JUG OF ALE SINGS THE BLUES

30-08-2007

The landlady of a well loved Birmingham music pub, which has played host to the likes of Oasis and David Gray, has denied rumours that it's been sold to a developer. But Anne Garside who runs the Jug of Ale in Moseley admits the venue faces an uncertain future.

Rumours surfaced on The Stirrer Message Board yesterday suggesting that the Jug would soon be demolished to make way for a new apartment block, and that staff had been given six weeks notice.

Anne says this isn't true, although she acknowledged that no gigs have been booked beyond October.

"It could possibly happen", she admitted.

"As far as I'm aware, a developer has offered a considerable amount of money. But nothing has been signed and there've been no solicitors involved yet.

"We haven't booked any bands beyond the end of October as a precaution, but that doesn't mean we won't be here.

"These rumours have surfaced every year for the last three years but have come to nothing.

"Last year I was told that I would lose half the car park, but it's still there."

Anne still has more than seven years left on her lease, but believes that if the landowner is serious about allowing building on the site before then she will have little choice but to leave.

Yet given the choice, she would maintain the place if she could, having nurtured its reputation as one of the city's best stages for up and coming acts.

Since opening in its current guise in 1992, a host of emerging artists have trodden its boards - not just Oasis and Gray, but also The Verve, Ash, Editors, Kasabian and Stirrer's favourite Jeffrey Lewis.

Anne said: "I've been here on and off for 20 years and I gave the place the name the Jug Of Ale.

"In terms of bands and DJ's, this has got the best history of any venue in Moseley.

"It's not a case of somebody saying have a few quid and go home, because this is my home.

"If I thought it was going to be demolished and turned into a block of flats it would break my heart."

Join the 'Jug of Ale' conversation on the message board here