Prominent Wolverhampton building could become new ale bar
A prominent empty building in a prime city centre location could become a new ale bar and live-music venue if new plans are approved.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The former Mike Lloyd Music store in Queen Square - more recently occupied by KFC - could be brought back to life by the critically acclaimed but short-lived Olde Vicarage Alehouse in Bilbrook.
Andy Evans, who also founded the Codsall Beer Festival, has lodged a planning application to turn the building into a bar specialising in cask and craft ales.
The Olde Vicarage opened in July 23, and was immediately recognised with a listing in the Campaign for Real Ale's Good Beer Guide.
But the bar, in a former vicarage, was forced to close in September 2024 - the same month that it was recognised in the beer guide - after Mr Evans failed to secure a long-term lease.
Mr Evans will be running the new venture with business partners Simon Monk and Nicc Bennett.
He said: "Our plan is to create a place that has the best choice of cask and craft ale in the area, not only by constantly rotating our beers but also having a wide selection.
"We are aiming to provide a choice of 20 beers including cider, we will also supply standard spirits and wines."
The building, which has been empty for more than five years, was one of business leader Henry Carver's 'dirty dozen' empty sites he said was letting the city down.
Mr Evans said the pub would be aimed at people over 25.
"We would like to make the place more than just another pub/bar, but create a welcoming place where like-minded people can have a drink, meetup, chat and listen to live music when we host it," he said.
Mr Evans said he planned to work with community groups and events, offering them free use of the building.
He said the Olde Vicarage hosted a book club, a men's mental health group, and a darts team.
"We would look at exploring opportunities to work with local groups, events and charities," Mr Evans added.
He said he planned to keep alterations to the building to a minimum.
"All work will be just fitting out, building a bar, decorating and furnishing the venue," he said. "All changes we make will be removable we have no plans to build/grow the footprint of the premises at all."
