Lost Pubs from the WME Archives #36

As much as I enjoy putting together my Lost Pubs postings, they always carry an air of melancholy that the establishments concerned aren't still pulling pints and dispensing good honest hospitality. This next selection have all been plucked from the loose assemblage of areas we know as Sandwell...

- Royal Oak, Greets Green -

We'll get started on Whitehall Road between Great Bridge and Greets Green from whence the Royal Oak used to grace us with its presence. Very much a West Bromwich Albion stronghold, the pub had a pleasing cottagey appearance with hints of thin beams and a community local emphasis. It sadly suffered an ignominious ending involving fire damage and partial demolition until the remainder of the building was ultimately flattened along with the adjoining property.

- Hawthorn Tavern, Harvills Hawthorn -

Next up is the Hawthorn Tavern which was positioned towards the top end of Dial Line serving the residents of Harvills Hawthorn and Hill Top. Mr D9 and I paid this a Hub Marketing visit back in August 2011 when it felt like it was already on its last legs; any boozer which has to serve cans rather than draught beer never lasts much longer in our experience. The building still stands having seemingly been converted into private accommodation.

- Olde Bulls Head, Oldbury -

Our third terminated tavern takes us into the centre of Oldbury for a mention of Ye Olde Bulls Head, a Birmingham Street boozer next to the Market Place alleyway. I can't remember much about this one other than it often seemed to be promoting some kind of happy hour discount; since closing the premises were taken over by Bairstow Eves Estate Agents, more recently changing its name to Innovate but still in the business of selling houses. 

- Old Furnace, Old Hill -

Some pubs look very inviting and others seem best avoided, whereby I'd probably put Old Hill's Old Furnace in the latter of those two categories. I'm sure it was a handsome enough place in its heyday but I can't recall it ever having an appealing appearance as far as I was concerned, which may explain why the Waterfall further up the hill always got my custom instead. There has been talk of clearing the site for development - shops or residential - although nothing seems to have transpired as yet and the place is becoming an eyesore.

- George Inn, Ryders Green -

Last but not least comes this bygone boozer from the back end of West Bromwich, namely the George Inn on Phoenix Street (kind of mid-way between Ryders Green and Swan Village). As with the Old Furnace, this was one I was always intent on swerving even though it might have served up a record-busting cheap pint for the Hub Marketing spreadsheets. Situated near the Robinson Brothers chemical works, it is now a house with a car wash on the side.