Popular Wednesbury pub set to close for substantial refurbishment

The Queens Head on Brunswick Park Road closes next week for a £210,000 refurbishment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and new licensees Karen and Michael Cooper, who also run The Plough at Oldbury. 

The Black Country born-and-bred duo took over The Queens Head in October with the aim of reviving its fortunes after five years without a permanent publican.

The pub will close after last orders on Saturday and reopen in mid-April.

The outside works will revamp the front of The Queens Head with a new look, including new signage and lighting, while a new 50-seater patio will be developed on the carpark behind the pub opening onto the existing garden, which will be transformed with a major makeover. 

Fully fenced, the garden will have a large lawn and a covered all-weather alfresco area seating an additional 40 people, as well as a pizza oven and servery selling drinks and ice creams. 

New furniture, festoon lighting, colourful parasols and planters will complete the look. 

The inside of the pub will be completely redecorated too, with the carpets and curtains being replaced and complemented with a mix of new and reupholstered furniture. 

As part of the project, the Coopers are overhauling the cellar with state-of-the-art dispense equipment to ensure consistently perfect pints and seeking Cask Marque approval for the five cask ales they have introduced. 

A coffee machine will also be installed and cocktails added. 

Having won customer approval for their freshly prepared traditional pub food, with the homemade lasagne and sell-out Sunday roasts being favourites, the Coopers are also upgrading the kitchen and extending the menu with bottomless brunches and afternoon teas.

There will also be multiple activities planned to put The Queens Head back at the heart of the community, including a regular quiz, bingo, and live entertainment; events on special occasions, like Christmas and Easter, and fundraisers for local good causes selected by regulars. 

In addition, the couple are putting up a new darts board and are keen to attract a darts team

Karen Cooper said: “Although The Queens Head was struggling and rundown, it still had a special feel when we walked in, and it was love at first sight. 

"Residents had been worried about the pub’s future, and they have been incredibly welcoming. 

"We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve had and have made fast friends. We’ve already seen former regulars returning. 

"The investment is just what’s needed to change perceptions more widely. 

"We’ve been told The Queens Head was once the best pub in Wednesbury. We want to take it back to its glory days and make it an asset to the area as a friendly local with something for everyone. 

"It has loads of potential, and it’ll look superb after the works.”

Star Pubs’ investment manager Lee Dishington said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Karen and Michael to give The Queens Head the investment and support it needs to thrive for the long term. 

"They have an excellent track record in hospitality and have done a brilliant job with their other Star pub – The Plough at Oldbury. 

"The garden transformation will make it a destination for friends and families in warmer weather. 

"We’ll be working flat out to get it ready in time for Easter.”