Century-old pub closes permanently as Greene King shutters historic venue

A century-old Birmingham pub has closed permanently after Greene King decided the cost of essential refurbishment work was too high to justify keeping the venue open.

The Billesley in Kings Heath shut its doors this week after initially telling customers it would close temporarily for maintenance work beginning on July 13.

The repairs had been expected to last around three weeks.

However, Greene King has since confirmed the pub has ceased trading permanently and said it is now reviewing options for the future of the site.

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The unexpected closure has left community groups that regularly met at the venue searching for new homes.

Members of Crafting Voices Choir arrived for their usual Monday rehearsal only to find the pub closed.

The group discovered the doors locked, the car park blocked off and contractors installing metal shutters over the windows.

Choir members described the scene as having a "horrible atmosphere", with some left "very, very upset" by the sudden closure.

The group said rehearsals at The Billesley had become the "highlight of people's week", with the pub providing a welcoming place to meet and sing.

Birmingham City Council has offered the choir a temporary space in Kings Heath Park so it can continue rehearsing on Mondays while it searches for a permanent venue.

Billesley Rock Club, which had been based at the pub for more than five years, said organisers were in a "massive state of shock" following the announcement.

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In a statement posted on Facebook, organisers said: "We have put our hearts and souls into the club over the past few years and have met some lovely people, and we would like to thank all the bands and customers for their love and support."

The team added they were "devastated and heartbroken" by the closure.

Events had already been cancelled for three consecutive weeks because of the planned building works, with organisers confirming they would contact all affected bands.

Hundreds of people responded on social media to express their disappointment at the closure.

One customer wrote: "I'm genuinely in shock," describing the decision as "gutting" and "truly sad news".

Another said: "The Billesley isn't just another venue, it's been a second home to so many of us in the rock scene. Some of my favourite memories, gigs and friendships have come from that stage and those nights."

A further supporter added: "You carved out a unique niche in the West Midlands live music scene. I really hope this isn't the end."

Greene King acknowledged the closure would come as a disappointment to the local community.

A spokesman said the decision followed a review of the investment required to carry out essential refurbishment work at the historic pub.

The company thanked customers for their support over the years.

Greene King added: "We are working closely with our team at The Billesley to find alternative roles at our other pubs where possible."

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