Lost Pubs from the WME Archives #30

Local newspaper headlines have made grim reading for pubs recently, what with the shocking demise of the Crooked House in Himley becoming a major ongoing story and other closures also being reported. Some establishments still seem to be thriving so it isn't all doom and gloom, but I have been prompted to dip into my archives again and remember five more boozers that are no longer with us...

- The Wood Hayes -

Seen above when photographed in its Old China guise as an oriental restaurant, the Wood Hayes stood on the very edges of the Wolverhampton metropolitan boundary occupying the corner of Wood End Road and Blackhalve Lane (between Wednesfield and Essington). Built for M&B to serve the growing estates of Wood End and Long Knowle, it opened in 1957 but has since been demolished to make way for a Bromford Housing scheme which aims to support people living with mental health conditions. 

- The Prince of Wales -

Two of Woodsetton's much-missed watering holes are next for our consideration, beginning with the Prince of Wales on Tipton Road. A distinctive cottage-like Banks's number, it came complete with a paved side patio and golden lettering. Despite its traditional appearance, I never had the pleasure of drinking here and now rather regret not finding the time to stop off for a swift pint. My consolation is that I at least managed to get a picture before the building succumbed to the need for more housing. 

- The Summer House -

Our second Woodsetton selection is the Summer House which stood on Sedgley Road at the Swan Village end of things, just up the road from Holden's Brewery. This pub will always have a special place in my affections as being the setting for my first ever darts victory over Mr D9; I'm glad we called in on that September 2013 afternoon because only a few years later, the Summer House was consigned to history and replaced by a Co-op store. 

- The Red Lion -

Shopping habits are likewise to blame for the fate of the Red Lion at Wordsley Green, a basic box boozer perched next to the local precinct. Of the five establishments featured in this post, this is the only one that is technically still standing although it has spent the last ten years or so operating as a Sainsbury's store. I can't say I ever went in this one either, as I was normally distracted by the nearby prospects of the Old Cat or the New Inn instead. 

- The Wylde Green -

I wouldn't usually think of Hungry Horse chain diners as the kind of pubs most likely to expire, but if they sit on valuable land that's ripe for redevelopment then anything can happen. Sadly the Wylde Green near Sutton Coldfield proved unable to survive with the result that retirement apartments are now springing up in its A5127 Birmingham Road footprint. The pub's adjacent bowling green has also been sacrificed in the process - such a shame, but that's the way it is.