Moseley's Jug of Ale to be demolished

May 9 2008 By Edward Chadwick

A LANDMARK Birmingham pub which set some of the biggest names in British music on the road to fame is set to be demolished.

The Jug of Ale in Moseley - where Britpop giants including Oasis, Blur and The Verve made fledging performances - will be torn down to make way for an upmarket curry house.

Bands will play for the last time when a poignant farewell is held at the Alcester Road venue from 6pm on Sunday night before brewer Scottish and Newcastle Pub Enterprises completes the sale.

The deal will bring to an end 16 years of gigs which more recently have included performances by Birmingham-based Editors and Kasabian.

Scottish and Newcastle spokesman Louise Barnett: “As part of a continuous review of our estates, the decision has been taken to sell the Jug of Ale in Moseley because it does not fit with the company’s long term business strategy.

“We’re anticipating that the sale will be completed within the next week, but it is not our policy to comment in detail on individual business transactions.”

Coun Martin Mullaney (Lib Dem, Moseley and Kings Heath) said: “I would have hoped someone would have fought to keep the Jug of Ale as a music venue, so I think it’s a real shame that it’s closing.

“It’ll be a big loss to the city’s live music scene. I’ve had lots of letters from people saying ‘please don’t let them pull it down’, but it seems the deal is done and the die is cast.”