REGULARS DRINK TO FUTURE AS MUSIC PUB SAVED

10-09-2007

Birmingham's legendary Jug Of Ale music pub has fought off the threat of closure - but landlady Anne Garside admits it's only a temporary stay of execution.

As we revealed last month, the Moseley venue has long been a target for developers and the vultures have recently been hovering again - so much so that no gigs were booked beyond October (see here)

But Anne, who has been running the place for two decades and has seven and a half years remaining on her lease, dug her heels in, and has secured the Jug's short-term future.

"They've gone away like they always do" she said.

"They did make me an offer, but I'm not going to be forced to leave unless they come up with a good deal.

"I'm not stupid though. There's been interest in this site for a very long time. It's prime building land, and it will be sold eventually.

"It could be five years, it could be five weeks but it will happen."

As far as Anne is concerned, that day will be put off as long as possible.

She's a true Moseleyite having been brought up in the area, she lives on the premises, and loves her customers.

"If you look beyond the green hair and the tattoos, they are nice people, and I don't get any trouble, but if we closed I don't where they'd go.