Plan for Desi pub in listed building approved

The pub shut in 2020 and has remained closed since

A plan to convert an empty Wolverhampton pub into a desi mixed grill restaurant has been approved by council planners.

The Grade II listed Boat Inn in Wednesfield closed in 2020 and has remained empty since.

An application to reopen the pub was approved in 2024 but the plans were never carried out.

Council planners stated that while "some harm would come to the character and significance of the two listed buildings, this is outweighed by the benefits of bringing these buildings back into use, securing their longevity".

"It is acknowledged that the proposal lacks an appropriate level of detail concerning proposed materials and the integration with elements of the existing buildings," the report added.

"Therefore, a pre-commencement condition is necessary to secure this information."

Desi pubs offer Indian curries and mixed grills alongside traditional beers and ales, and the venues have flourished across the Black Country and Birmingham in recent years with many opening across Wolverhampton.

The pub, on the corner of Church Street and Graisley Lane off Wednesfield High Street, will close at 01:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, while it will also offer a delivery and collection service for hot food takeaway.

A statement included with the application when it was submitted said: "The primary use of the building will remain as a community pub with the majority of sales expected to come from the pub use."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.