The Wall Heath Tavern Is to Benefit From an Upgrade

The Wall Heath Tavern on the High Street in Wall Heath is to close at the end of service on Sunday 21st May for a £300,000 major revamp by Heineken owned, Star Pubs & Bars1 and local pub operators, Russell Moreton and Melissa Nicholls.  It will reopen at the end of June as a family friendly local with five new jobs created as a result of the refurbishment.

Russell and Melissa, who also have The Mount Tavern in Penn, Wolverhampton, have been running the pub on a temporary basis for the last 14 months.  Since taking it on they have restored the pub’s community focus.

Taking on the lease of The Wall Heath Tavern, together with the investment, now enables the business partners to take the pub to the next level.  The intention is to create a top-quality family friendly local with a great outdoor space for alfresco eating and drinking.

The upgraded décor and improved menu will they believe broaden the pub’s appeal, attracting couples, families and groups from the local community and neighbouring villages.

Funds are being spent inside on a complete top-to-toe redecoration including new painted panelling, a timber feature wall, a new fire place, carpets and lighting and refurbished bar area as well as new furniture in the snug and bar.  The kitchen and toilets will also be upgraded.

The outside is to be given a complete facelift. There will be new tables and outdoor seating, and timber planters on the beer terrace with festoon lighting creating a characterful atmosphere.  The garden decking is being replaced by paving and new tables, chairs and parasols installed.  The rear covered area will also benefit from re-decking and new furniture.

Foodwise, the menu at The Wall Heath Tavern will include traditional pub classics as well as small plates and sharing platters, ideal for groups.  It will also offer breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9am to 12.00 midday.

There will be four cask ales, a wide selection of premium lagers, including craft ale, as well as premium spirits, cocktails and wines.

As part of the upgrade the latest dispense technology is being installed to improve the quality and consistency of draft beer and cider. The Smart Dispense System’s unique cooling technology and line insulation from keg to tap is 20% more energy efficient than standard systems, keeping cider and beer colder.

In addition to great food and drink, Russell and Melissa’s plans for The Wall Heath Tavern include quiz nights, live sports, and fortnightly entertainment.  The first event will be on Sunday July 2nd at 3pm when the UK’s leading UB40 tribute band called Signing Off will be playing live at the Wall Heath Tavern.

Says Melissa: “Running The Wall Heath Tavern for the last year, has enabled us to find out what residents want.   We can’t wait to open the doors and show them that we’ve listened and created a great place for the community to meet up, whether that’s for a drink, meal or entertainment.  The pub had lost its way recently.  It’s now back at the heart of the community.”

Says Sandi Tipton, Business Development Manager at Star Pubs & Bars: “Russell and Melissa are perfect for The Wall Heath Tavern. They know the local area well having run the pub for the last 14 months.  Having run The Mount Tavern in Penn for over 10 years, they also have a real understanding of pub goers increased expectations and of what local customers want.  I wish them well and look forward to toasting their success in the refurbished pub when it reopens.”

Once open, The Wall Heath Tavern’s trading hours will be 12.00-22.45 Monday to Thursday, 9.00 till 23.30 Saturday and 9.00 – 22.45 on Sunday.

The investment is part of £40m being made by Heineken in its Star Pubs & Bars estate in 2023.