We have had many famous bands play here in the upstairs room including Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Pop Will Eat Itself, The Wonder Stuff and others down the years and Jon Penney (from Ned's) came to see us earlier this year when they played the town hall.

Michael Cartwright (Third left) and his staff behind the bar of The Mitre

"Comedians like Joe Lycett, Chris Ramsey, Katherine Ryan and others graced the small stage as well when we ran a comedy night and we have had the town's MPs and others in here as well.

One of the windows which has led to the pub being granted listed status by English Heritage

"But most of all it has been a pub in the centre of town with character and a warm and friendly welcome for everyone seven days a week, with two rooms offering a choice of where to sit and entertainment at the weekends.

The Mitre Hat which is included in the glass work behind the bar at the Lower High Street pub

"I am proud of the fact it has been given listed status under my watch though that is not down to me but to the preservation of the outside and inside of the building and the fixtures and fittings.

"The old girl needs a bit of a facelift and it will close temporarily for that to happen but for me it is time to pass on the reins to someone else but I will leave with very fond memories."

Mike will be holding a final get-together for customers old and new on the final weekend before he hands over the keys.