Final whistle for sports pub licensee after 35 years behind the bar as he embarks on new career
The licensee of a sports bar has spoken of his sadness at leaving the industry after a career of 35 years.
Wayne Etheridge is handing over the keys of The Britannia Sports Bar in High Street, Wollaston, which he has run for 13 years.
Tuesday saw the last of many visits from leading sports figures to the bar when three-times world darts champion John Lowe gave an exhibition and took part in a question-and-answer session.
Wayne, aged 54, was the youngest licensee taken on by the former Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries – now Marston’s – when he started at The Coach and Horses in Wheaton Aston at the age of 20.
His family has been involved in the licensing trade for many years with his father Ted the licensee of the Station Inn in Hagley and then the nearby – now demolished – Prince of Wales in Hagley Road where Wayne was the leaseholder.
Wayne also ran the Labour in Vain, Oldswinford; Royal Oak, Amblecote and The Greyhound, Stourbridge. He ran the Cross Sports Bar at Oldswinford before moving to the Britannia, which is owned by the Stonegate Group.
“I have some great memories over the years with more than 200 celebrities having come along to events at my pubs.
“I’m a Manchester United supporter so visits by United legends like Steve Coppell, Joe Jordan, Lou Macari and Norman Whiteside are among some of the many highlights.
